Updating V5 with towing weights .... anyone done this ?

A2Si

A2Si

Member
Hi I’ve got a 2001 1.4 tdi and no towing weights on my VIN plate or V5. a local Audi dealer thinks he has identified that they can supply a replacement VIN sticker with the towing weights on it ( the VIN number will not change as I understand it )
DVLA ask for proof of various changes such as engine size etc presumably if I have a letter from Audi or dealership I can do the same with the towing weights . Just wondered has anyone done this with their car ?
 
Hi Spike the link just within the post thread seems to go to adverts .
What I’m really after is any info on dealing with DVLA as they need to update the V5 and DVLA aren’t always the most helpful . If you have the correct info they do what you ask but they can’t always tell you what’s needed because you can only get through to a call handler not a specialist . Thanks anyway


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ULP said:
You need the Audi Certificate of Conformity, the DVLA will then update your V5 to reflect this.

However, the V5 isn’t the legal document in this respect, it’s the VIN plate on the car if you were pulled at the side of the road although as the A2’s is hidden a V5 updated would be helpful. The VIN plate should have four figures on it, they are;

Gross Vehicle Weight
Gross Train Weight
Front Axle Limit
Rear Axle Limit

As such, it doesn’t show a ‘towing limit’ but the basic principle is the first weight taken from the second is the towing limit. Legally, so long as the second limit isn’t breached then you can tow higher than this (ie so long as the car is not full). If the first two figures are the same or the second figure is empty this does need rectifying.

It gets more complex with unbraked trailers as it’s 750kg or 50% of the Mass In Service (whichever is lower) as a maximum but some manufacturers have lower figures.

If your VIN plate is correct (might be worth posting a picture with the VIN number hidden if you aren’t sure) I wouldn’t bother changing the V5; my family car has a towing limit of 2000kg, the VIN plate is correct but the manufacturer had a series of cars in 2018 that were incorrectly registered with the DVLA; mine has a braked limit of 750kg showing on the V5. I will probably get around to getting it changed but legally its the VIN that matters for dragging our 1500kg shed around.

Hope that helps.
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Hi I’m trying to get a replacement VIN plate legitimately updated with the towing weights . There isn’t really a problem getting a new blank VIN plate as such it’s just making sure the records match . Audi customer service have given me an email address to contact requesting a Cert of Conformity . I’m assuming/hoping that this will show towing weights in which case I can update and replace the VIN plate . Audi dealer says that requesting a replacement VIN plate is not something they regularly do so I’m thinking ; CofC then VIN plate then picture of VIN and copy of CofC to DVLA . Should be all sorted then . Only got to fit the Towbar and it’s job done ! Watch this space to see if I’m correct or not .


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If your VIN plate does not list the towing weight limits and I am reasonably sure they do not. Then you need to get a new one even if you can show in the owners manual the weight limits. The tow bar must also be type approved for the A2 so modifying another one or extending the ball rearwards to clear bumper and body kit is not allowed. Here is the Gov web page about towing...


www.gov.uk

Towing with a car

Towing trailers, caravans and horseboxes with a car, including the weight and size limits, and what licence you need to have
www.gov.uk www.gov.uk
 
@spike This is from the Gov web page I quoted above...

If your VIN plate doesn’t list a train weight, you should not use your vehicle for towing.
 
Right if I wait for about 30 seconds is does work. Apologise for earlier comment.
 
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PlasticMac that’s really interesting I can see on the CoC you show that Item 17 is “maximum towed weight braked and unbraked’. with no values. Does this match the VIN on the car ? What I’m hoping Audi can provide is a CoC that shows values for these items. Still in discussions about the part no for a new VIN or whether as you say there is a revision sticker. The VIN is the primary source of info ( it’s what VOSA would check if they challenged you ). I trust I can get DVLA to revise the V5c if I can get a formal document such as the CoC.
first email address I was given bounced got another but no response yet.
the Towbar I have is a genuine GDW one . Not worth bothering with a homemade bar especially as this is proving a bit challenging so far .
 
From my C of C, the Gross Train Weight is 2575 kgs, This is the max weight of the car and trailer.
The Nose Weight is 50 kgs. This is the max vertical force on the tow ball.
The Maximum Technically Permissible Weight is 1525 kgs. This is the maximum weight of the car and contents.
So, the maximum trailer weight (braked or un-braked) on mine would be 1050 kgs.
If stopped, these are, I believe the important numbers. They may well be in the User Manual.
Let us know if DVLA agree to update the V5 with the Gross Train Weight. I think this is the only number you need.
All based on my pidgin German (well done England at Euro 2000)
DVLA currently have the V5s for the A2 and TT, for Euro Status updates.
Mac
 
A2Si said:
PlasticMac that’s really interesting I can see on the CoC you show that Item 17 is “maximum towed weight braked and unbraked’. with no values. Does this match the VIN on the car ? What I’m hoping Audi can provide is a CoC that shows values for these items. Still in discussions about the part no for a new VIN or whether as you say there is a revision sticker. The VIN is the primary source of info ( it’s what VOSA would check if they challenged you ). I trust I can get DVLA to revise the V5c if I can get a formal document such as the CoC.
first email address I was given bounced got another but no response yet.
the Towbar I have is a genuine GDW one . Not worth bothering with a homemade bar especially as this is proving a bit challenging so far .
Click to expand...
DVLA do an online chat, that works sometimes, also they have a web page that you can submit queries, which get a ticket number, and answer via email.
Mac.
 
Hi Mac I’ve had a response from GDW Towbars they are sending me a replacement sticker and homologation cert. it’s free of charge as well . Good on them !
Just waiting for Audi to respond now . There is a specific department who deal with CoC so just waiting now. So GDW all sorted, Audi still waiting ….
Once I have the CoC will contact DVLA
 
A2Si said:
Hi Mac I’ve had a response from GDW Towbars they are sending me a replacement sticker and homologation cert. it’s free of charge as well . Good on them !
Just waiting for Audi to respond now . There is a specific department who deal with CoC so just waiting now. So GDW all sorted, Audi still waiting ….
Once I have the CoC will contact DVLA
Click to expand...
If you haven't got it already, it's: [email protected]
Mac.
 
Yes that’s the one .. they gave me another first .


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