Introduction to the SMMT Guide > The Light Trailer and Trailer Equipment Section

The Light Trailer and Trailer Equipment Section

The LTTE is the Light Trailer and Trailer Equipment Section of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

It comprises representatives from UK trailer and trailer equipment manufacturing companies who play an important r61e in the development of both UK and European legislation concerning the construction and use of trailers and their couplings, braking and lighting systems, with the common aim of ensuring that safety standards are improved in ways which are acceptable to both manufacturers and trailer users.

Section members are committed to the 'Total Quality' concept of manufacture and to satisfying the increasingly discerning requirements of trailer buyers and users.

Light trailers are defined in the Construction and Use Regulations 1986 (1986 C & U Regs.) as trailers having a maximum authorised mass (MAM) which does not exceed 3500kg. Trailers up to 750kg MAM are not required to have brakes. Trailers above 750kg MAM and up to 3500kg MAM are required to have brakes. An overrun system is commonly used but this is not a specific requirement.

Although caravans also come into this category, caravan manufacturers are not directly represented in the LTTE. However, close links with the caravan industry have been developed in recent years with the Caravan Club now being represented at Section meetings.

Light trailers of all types have become increasingly popular as design and construction standards have improved.

LTTE members manufacture diverse ranges of trailers from camping trailers to horseboxes as well as kits to allow DIY manufacture, components such as braking systems and lights, and towing equipment for cars and commercial vehicles - whatever you are looking for there should be an LTTE member company to help you.