Vangs 1980 VANG SHSL

It has an unladen weight of 7,100 kg, giving a payload of around 42,900 kg. At a length of 12,800 mm and a width of 2,550 mm, the deck footprint stays within the dimensions permitted without a special permit, while the ratio of tare to payload points to a pure load-carrying platform. The straightforward ratio of tare weight to payload matches that of a simple, load-bearing deck without additional bodywork.

Heavy trailers of this kind are used to move building materials, steel and machinery, where compact, dense cargo takes up most of the gross weight allowance. The towing vehicle requires driving licence category CE, and the standard air brake acts on every axle, checked independently at each roadworthiness inspection. Spare parts for brake drums or discs, suspension components and lighting are available through the general parts trade for this vehicle class, independent of the original manufacturer.

When buying used, the checklist should include the chassis and main beams around the axle mounts, where sustained loading leaves cracks and corrosion at welds. Brake pads, drums or discs and the air-line hoses should be checked along with tyre condition and play in the axle bearings, which can indicate past overloading. The air-line connector heads, the load-sensing brake valve and the suspension on every axle also belong on the pre-purchase checklist.