What is a reel trailer?

The  reel carrier trailer  is above all a loading and towing tool for transporting large quantities of cables. Its primary function is to make it easy to load and unwind a coil. To do this, the equipment has an unwinding cylinder that allows you to work in much safer working conditions. But the reel carrier also offers real working comfort, as it can also be used as a site reel.

The port reel attaches directly to the back of a van and becomes the ideal companion in many areas, mainly in road works, civil engineering, urban planning and VRD sites.

But that’s not all, its use is also necessary for the transport of HTB and HTA cables in the telecoms field, in the electricity field and for the transport and unrolling of optical fiber.

What are the different types of reel holders and reel holder weight capacities?

You should know that there are different models of reel carriers. Indeed, it will be imperative to choose the model according to the type of cabling to be moved. Concerning handling trailers, they will be able to support the transport of heavy loads with a weight varying from 500 kg to 30,000 kg.

Mainly, this type of trailer does not have a width greater than 295 cm. Concerning the length, it will be directly dependent on the load in kilograms to be supported. This is why some models display a length of 400 cm. One or more axles will be present at the rear wheel when the loading capacity remains substantial.

However, several loading systems exist, including the use of a tilting chassis, which is ideal when cables weighing less than 500 kg need to be handled. Another possibility is to use a strap winch for handling cables weighing between 500 and 1000 kilos.

For heavier loads, it is mandatory to use a lifting cylinder, capable of supporting a load of up to 5000 kg. To ensure that hydraulic lifting is carried out safely, the reel carrier trailers are equipped with cylinders with reinforced suspensions.

What are the different parts of the reel holder?

Beyond the various lifting and loading systems that exist on the reel trailer, you should know that the latter has several safety devices. First of all, you will find an anti-embedding bar that is positioned at the rear of the equipment. But to facilitate the loading of the reel, it is also essential to use specific supports.

Finally, a telescopic jockey wheel is an additional accessory that remains very valuable for lifting the trailer to the height of the hitch. To do this, a specific crank is then present, also ensuring a guiding function for the reel trailer.

What are the laws regarding driving licenses?

For the use of a reel trailer, the same regulations apply to driving a vehicle with a towbar. According to the law, it is then entirely possible to use the B license for the purpose of towing a trailer. However, you must be careful about the authorized loaded weight, i.e. the PTAC which must not exceed 3500 kg under any circumstances. However, you should also know that the PTAC is calculated by adding both the towed equipment and the weight of the vehicle.

Do you need a specific license to drive a reel carrier?

As you may have noticed, there is no specific permit other than holding a B license to drive a reel carrier when the GVW does not exceed 3500 kg.

However, if you need to go beyond this weight, a trailer license was essential until 2013. In fact, new legislation came into force with the appearance of the B96 license. By obtaining the latter, you can perfectly tow a reel trailer. Furthermore, obtaining it is absolutely not subject to passing an exam. In reality, it is a day of practical and theoretical training that allows you to integrate very precise rules of driving with a trailer.
Once you have the precious sesame in your possession, you will be able to hitch the reel trailer. You will have a proper certificate of monitoring. It is therefore imperative to present this document to the prefecture which will then be able to issue you with the famous B96 license. Thus, you will be able to take to the road in complete legality to tow trailers up to a total authorized loaded weight of 4250 kg. But remember that this is again the sum of the weight of the trailer and the vehicle. In addition, the weight of the towing vehicle must be greater than the GCWR of the hitch.

When the PTAC exceeds the weight of 4250 kg, it is mandatory to hold the E/B license. In the eyes of the law, it will be impossible for you to drive a reel trailer when the PTAC provides for it, if you do not hold the E/B license.
Therefore, when you wish to purchase a reel trailer or rent it, you must make all necessary arrangements with regard to the weight and size of the reels to be transported.

Also remember that a reel carrier trailer with a GVW of over 750 kg must be subject to technical inspection.
By correctly defining the payload to be transported from the start, you will be able to choose a reel carrier trailer much more easily. Finally, consider the possibility of using external equipment such as a lifting crane to facilitate loading of the cabling. The reel carrier has become mandatory for FTTH construction sites for the transport of  fibre optic cable reels .