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Is it legal to have a securely-fixed pipe carrier protruding over the bonnet of a car like this?

I see nothing wrong, but I can tell you have never tried it. If it is not that far forward, he can't open the tailgate. I used to do exactly the same with a ladder for the same reason.

fully legal as far as i know as its within the vehicle footprint
other thought
only the front roof bar is taking any load as the overhang in front is greater than the back so iff the back lets go it will bounce on the roof
not good practice really though

Cheers. Yeah, it's my vehicle, and the tailgate clearance is exactly the issue. Ladders will (occasionally) be mounted in roughly the same position on the offside. I thought it will probably be okay, as even on my long wheelbase transit connect it stuck out very slightly over the windscreen, but I have no idea what the law says and, around here, there seems to be a load of bored traffic police who'll gladly issue fines for this type of thing if it's not legal. I guess I'll find out soon enough, but curious if anyone has ever been hassled for this for any reason...

I am not sure but I do not think a roof box can extend further than the windscreen, It is all to do with if you hit a pedestrian I believe. Having said that you see cars carrying timber that overhangs the length of the car that just have marker flags to denote the overhang. It is one of those things I guess if you can get away with it.

DWD

dewaltdisney wrote: ↑Sun Mar 24, 2024 5:55 pm I am not sure but I do not think a roof box can extend further than the windscreen, It is all to do with if you hit a pedestrian I believe. Having said that you see cars carrying timber that overhangs the length of the car that just have marker flags to denote the overhang. It is one of those things I guess if you can get away with it.

It'll be a massive pain in the a**e if I have to take it off for an MOT, but I assume/hope it's not something that forms part of the MOT??

I have been doing it for 20+ Years. Never a problem, also up and down the motorway every day. I used to use bungees, that was before ladder clamps were invented. One annoying thing, the bottle effect. So I used to stick duck tape down the ladder to cover the rungs, don't have a picture of that.

That is the point I made SE your ladder is not further than the windscreen but Chris's is well down the bonnet.

DWD

dewaltdisney wrote: ↑Sun Mar 24, 2024 6:08 pm That is the point I made SE your ladder is not further than the windscreen but Chris's is well down the bonnet.

Good point, I just checked and I can't prop the bonnet up any more. Oh bugger!

Anyone want to buy a dayglo yellow Jeep?

i did think about the pedestrian angle
but because when you hit someone when you pull the legs from under them the body tends to fold and hit the bonet as the body accelerates to catch up with the lower torso
but purly my thoughts

My old two tier ladder was much longer, and did hang way over the bonnet, still never got pulled for it, so long as it is secure, I don't see it being a problem, yes I know if you hit a pedestrian..........but the length of your ladder should be the least of your problems.

Many many years ago, a bloke I knew, was telling me he had a long ladder, so he thought it best to have it 50/50 (over hang) no problem. One day he went down a wrong road, realised his error, did a 3 point turn and off he went. What I didn't say was, it was a narrow road, when he reversed, the back of his ladder went through a pub window. I think he said he actually did a wheel spin, trying to get away so fast.

I think my advice would be to paint dayglo on both ends. That way it shows that you have indicted the unusual load which you could always argue with an overzealous plod (unlikely) they do not bother with burglary or shoplifting so I cannot see one being motivated to process a trifling issue.

DWD

I've just taken if off for now as I don't like the idea of not having proper access to the engine bay. Need to consider my options...

Might have to consider another vehicle. This was going to be my attempt at a van replacement as I work in London and Sadiq Khan hates us van drivers. You live and learn!