Proposal to require the installation of a message routing function (per ISO 11992) on trailers that are:

• equipped with more than one brake electronic control unit,
• equipped with an electric control, and
• towing a trailer.

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.

Revised proposal to ensure that coupling balls do not block rear lighting and/or registration plates. In line with the EU General Safety Rule, Annex IV specification for application of UN R55, couplings that might block lighting or plates must be removable, repositionable, and unlockable in order to make it easier for users to remove them or reposition them when not in use (e.g., towing a trailer.) Coupling balls that are so designed as to be unable to block lighting or plates may still incorporate locks and/or require tools to remove or reposition.

One of the outcomes of the work on updating UN R55 was the recognition that agricultural couplings present a set of challenges distinct from other vehicles. This revised proposal takes into account comments received during the February 2016 GRRF session for the establishment of an informal working group to develop a new regulation (UN R55-A) to respond to the specific needs of agricultural vehicle couplings.

Revised version of document GRRF-80-41 pursuant to the 12th UN R55 informal group session. GRRF-80-41 was the revised formal proposal to GRRF to update UN R55 with respect to:
a) Requirements on remote indication,
b) Availability of information on coupling fixing points for A50X couplings,
c) On lateral strength of drawbars, and
d) a new class definition for fully automatic drawbar couplings.

Informal group schedule for finalizing amendments to update UN R55.

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

Revised proposal developed by the UN R55 informal group to introduce provisions for mechanical couplings used in modular vehicle combinations (e.g., rigid truck + dolly + semi-trailer) presently not addressed within the regulation.

Proposal as developed by the UN R55 informal group during its 12th session. This proposal concerns a procedure to identify allowable combinations of performance values Dc and V for drawbar coupling equipment. This proposal would amend the Revision 2 proposal for UN R55.

Pending requests and future items for changes to UN R55.

One of the outcomes of the work on updating UN R55 was the recognition that agricultural couplings present a set of challenges distinct from other vehicles. Therefore, Germany proposes the establishment of an informal working group to develop a new regulations (UN R55-A) to respond to the specific needs of agricultural vehicle couplings.

Quick review of the informal group’s anticipated schedule for completing its work on updating the regulation on mechanical couplings.

Further refinements from the informal group on UN Regulation No. 55 to introduce provisions for modular vehicle combinations (e.g., rigid truck + semi-trailer + dolly). This proposal concerns a procedure to identify allowable combinations of performance values Dc and V for drawbar coupling equipment.

Proposal from the informal group on UN Regulation No. 55 to introduce provisions for coupling applications in multi-vehicle combinations ( e.g. rigid truck + dolly + semi-trailer) presently not addressed by the regulation.

Proposal to allow for a vertical load up to 80 kg for drawbar coupling designs with a jaw that pivots about the horizontal transverse axis because such configurations are commonly used in fire trucks and other special use vehicles in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Chronology summarizing the discussions held on agricultural coupling requirements under UN R55 since 2011.

Proposal as prepared by the UN R55 informal group and approved by the GRRF to update UN R55 with respect to:
a) Requirements on remote indication;
b) Availability of information on coupling fixing points for A50X couplings;
c) On lateral strength of drawbars; and
d) a new class definition for fully automatic drawbar couplings.