Suda Posted July 12, 2014 Share Posted July 12, 2014 We have a Thule bike rack for our electric bikes and need a towbar to fit on a Fiat Ducato Rapido v56. Please can anyone advise on brand and possible cost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gram Posted July 12, 2014 Share Posted July 12, 2014 If it were me, I'd go for a Westfalia detachable. A couple of things to consider: 1) Do you have reversing sensors set in the bumper? 2) Do you use the rear bumper as a step? Item 1 affects the available choice. Item 2 is relevant because most tow bars for your PVC will replace the crossbeam currently supporting the plastic bumper with one that is set lower. This will introduce a 'give' in the top surface of the bumper if it is stood upon. G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldi Posted July 13, 2014 Share Posted July 13, 2014 Morning all, On my previous van I had Westfalia 150 kg fitted. norm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul2 Posted July 13, 2014 Share Posted July 13, 2014 Hi I fitted the Westfalia detachable tow bar and used Westfalia's wiring kit for reversing sensors this wiring kit turns off sensors when trailer lights plugged in, both were easy to fit. If I was doing again I would not go for the detachable because I'm lazy and leave the ball on all the time! Hope that helps. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggyd Posted July 14, 2014 Share Posted July 14, 2014 We have just had a Witter tow bar fitted which does not interfere with the reversing sensors. It replaces the crossbeam under the plastic bumper which fits well back on, and is more solid. We bought a Uebler bike rack when we were in Germany that comes in a zip up carrying bag it is easily lifted off if need be and comes with locks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gram Posted July 14, 2014 Share Posted July 14, 2014 With some models of PVC tow bar a gap of a few millimetres is introduced between the top of the new cross-member and the underside of the plastic bumper. This allows the top of the bumper to sag if it is used as a step. However, this is irrelevant for the Rapido V56 and Autocruise Alto as the rear door is not used for access. G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rolandrat Posted July 15, 2014 Share Posted July 15, 2014 Check out a Tow Trust from Atherstone, they are very good and look the part on the Ducato. They just bolt straight onto the chassis. Nothing has to be altered or removed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rolandrat Posted July 15, 2014 Share Posted July 15, 2014 Correction to the previous post, the whole towbar assembly replaced a cross member underneath the rear step and bolted into the chassis points. The part number is type E11 TP3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel B Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Link to the Tow Trust Ducato 2006> towbar: http://www.tow-trust.co.uk/towbars/fiat/ducato/TP3-ducato-van-inc-models-with-reversing-sensors-inc-maxi-inc-trigano-tribute-650-motorhome-2007 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayjsj Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 If the van is 2012, then it should have a 'type approved' towbar fitted, yes, they do cost more. We had a Witter detachable fitted at our local Witter Dealer, it doesn't get in the way of our reversing sensors even with the towhook fitted. Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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