Can I reduce the max gross weight of my trailer?

[waterbuoy]

Generally speaking the larger the trailer the more stable it is - provided everything is within gross train weight and nose weight limits etc.

[Conner]

Thanks for that Gents explained it all. I think this may be a rule or urban myth from the trailer licence. Eg you can’t tow an empty trailer which would put you over when loaded. 
it’s not a particular big trailer and looks right on the van. 
thanks again

[monkeybusiness]

2 hours ago, Conner said:

Thanks for that Gents explained it all. I think this may be a rule or urban myth from the trailer licence. Eg you can’t tow an empty trailer which would put you over when loaded. 
it’s not a particular big trailer and looks right on the van. 
thanks again

I think there was some confusion surrounding it around the time the trailer test was brought in - I have an old livestock trailer that a previous owner had downplated (by Ifor williams themselves apparently, going by the id plate). It was later clarified that it is the actual weight that matters, not the plated weight. 

[Treewolf]

I think that the biggest cause of confusion is that the internet is full of people who actually don't have a clue about (almost) anything spouting off "facts" that simply are not true.  Unfortunately there is no easy way for someone looking for answers to tell the difference between an accurate answer from a knowledgeable person and drivel from a moron.

The issue of DPV speed limits has been another example.

[dan blocker]

4 hours ago, monkeybusiness said:

I think there was some confusion surrounding it around the time the trailer test was brought in - I have an old livestock trailer that a previous owner had downplated (by Ifor williams themselves apparently, going by the id plate). It was later clarified that it is the actual weight that matters, not the plated weight. 

But surely the trailer must be plated for the max weight it can carry?

[monkeybusiness]

3 hours ago, dan blocker said:

But surely the trailer must be plated for the max weight it can carry?

Yes - and that trailer can now no-longer legally carry the weight it was originally designed to.