can i drive a P38, with the tailgate etc, open?
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Datatek
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Lights and number plate is the least of your worries. Having the tailgate open freezes the suspension, so if there are any leaks it will gradually drop on whichever corner leaks most leaving the car at a drunken angle. Another brilliant design feature!
No it isn't legal, you must be displaying a valid (yellow, reflective) rear license plate at all times. What you could do (assuming your suspension's in top shape) is take the plate off and strap it to the sofa, so it's still displayed. You must also have break lights displayed, but I think they're beyond the tailgate so should be ok.
stopover
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Good one TCubed - would just add that the exhaust might back up into the car so have your blowers on to the face and/or windows/sunroof open so you don't suffocate. And tie the top tailgate down to stop it flapping up and down. Good luck
With a small chainsaw you could also have a comfy seven seater!
p38on22s
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so the susension still works if you click the catch on the lower tailgate where the top closes on to it and the 2 on the side of the lower tailgate which close on to the side of the bodywork it tells the ecu that both tailgates are closed and suspension works as normal
kds
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If you have a trailer light socket (12n) just plug a trailer light board in and tie it to sofa as for rest do as p38on22s said, did same thing on mine when needed to leave tailgate open for short distance.
kooky_guy
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Think it will keep beeping and flashing up Tailgate Open on the Message center at you every 30 seconds or so though. You might find this the biggest problem after 5 minutes of it...
jt_armstrong
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Mine only beep after you pull away. In town is a pain as it beepa at every res light and give way but once you are on the open road it will shut up.
p38on22s
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if you have flicked the 3 catches to the lock postion you wont get any bleeps as it thinks both tailgates are closed and you wont get the message center saying tailgate open
stopover
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no... not yet, it's a fleabay buy, so sunday... if i get it,
did a run round the block, seems to be ok....??
got a bit of fumes, i can live with that,
luv the smell of petrol in the morning!!!!!!!
Open your rear windows and have the fan on, then the circulation at the back of the car should keep any fumes away from you.
Endeleus
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alexdon
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I'm trying to picture a P38 with a sofa hanging out of the back and the driver wearing a gas mask and ear defenders
hi guys, so...fa...so..good!!
picked up sofa, clicked tailgate catches (3), stuck no plate to sofa,
tied down top gate, drove home up A3/M3, thru putney/chelsea and home,
not a single problem!!!!!, air suspension good, no exhaust fumes,
nothing!!........................... you can drive with tg open.......
follow all the instructions and your there....
thank you all for your kind and helpful suggestions, and for the
humour, sorry, forgot to take pics...... it was ****ing it down,
and getting it in my flat........ thats another story.... never again,
BIG hammer, power saw, screwdrivers, crowbar etc... 2+ hrs,
job done........... Shaun13.
picked up sofa, clicked tailgate catches (3), stuck no plate to sofa,
tied down top gate, drove home up A3/M3, thru putney/chelsea and home,
not a single problem!!!!!, air suspension good, no exhaust fumes,
nothing!!........................... you can drive with tg open.......
follow all the instructions and your there....
thank you all for your kind and helpful suggestions, and for the
humour, sorry, forgot to take pics...... it was ****ing it down,
and getting it in my flat........ thats another story.... never again,
BIG hammer, power saw, screwdrivers, crowbar etc... 2+ hrs,
job done........... Shaun13.
I'd have found a mate with a Transit, no hassle and 2 of us to get the bloody thing up the stairs. I've delivered sofas in London (for Delcor) and fourth floor upwards when they won't go in the lift is just not funny, and yes most of them have to be dismantled, great fun
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