Motorhome Towbar

Bongonaught
Bongonaught Forum Participant Posts: 37
edited August 2018 in Motorhomes #1

Hi people

I am at that stage where I need to have a towbar fitted to my Swift Suntor 630L 2008 Fiat Ducato so I can A Frame my Toyota iQ

I have done several searches and nearest I can get is a home made jobbie for a Swift Sundance which is annoying as the Suntor does not come up in searches.  Also I am seeking  a professional fitted job not a DIY.  Does anyone know approximately what the cost would be or maybe recommend a company,  I don't mind travelling a wee bit. 

 

I have read and understood the new legislation for towing using an A frame.  My car is a 2009 model so I think i will be ok.  

Anyway any help and information would be appreciated.  I am in the Northumberland area.

 

Thank in anticipation.

Comments

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,387 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #2

    Try PWS Towbats of Poole

    peedee

  • dickydo
    dickydo Forum Participant Posts: 18
    edited August 2018 #3

    Go to any main car Dealership and ask which company they use to have bars put on for their customers, it is unlikely that they undertake the work themselves

    Richard

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2018 #4

    You sure they aren't in Gotham?

  • Lutz
    Lutz Forum Participant Posts: 1,564 ✭✭✭✭
    edited August 2018 #5

    The first thing to do is to check whether the motorhome is approved to tow at all. The vehicle weight plate will tell. There needs to be figure on the plate specifying max. gross train weight. If there is such a figure there will undoubtedly be a proprietary type approved towbar available.

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,144 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #6

    Any good tow bar fitting company should be able to help you.  If you were our way I would recommend Rackheath Towing and Trailers. Anyway give any tow bar company a call just for the information, you don't have to use the company you call.  Brother has a Swift Kontiki and had a tow bar fitted, he's travelling at the moment so I can't get any info.

    Using an A frame abroad could pose some problems

  • LeTouriste
    LeTouriste Forum Participant Posts: 348
    edited August 2018 #7

    Many years ago I had towers supplied (Fitted them myself) by Watling Engineering Ltd.    One was for an Autosleeper Rambler camper van, and the other an Autosleeper Talisman.  Fully satisfied in both cases.

    There website is www.watling-towbars.co.uk. Ph.01727 873 661

  • TonyIshUK
    TonyIshUK Forum Participant Posts: 296
    100 Comments
    edited August 2018 #8

    Watling fitted our towbar to a 2010 3.5ton Rapido.

    one word of caution, and you may need to research this, or use the Club gurus' advice.

    I am not sure when "type approved " towbars were required as a approved and road legal fitting.  I have the feeling it is around 2011, as ours was fitted to a 2010 registered mohome, where any piece of angle iron could be used?

    Type Approved towbars  have to have test certificates and certification, this why they are expensive to buy. 

    If there is a problem, insurance may become invalid, if there is an accident.  

    It would pay to ask the question.

     OOOPS !  Just seen that you are Reg 2008.  Any angle iron will do :-)

    rgds

  • Doug n San
    Doug n San Forum Participant Posts: 92
    edited August 2018 #9

    I have a swiftsuntor 630G which I beleive is the same chassis as your sundance,

    Having studied the towing capacity of mine which is plated at 3.4 ton there so little left from the loaded kerb side weight to make a trailer impractical.

    So if you haven't checked your weights you may like to do so.

    Good Luck Doug.

  • Randomcamper
    Randomcamper Club Member Posts: 1,062 ✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #10

    I am not sure when "type approved " towbars were required as a approved and road legal fitting. I have the feeling it is around 2011,

    It was 2012.......wink

    http://www.watling-towbars.co.uk/type_approved_motorhome_towbars.html

  • TonyIshUK
    TonyIshUK Forum Participant Posts: 296
    100 Comments
    edited August 2018 #11

    Thanks had a feeling we just got in not having to have type approval.

    Any Tuggers reading this thread, I  purchased from Watling a front tow bar mounting for our towbar.

    Absolutely ace !  We have a slopping drive with a twist at the top and being able to push the van, rather than reverse it was a godsend.

    Rgds

     

  • Hallsontour
    Hallsontour Forum Participant Posts: 199
    edited August 2018 #12

    Hi, we've used Hedley towers in Durham (which isn't too far from you I don't think) in the past for many tow bars and they are brilliant.

    http://www.hedley-towbars.co.uk

    They do a really decent job and I don't think they are too overpriced for the work they do. Only a couple of weeks ago they put a tow bar on my 2015 Honda Civic with 13 pin electrics and ALCO ball for £315, all fitted in around 2 hours.

    Last year they quoted me around £800 to have a bar fitted to my motorhome, a 2016 Marquis Majestic 155 for me to tow the car with. It needed an extension bracket or something before the bar itself because of the rear overhang which made the cost higher. For other reasons we decided against it and ended up selling the van but I would have trusted them to do it if we'd have wanted to go ahead. They also do the A frames for cars so will know what they're talking about for yourself.

    Good luck!

  • Hatchet
    Hatchet Forum Participant Posts: 14
    edited August 2018 #13

    What is the "new legislation for towing using an A frame"? Genuine question as I tow on an A frame and have not come across anything new.

     

    Dave

  • Randomcamper
    Randomcamper Club Member Posts: 1,062 ✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #14

    Possibly refering to this...?

    https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-together/discussions/information-technical-tips-advice/motorhomes/a-frames-2/

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