FAQ

You do not always need a BE driving licence to tow a trailer or caravan.
If:

• The trailer, including its unladen weight and payload, does not exceed 750 kg, or
• The trailer may exceed 750 kg, provided that the maximum authorised mass of the complete combination, meaning the towing vehicle plus trailer, does not exceed 3,500 kg.

a category B driving licence is sufficient.

For combinations consisting of a category B towing vehicle, up to 3,500 kg, and a trailer or semi-trailer, where:

1. The maximum authorised mass of the trailer or semi-trailer may be up to 3,500 kg, or
2. The maximum authorised mass of the semi-trailer may exceed 3,500 kg, provided that:

• The permitted maximum load under the coupling of the semi-trailer or centre-axle trailer does not exceed the difference between the maximum authorised mass of the towing vehicle and the mass in running order of the towing vehicle, and
• The permitted maximum axle load, or the sum of the permitted maximum axle loads, of the semi-trailer or centre-axle trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg.

In these cases, you need a BE driving licence.

Of course, you must always take into account the maximum towing capacity stated on the registration certificate of the towing vehicle, also known as the maximum braked towing mass.

Do you want to change the maximum authorised mass of your trailer? Then the registration certificate must also be updated through the RDW. In some cases, this can be done in writing using a form. For larger or technical changes, the trailer may first need to be inspected by the RDW.

Application to change the maximum authorised mass on the registration certificate of a trailer

The correct tyre pressure and the correct tightening torque for the wheel bolts are important for safe trailer use. Therefore, check the tyre pressure regularly and always have the wheel bolts tightened to the correct torque. The exact values can also be found in the PDF with technical specifications.

The following guideline values apply to the wheel bolts:

• M12 x 1.5 with spanner size 17 or 19 mm: maximum 80–90 Nm
• M14 x 1.5 with spanner size 19 mm: maximum 110–120 Nm

The optimum tyre pressure depends on the tyre type. Always check the tyre size on your trailer and consult the corresponding value in the PDF. Are you unsure about the correct tyre pressure? Ask an authorised Hapert dealer.

Do not use tyres other than those prescribed by Hapert Trailers, unless this has been agreed in advance with Hapert Trailers or an authorised Hapert dealer.

Examples of tyre pressure by tyre size:

• 155/80R13: 2.9 bar / 42 PSI
• 165R13C: 4.5 bar / 65 PSI
• 185/70R13: 3.0 bar / 44 PSI
• 175R14C: 4.5 bar / 65 PSI
• 185R14C: 4.5 bar / 65 PSI
• 155/70R12C: 6.5 bar / 95 PSI
• 195/50R13C: 6.5 bar / 95 PSI
• 195/55R10C: 6.2 bar / 90 PSI
• 205/70R15C: 3.8 bar / 55 PSI
• 145/70R13: 3.0 bar / 44 PSI
• 18.5×8.5-8: 3.4 bar / 50 PSI
• 185/70R13C: 6.0 bar / 85 PSI

Download or view the PDF with the full specifications for the correct tightening torque, tyre pressure and maximum load per tyre size.

The wiring diagram of a trailer plug shows which function belongs to which pin. A 7-pin plug is often used for the basic lighting of a trailer, such as indicators, rear lights, brake lights and fog light. A 13-pin plug has additional connections, for example for a reversing light, constant power and battery charging.

Always consult the PDF with the complete wiring diagram before working on the plug or wiring. Are you unsure about the connection? Have it checked by an authorised Hapert dealer or a specialist.

13-pin plug wiring diagram

• 1 – yellow: left indicator
• 2 – blue: fog light
• 3 – white: earth for pins 1 to 8
• 4 – green: right indicator
• 5 – brown: right rear light
• 6 – red: left and right brake light
• 7 – black: left rear light
• 8 – grey: reversing light
• 9 – brown/blue: constant power
• 10 – brown/red: battery charging, positive
• 11 – white/red: earth for battery charging
• 12: spare
• 13 – white/black: earth for pins 9 to 12

7-pin plug wiring diagram

• L – yellow: left indicator
• 54G – blue: fog light
• 31 – white: earth
• R – green: right indicator
• 58R – brown: right rear light
• 54 – red: left and right brake light
• 58L – black: left rear light

View the PDF for the complete wiring diagram of the 7-pin and 13-pin plug, including the correct pin numbers, colours and functions.

