Dixon Bate Shock Link

catherinef
catherinef Forum Participant Posts: 647
edited April 2015 in Towcars & Towing #1

I'm hoping to get an honest opinion from people on here who tow with a 4x4, more specifically if possible a Land Rover Defender.

On another forum I visit (not caravan related) it's been suggested that we MUST have a Dixon Bate Shocklink fitted to the Defender if we want to avoid the caravan chassis being shaken to bits.

 Now I recall years ago there was much talk of modern alko chassis's being damaged when towed by 4x4's especially those that were leaf sprung.

The shock link is an extremely expensive piece of kit, we are talking probably £600 by the time it's all been fitted.  I am quite happy to spend this IF it is deamed to be absolutely necessary.

I asked the Caravan Dealer today and his viewpoint was that if we were going to Rallies, then yes it maybe something to consider, but if we will be just visiting Club Sites, then no.

I've had 3 people tell me I must have one and a gentleman who tows a twin axle with a 110 that he remains unconvinced.  Just to add to the mix, the local towbar fitting specialist (very good reputation) said "I am not familiar with the product" hhhhmmmmmm

My own thinking is that surely if they are such an essential item, by now more than just 1 company would have developed a similar product, surely even Alko themselves would have one in their accessory range?

So fellow forum members over to you, I look forward to your replies.

 

Comments

  • k9sam
    k9sam Forum Participant Posts: 76
    edited April 2018 #2

    Al-Ko do have them on their website. They are £795.95 but currently out of stock.

    I have just started towing a 1500kg Lunar with a Land Rover Defender 110 but still not sure as to whether they are necessary or not??

    I look forward to anyone with knowledge of, or actual experience of using one, sharing their comments in this thread.

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited April 2018 #3

    Holy thread resurretion Batman ..... 😲

  • ABM
    ABM Forum Participant Posts: 14,578
    1000 Comments
    edited April 2018 #4

    Bet  the  Landy  &  the  'van  will  both  be  out  of  warranty  by  now  anyway,  MM  !!

  • Readytogo
    Readytogo Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited April 2018 #5

    Towed since 1985 with Defender 90 and 110. Various vans and never had any problem without using a shock link. I think the change over to coil springs negates the need. Current rig is 110 xs utility and Swift Conqueror and no problems at all apart from need for NAS step towbar to allow spare wheel clearance.

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