Guest Had Enough Posted June 29, 2014 Share Posted June 29, 2014 I have a Hobby Van Exclusive L, which has a bike rack. I don't like the rack as it's high up, the bikes are heavy and if I miss a sleeping policemen the resulting bump feels as though the bike rack may tear itself off the back wall. I like the look of the Thule towbar carriers, one of which folds and hopefully I could transfer that to a new 'van when I swap. However, I'm sure that I've read somewhere that fitting a towbar to my Transit is not recommended. Bearing in mind that I will never tow anything, does anyone have any thoughts on the wisdom of fitting one? Presumably the problem is something to do with the long overhang from the chassis? If there is no standard towbar what are my chances of getting one made, or will the 'van's fixtures (waste tank etc) get in the way of a fitting any kind of towbar? Finally, I'm considering a new Fiat-based Hymer Exsis in the next year. Can a towbar be fitted to these so that I can transfer my Thule bike rack? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted June 29, 2014 Share Posted June 29, 2014 As you know, my 'van is similar to yours. It's entirely possible to fit a towbar. I'm sure you could get one fabricated, (e.g. Watling Towbars) but it would need to be type approved. The chassis extension is by Sawiko, and (AFAIK from my previous research) they will provide an "off the shelf" type-approved towbar to fit the cut-outs in the rear face of said extension. (they are now part of Al-Ko, and technically you could probably get supply through them in the UK, but I'm not over-impressed by their support, and my contacts with Sawiko in Germany have been more encouraging). http://www.sawiko.de/downloads/Katalog_2014/Katalog_2014_Anhaengekupplungen.pdf Due to the nature of the chassis extension, the towing load is limited to 1000kg (though for a bike rack this is hardly relevant). The (Ford) towing electrics were supplied in a plastic bag with my 'van (and now sit in my garage). I used to carry the MTBs on the rack back of the 'van, but, TBH, I was never happy with the heavier E-bikes there, and they now go in the garage secured (padded with pipe-lagging) against the back wall by bungees through the load-eyes, with a Fiamma bike holder arm to keep them apart. It's slightly more of a faff to get them out and back, but it does keep them both secure and clean, and still leaves plenty of room for the other stuff I need. Sawiko (as stated, now part of Al-Ko) will also provide towbars for the Al-Ko chassis on an Exsis (but I quite like the idea of the chassis-attached bike platforms they do). Frankly, as they fit at the factory, if I was interested, I'd have a trip to Germany). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Had Enough Posted June 29, 2014 Share Posted June 29, 2014 Thanks RH, that's very encouraging. Am I right though in remembering that I was advised not to fit a towing bracket? I'm sure I've read it somewhere in my Hobby's literature. Anyway, I've just had a brainwave, which I should really have thought about earlier. My shower tray has cracked, see picture. It seems to be unsupported here which is a bit of a design fault. Replacing it is an horrendous job as I'm sure you'll understand. Eventually I came up with this solution and will be taking my 'van to Stoke-on-Trent, which isn't too far for me. http://www.towtal.co.uk/motorhome-caravan-servicing/shower-tray-repair I've just been browsing their site and of course their main business is towing brackets so whilst it's with them I'll ask them to have a look and see if they can make one for me. I'll also show them your link and the pdf of the German ones. Thanks for the help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted June 29, 2014 Share Posted June 29, 2014 ...since the official price list (which I still have) includes the option for a tow-bar, and the handbook includes a reference number, I don't think your recollection of it not being "authorised" can be correct. The handbook also contains a reference to Sawiko load carriers (i.e. those that attach to the rear extension much the same as would a towbar, but to take a box or bikes), indicating that these are the only ones that don't invalidate the warranty. For external mounting, I like the look of these (e.g. the VeloIII) for secure bike transport. http://www.sawiko.de/downloads/Katalog_2014/Katalog_2014_Hecktraeger_Reisemobile.pdf Good luck with the shower tray - having had one crack in two previous motorhomes, I now walk on mine like it is made from eggshells, but the one in the Hobby is OK so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted June 29, 2014 Share Posted June 29, 2014 Robinhood - 2014-06-29 4:20 PM Good luck with the shower tray - having had one crack in two previous motorhomes, I now walk on mine like it is made from eggshells, but the one in the Hobby is OK so far. You need to cut back on the pork pies Robin :D..........................Or alternatively get a duck board made ;-) ...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithl Posted June 29, 2014 Share Posted June 29, 2014 Had Enough - 2014-06-29 3:57 PM Eventually I came up with this solution and will be taking my 'van to Stoke-on-Trent, which isn't too far for me. http://www.towtal.co.uk/motorhome-caravan-servicing/shower-tray-repair I've just been browsing their site and of course their main business is towing brackets so whilst it's with them I'll ask them to have a look and see if they can make one for me. HE, Bad news I'm afraid, it was reported on here earlier this month that Towtal had gone bust... "Incidentally, towingaframes "Blog and Latest News" section claims that the UK A-frame specialist TOWtal went into liquidation on 29 April 2014, something I was not aware of. (The TOWtal website still seems to be operating normally.)" Twelfth post... Link. Keith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Had Enough Posted June 29, 2014 Share Posted June 29, 2014 Keithl - 2014-06-29 8:37 PM Had Enough - 2014-06-29 3:57 PM Eventually I came up with this solution and will be taking my 'van to Stoke-on-Trent, which isn't too far for me. http://www.towtal.co.uk/motorhome-caravan-servicing/shower-tray-repair I've just been browsing their site and of course their main business is towing brackets so whilst it's with them I'll ask them to have a look and see if they can make one for me. HE, Bad news I'm afraid, it was reported on here earlier this month that Towtal had gone bust... "Incidentally, towingaframes "Blog and Latest News" section claims that the UK A-frame specialist TOWtal went into liquidation on 29 April 2014, something I was not aware of. (The TOWtal website still seems to be operating normally.)" Twelfth post... Link. Keith. Thanks for that but I checked them out at Companies' House, which is something I often do before dealing with a firm. You are right in that they liquidated Towtal Ltd but they are still trading from the same place, with the same staff. I'm not sure what went wrong at Towtal but they're obviously trying to make a go of it again. The new company is called Steel4U Ltd T/A TOW Tal I've spoken with them and was quite impressed by their knowledge so I'm happy to give them a chance. I'll report back on my shower repair and their advice on a towbar for my Transit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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