At the start of the 1980s, the origins of TRTA had to do with the introduction of the APK for heavy-duty towing equipment. This included an unrealistic standard for the even levels of fifth wheel discs, which would lead to a large proportion of the existing vehicle fleet being disapproved, resulting in very extensive and expensive repairs.
A number of large fleet owners put their heads together and set up the TRTA with the primary aim of developing a more realistic standard.
The standard was rewritten and made more feasible through close collaboration with the government. This standard still applies today and despite the TRTA amendment, it is still the most stringent in Europe.
