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At Trucksmith, we’re always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in vehicle design, crafting innovative and practical solutions like our popular LoLoader range. We get a lot of enquiries, and one question that pops up is, “Can you build me a 5-meter LoLoader on a Renault?”
It’s a reasonable request – more load space is always appealing! However, our answer, unfortunately, has to be a firm ‘no’ when it comes to a true 5-meter load length on a standard Renault chassis configuration. And the reason isn’t about our capabilities; it’s about a crucial piece of UK vehicle legislation designed for safety and stability.
The 60% Rule: Understanding UK Vehicle Regulations
The key lies in The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. Specifically, these regulations dictate how far the rear of a motor vehicle can extend beyond its rear axle.
Here’s the critical part: the rear of a motor vehicle (with certain exceptions not relevant to this discussion) may extend beyond its rear axle a distance not exceeding 60% of the vehicle’s wheelbase. This applies to both heavy motor cars and motor cars.
Let’s break that down with an example:
If a vehicle has a wheelbase of 3 meters (3000mm), the maximum permissible rear overhang would be 1.8 meters (60% of 3m). Anything beyond that would be illegal.
Why This Poses a Challenge for a 5m Renault LoLoader
Our LoLoader vehicles are designed for maximum accessibility and loading efficiency, which often means a relatively short wheelbase for maneuverability combined with a long load deck.
To achieve a true 5-meter internal load length, especially on a Renault platform cab, the rear of the vehicle would have to extend significantly beyond the rear axle. In most cases, this would far exceed the 60% limit imposed by the regulations. Designing and building such a vehicle would result in:
- An Illegal Vehicle: It simply wouldn’t be road-legal in the UK.
- Safety Concerns: Excessive rear overhang can negatively impact vehicle stability, handling, and braking, particularly when loaded.
- Legal & Insurance Risks: Operating an illegal vehicle carries severe penalties, including fines, points on licenses, and potentially invalidating insurance in the event of an accident.
Our Commitment to Compliance and Safety
At Trucksmith, our reputation is built on delivering high-quality, reliable, and, most importantly, legal vehicles. We will never compromise on safety or compliance with the law. It’s not just about avoiding penalties; it’s about ensuring that every Trucksmith vehicle on the road is safe for its occupants and other road users.
While a dedicated 5m LoLoader in that specific configuration isn’t feasible under current UK regulations on a Renault, we offer a wide range of LoLoader models and custom build options that provide exceptional load capacity within legal limits on the MAN platform cab. We can work with you to find a solution that maximises your payload and internal space while strictly adhering to all construction and use regulations.
Looking for a high-capacity, legally compliant LoLoader? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team at Trucksmith. We’ll be happy to discuss your specific requirements and help you find the perfect vehicle for your business needs.
