Towed cars

mickysf
mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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edited January 2021 in Towcars & Towing #1

I'm thinking of towing a car behind the motorhome. Resisted this but recently downsized to a fiat 500 for a whole variety of reasons. It just now make sense! And thoughts, ideas or suggestions would be most welcomed. A Frame?

Comments

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,383
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    edited January 2021 #2

    A-Frame all the time as far as I am concerned. One from Tow bars 2 tow is the best as far as I am concerned. I have an old one from car-a-tow lanquishing in my garage going cheap if you want it!

    peedee

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2021 #3

    Thanks peedee, could you kindly elaborate on the advantages of the TB2TC system you mention over others. Are they the ones at Keelby?

  • Francis
    Francis Club Member Posts: 2,021 ✭✭✭✭
    edited January 2021 #4

    When we had our motorhome we used to tow a little Peugeot 107 behind on an A-Feame. We towed it all over the UK and never had any issues it was an Armitage Frame we got them to convert the car for us and all went well they are based near Leeds and the service was excellent also the frame was a good quality all round an excellent bit of kit. We sold the car and the frame as a set to a couple who had a motorhome and they were going to tow it around we ended up going back to a caravan 

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,460 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited January 2021 #5

    Check with your car insurance company will cover the modification of the A-frame , not all will ,and I had to change insurers . 

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,383
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    edited January 2021 #6

    Yes they are the ones at Keelby, not far from you. Firstly they employ eletronic braking so it is a much more controlled system than the overide braking employed by mechanical systems but its big plus point for me is it is one if not the lightest system around to handle. It stows nicely in a bag in the boot of the car and the installation on the car is not very intrusive or obvious.

    As you are relatively close to them it could be worth your while poping along to see them when COVID allows.

    peedee

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2021 #7

    Thanks Husky, have checked, I'm with the C&MC for my motorhome insurance. I twice explained the fact that it was the car being towed by the motorhome just to be sure they understood. Their answer was that they expect this set up as they are the C&MC and that many of their customers tow cars behind their motorhome. I also now insure my car with them with the same assurances. A tad more expensive but reassuring from my point of view. You get what you pay for after all.

    Peedee, I'm on with them now (TB2TC). I will have the work done as soon as travel and other restrictions allow. Can't wait for some semblance of normality and be back on tour.

    In readiness for the happy event, any tips from folk for use of these systems, from hooking up to unhooking and all in between, would be most welcomed. Cheers again.

     

  • MikeyA
    MikeyA Forum Participant Posts: 1,072
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    edited January 2021 #8

    A very interesting and informative video from TB2TC.

    Just out of pure curiosity what does it cost to convert your car to this system?

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2021 #9

    We rang around the providers and there is quite a bit of variance regarding cost. Depends upon the car and if you need motorhome converting or a tow bar fitted to it. Then you need to compare the systems and negotiate a price. As the A frame is easily detached and the car returned to original condition some outlay is returnable when you sell on. Sorry I can't be more precise as my quote was for the whole job lot, not just the car. I'd suggest that specific research pertinent to your particular needs may be more appropriate. Just give Terry at TB2TC a quick call, he is very helpful and understanding, he'll give you an exact price. Other providers should be as accommodating with their cost quotes mind.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,383
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    edited January 2021 #10

    Just to give you an idea, a ball park figure would be round about £1200/£1500. Think I paid about £1100 4 years ago.

    peedee

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,383
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    edited January 2021 #11

    In readiness for the happy event, any tips from folk for use of these systems, from hooking up to unhooking and all in between, would be most welcomed. Cheers again.

    I have do everything solo. While you may have a partner to help there still maybe occasions when you need to hook up unhook by yourself. For my tip on how to do this check out >this<

    Have a check list to make sure you have done everything before you drive off e.g. handbrake off gears in neutral etc. Don't ignore it, use it everytime you finish hitching up. Might save you some grief.

    peedee