Yes, an (enclosed) trailer can be stickered or wrapped properly when the walls have a smooth surface. This applies, for example, to enclosed trailers with 15 mm ABS walls and roof or with 25 mm or 40 mm polyester walls. Stickers and films adhere best to a smooth surface, allowing the graphics to be applied neatly and durably.

Does the trailer have rough walls or walls with a textured surface? Then applying stickers or wrap is often not possible, or less suitable. Due to the texture, the film may not adhere properly and the final result may be less clean.

Be careful with dark-coloured graphics. Dark-coloured stickers attract heat and retain it for longer. This can cause air bubbles to form under the film or cause the graphics to loosen more quickly. For this reason, we do not recommend dark stickers on enclosed trailers.

Do you want a black appearance? Then wrapping is not always necessary anymore. The Hapert Sapphire is now also available with black walls. This gives your enclosed trailer a sleek black appearance straight away, without having to apply black graphics to the walls afterwards.

Unfortunately, LED lighting on a trailer does not always work immediately with every vehicle. This is usually caused by the vehicle’s CAN bus system. This system checks whether the lighting is functioning correctly, but the way it works differs by car make, model and year of manufacture.

Because this control system is not standardised in the same way for all vehicles, the car may not properly recognise the LED lighting on the trailer. As a result, the lights may not work, may flicker or may cause a warning message on the dashboard.

That is why we recommend always testing the LED lighting in combination with your own vehicle first. This can be done at an official Hapert dealer. The dealer can check whether the lighting works properly and advise which solution suits your car and trailer.

The difference between a braked trailer and an unbraked trailer is mainly in the braking system and the maximum weight you can transport safely.

A braked trailer has its own braking system. This means the trailer brakes along with the towing vehicle. This provides more control, a shorter braking distance and extra safety with heavier loads. A braked trailer is therefore suitable for professional use, larger transport jobs and loads with a higher weight.

An unbraked trailer does not have its own braking system. The car itself must then brake both the trailer and the load. That is why unbraked trailers are usually lighter and mainly suitable for smaller transport jobs, light loads and occasional use.

Choose a braked trailer if you regularly transport heavy loads or if professional use is important. For light and simple transport jobs, an unbraked trailer may be sufficient. Always check the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle and the permitted weight of the trailer.

The difference between a single-axle trailer and a tandem-axle trailer is mainly in the number of axles, stability, gross vehicle weight and ease of use.

A single-axle trailer has one axle and is therefore lighter, more manoeuvrable and easier to move by hand. This makes a single-axle trailer practical for lighter loads, smaller transport jobs and situations where you need to manoeuvre frequently in limited space.

A tandem-axle trailer has two axles placed one behind the other. This distributes the weight more evenly across the trailer and makes the trailer more stable on the road. A tandem-axle trailer usually offers more gross vehicle weight and is therefore suitable for heavier loads, more intensive use and professional transport.

Choose a single-axle trailer if you mainly transport lighter loads and value manoeuvrability. Choose a tandem-axle trailer if you need more stability, gross vehicle weight and certainty for heavier or daily transport jobs. Always check the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle and the maximum authorised mass of the trailer.

The right trailer dimensions depend on the length, width and height of your load. Do not only measure the load itself, but also allow extra space for safe loading, unloading and securing.

When choosing the dimensions, pay particular attention to:

• the length of the load;
• the width of the load;
• the height of the load;
• the space needed for straps, lashing points or loading equipment;
• any additional load you regularly transport.

