Who has done a long distance trip over international borders with their DIY trailer?
- Thread starter OldGreen
- Start date
There is really no issue anywhere in the world about doing a long distance trip pulling a trailer, if there is any problem in taking a DIY trailer across an international border it will only be a matter of meters or yards being traveled.
If a border guard has an issue with a trailer it will be based on their concerns for safety or criminal activity like a stolen trailer, I'm sure. In Europe, border guards don't even know all the vehicle manufactures, I doubt they would have a clue about a trailer.....except if it is rusted, looks unsafe or seems like a road hazard.
If a border guard has an issue with a trailer it will be based on their concerns for safety or criminal activity like a stolen trailer, I'm sure. In Europe, border guards don't even know all the vehicle manufactures, I doubt they would have a clue about a trailer.....except if it is rusted, looks unsafe or seems like a road hazard.
Have you done it? I am having trouble finding actual humans that have done things like Mexico/Honduras or Colombia/Peru.
Never been down there, have absolutely no interest in going down there, much less pulled a trailer down there, but, I have in the States and Europe and, I have stayed in a Holiday Inn!
I don't speak Spanish, but might fly into Peru for guided tours and fly out, otherwise, not going, good luck.
Please don't. The fewer the better.
Europe and the US are no brainers. Heck, most borders are just a sign by the road. I've pulled my trailer all over NA and have been all over Europe and have seen the "Caravans" everwhere. Central America, South America, Africa and Asia are far more interesting from a logistics standpoint.
paddlequest
Adventurer
I will be doing exactly this. My question is more one spare or two? Do I need a spare for the truck and trailer (same tire and rim combo)?
I’d like to just take one, but is it safe?
I’d like to just take one, but is it safe?
alanymarce
Well-known member
I have never tried to tow a trailer across a frontier, so am speaking out of ignorance.
However, I am sure that there are regulations for trailers in many countries and imagine that any trailer which doesn't satisfy local regulations will be a target for inspection and could be impounded if it fails to meet the requirements; in fact it may not be allowed into the country to start with. Now, theoretically, as long as the trailer meets the regulations in the country of registration, and is registered legally, countries which are signatories to the international conventions (note that Nicaragua and Costa Rica are not) must accept the vehicles, and by extension trailers, entering the country.
This example is not for America, however in Southern Africa, for example, the rules for trailer markings, reflectors, lights, etc., are strictly enforced.
My suggestion is to check the regulations for trailers in all of the countries you plan to visit, make sure your trailer is properly registered at home, that it meets the safety requirements, and be aware of the potential for police checks on the road.
However, I am sure that there are regulations for trailers in many countries and imagine that any trailer which doesn't satisfy local regulations will be a target for inspection and could be impounded if it fails to meet the requirements; in fact it may not be allowed into the country to start with. Now, theoretically, as long as the trailer meets the regulations in the country of registration, and is registered legally, countries which are signatories to the international conventions (note that Nicaragua and Costa Rica are not) must accept the vehicles, and by extension trailers, entering the country.
This example is not for America, however in Southern Africa, for example, the rules for trailer markings, reflectors, lights, etc., are strictly enforced.
My suggestion is to check the regulations for trailers in all of the countries you plan to visit, make sure your trailer is properly registered at home, that it meets the safety requirements, and be aware of the potential for police checks on the road.
FAW3
Adventurer
One tire/wheel that fits both trailer and primary vehicle is the way to go for sure. A fairly standard size for both is better than some exotic set-up.
One or two spares is a choice to be made. You could also just carry a second spare tire unmounted to save space/weight. You could use one spare, and then if another is needed use a tire off the trailer and just park the trailer and return. Along most major roads near cities tire repair services can be found...but finding a vendor selling new tires of your specific size in stock is doubtful.
I'd want a way to inflate and patch/plug tires and tools & a good jack to do it. Spare valve stems.
Based on driving from Costa Rica to Texas many moons ago.
alanymarce
Well-known member
Good advice.
We've carried a second spare on a couple of long trips however have concluded that it's unnecessary (and adds weight and takes up space). For example, we took a second spare on a 10 month trip in Africa and had no punctures at all. As long as you have a good repair kit (and competence to use it) and a compressor one will be OK.
However.... with a trailer you're adding more tyres, and hence the risk of a puncture which is unrepairable at the roadside increases. I might consider adding a second spare in your case.