treborsiwel Posted May 20, 2012 Share Posted May 20, 2012 Hello all Just after some advice, I am picking up my new motorhome next week and have been informed that the rules regarding tow bars are being changed and that they must have type approval. can anyone help identify: A: Who can source such a type approved tow bar? B: What's a good/average price, don't mind paying just no idea what a good/fair price is? C: Recommended tow bar fitters/company in the Stanstead, Braintree, North Essex area? Thanks B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 treborsiwel - 2012-05-20 10:28 PM Hello all Just after some advice, I am picking up my new motorhome next week and have been informed that the rules regarding tow bars are being changed and that they must have type approval. can anyone help identify: A: Who can source such a type approved tow bar? B: What's a good/average price, don't mind paying just no idea what a good/fair price is? C: Recommended tow bar fitters/company in the Stanstead, Braintree, North Essex area? Thanks B I noticed this recent MHF thread http://www.motorhomefacts.com/ftopic-123716-days0-orderasc-0.html As I shall never tow with a motorhome I've never bothered to research the subject in any depth, but I think the MHF advice about needing a Type Approved towbar is correct. I suggest you contact this company - that offers Type Approved towbars - and confirm what the current position is. They should also be able to give you a ball-park figure regarding cost. http://www.watling-towbars.co.uk/motorhome_towbars.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 We had a Watling Tow Bar fitted last year.They have approved fitting Companies around the Uk, so no problem if you are not close to them. They also do a Fiat Ducatto / Peugeot Boxer vehicle specific 'plug in' 12N kit - 2007 onwards that links to the Vehicle Canbus system. When looking on their website, go to the price list tab, for specific vehicle,although dated 2011, it will give you an indication of "whole" set-up costs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graham Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 My understanding is that a type approved vehicle (which I guess yours is) has to have a tow hook type approved for that vehicle. Eldiss and Swift both list type approved tow hooks as options on their price lists for this very reason I assume. When we purchased our Autocruise last year we got the dealer to include it as part of the deal to avoid any possible problems later either with UK or EU authorities. There may be a grey area in that any tow hook with type approval can be fitted to a type approved vehicle using an interface mounting system but I would check with Autotrail to get their opinion and check thoroughly with any towbar fitter before proceeding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest peter Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Towtal website states that type approval does not apply to motorhome towbars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graham Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 I would check that thoroughly through VOSA/Autotrail or whoever before proceeding with a retro fit towbar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 peter - 2012-05-22 9:11 PM Towtal website states that type approval does not apply to motorhome towbars. Then Towtal website is wrong, in part. If the vehicle after conversion, is Type Approved (i.e. Eldiss and Swift new models) then a Type Approved Towbar is required. Not sure if Type Approval applies to Autotrail - unable to find any reference on their website. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 flicka - 2012-05-23 8:50 PM peter - 2012-05-22 9:11 PM Towtal website states that type approval does not apply to motorhome towbars. Then Towtal website is wrong, in part. If the vehicle after conversion, is Type Approved (i.e. Eldiss and Swift new models) then a Type Approved Towbar is required. Not sure if Type Approval applies to Autotrail - unable to find any reference on their website. If you look in the (downloadable) Auto-Trail 2012 brochure you'll find the following statement on Page 47 "European Standards/Directives All our motorhomes comply with EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval and comply to all relevant European Standards." It would appear that Auto-Trail models may have had ECWVTA since end-2010 http://warranty.auto-trail.co.uk/bulletins/1.pdf The websites of companies involved in towing or tow-bar products seem either to be out-of-date, inaccurate or ambiguous about this. In this instance Auto-Trail should be the logical source for expert advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Hi Derek Must admit I would have been surprised if Autotrail did not have Type Approval. Just that I couldn't find any ref on their website, but did not go so far as looking at their brochure links. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treborsiwel Posted June 6, 2012 Author Share Posted June 6, 2012 Thanks all towbar issued resolved. Auto trail no help but ajs can make and get type approval so sorted Thanks again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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