Do you often transport different types of loads? Then it is better to choose a trailer that is slightly more spacious. This prevents you from having too little load space for your next job and allows you to transport your load more safely and practically. Also always check the gross vehicle weight and the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle.

Proper trailer maintenance is important for safety, reliability and a longer service life. Therefore, regularly check the main components, such as the tyres, lighting, brakes, coupling, floor, locks and hinges. This reduces the risk of faults and helps you stay safe on the road.

Do you use the trailer professionally or daily? Then periodic maintenance is even more important. By having your trailer checked by a Hapert dealer, you can be sure that wear, damage or technical problems are detected in time.

Do you want to continue using the 10-year chassis warranty from Hapert? Then annual maintenance by a Hapert dealer is mandatory. During this maintenance, your trailer is professionally inspected and the chassis warranty remains valid according to the conditions.

So have your trailer checked regularly and schedule maintenance at least once a year with an official Hapert dealer. This keeps your trailer safe, reliable and ready for professional use.

How often trailer maintenance is needed depends on use, load and the conditions in which you drive. Do you use the trailer professionally, daily or for heavy loads? Then regular checks are extra important.

Regularly check the most important parts yourself, such as:

• tyres and tyre pressure;
• brakes;
• lighting;
• coupling;
• locks and hinges;
• floor and chassis;
• lashing points and loading equipment.

In addition, have your trailer inspected periodically by a Hapert dealer. A dealer checks the technical condition of the trailer and can detect wear or damage in time. This keeps your trailer safe, reliable and suitable for professional use.

In some countries, an annual trailer inspection is also mandatory. Always check which rules apply in the country where you use the trailer. Do you want to keep the 10-year chassis warranty from Hapert? Then annual maintenance by a Hapert dealer is mandatory according to the warranty conditions.

Parts and accessories for your Hapert trailer can be ordered through an official Hapert dealer. This ensures that you receive parts that fit your model, version and use.

At a Hapert dealer, you can order accessories such as mesh racks, loading ramps, high covers, toolboxes, lashing eyes, support legs and additional lighting. The dealer can also help you choose the right parts for maintenance, repairs or replacement.

The advantage of ordering through an official Hapert dealer is that you receive expert advice about the correct parts for your trailer. The dealer can check which part fits, advise on installation and help you keep your trailer safe and reliable.

Do you use your trailer professionally? Then it is especially important to use original or suitable parts. This keeps your trailer in good condition and helps prevent unnecessary downtime.

The difference between a box trailer, platform trailer and tipper is mainly in the body type and the kind of load for which you use the trailer. The right choice depends on your work, your load and how you want to load and unload.

A box trailer is a versatile trailer for general transport. Thanks to the fixed box and raised sides, a box trailer is suitable for materials, tools, machines, parcels and loose loads. This makes the box trailer a practical choice for daily use.

A platform trailer has the wheels under the load floor, making the load floor wider and flatter. This is useful for wide, heavy or difficult-to-load materials. A platform trailer can also often be loaded easily from several sides, for example with a forklift.

A tipper is designed for loads that you want to unload quickly and easily, such as sand, gravel, soil, rubble, compost or green waste. Thanks to the tipping function, you need to unload less by hand and can work more efficiently on location.

Choose a box trailer if you are looking for a versatile trailer, a platform trailer if you transport wide or heavy loads, and a tipper if you regularly transport loose bulk materials and want to unload quickly.

Have you received an email that appears to have been sent on behalf of Hapert? Always check first whether the email is trustworthy before clicking links, opening attachments or entering any details.

Hapert actively warns about phishing emails that look as if they come from Hapert Trailers. On our phishing page, you will find an overview of known suspicious emails and read what to watch out for: hapert.com/phishing/

Pay particular attention to the full email address of the sender, unexpected payment requests, changed bank account numbers, attachments and links in the email. Is the email listed on the phishing page? Delete the message immediately and do not open anything.

Are you still unsure whether the email is genuine? Forward the email to your regular Hapert account manager or to Hapert’s general info email address. This allows us to check whether the message is reliable.