Proposed text for determining worst case conditions for physical testing of couplings.

At the May 2015 Type Approval Authorities Meeting (TAAM), Poland raised concerns (attached with this submission) over small M₁ vehicles being equipped with aftermarket coupling devices where the vehicle in question is not designed for towing a trailer. In effect, these vehicles are not permitted to tow trailers, but are nonetheless enabled to be equipped for such a purpose by the aftermarket devices. Therefore, Poland proposes to amend UN R55 to ensure that coupling devices are only approved for use on vehicles approved for towing trailers.

Copy of the proposal by Poland to amend UN R55 to ensure that coupling devices are only approved for use on vehicles approved for towing trailers.

Proposal to restrict component type-approval for mechanical coupling devices dedicated to category M1 vehicles to use only on such M1 vehicles as are designed to tow trailers.

Annex 1 of UN R55 concerns the type approval communication form. Item 9.3. requires information “For Class A mechanical coupling devices or components, including towing brackets”. Poland proposes to add “if fitted” to the description in order to avoid interpretations that brackets must be part of the approval (i.e., the approval may concern the coupling ball without additional attachments).

Annex 1 of UN R55 concerns the type approval communication form. Item 9.3. requires information “For Class A mechanical coupling devices or components, including towing brackets”. Poland proposes to add “if applicable” to the description in order to avoid interpretations that brackets must be part of the approval (i.e., the approval may concern the coupling ball without additional attachments).