The term BE semi-trailer is already quite familiar, but in case it is not entirely clear to you, we will try to clarify a few things. BE means that in order to drive the combination, driving licence B and E is required.
This means the vehicle can weigh no more than 3,500 kg, including load (so the coupling pin pressure). This vehicle may pull a semi-trailer with a maximum total weight of 5 times the allowed fifth wheel pressure.
The fifth wheel pressure follows from the formula 3,500 kg, minus the weight of the vehicle without load. That is the maximum fifth wheel pressure.
Suppose the vehicle weighs 2,000 kg (very exceptional), then: 3,500 – 2,000 = 1,500 kg. This is multiplied by 5, so the total semi-trailer weight is 5 x 1,500 kg = 7,500 kg. This is how the weight is indicated on the registration by the RDW. This was done differently a number of years ago.
However, European directives state, that a loaded semi-trailer must rest on the towing vehicle with at least 20% of the total weight.
Since September 2009, a driver’s certificate is no longer required for BE combinations. However, a tachograph is mandatory in most cases above a maximum total weight of 3,500 kg.
As such, extremely heavy weights are a thing of the past. However, there are still numerous possibilities with a BE combination. Think of sales cars, machine transporters, campers, and many other options.
We can advise you about the various possibilities. If you would like more information, please contact us free of charge by sending us an email or by calling us at 030 230 3076.