Towbar for Maesss Evolution IV

[Guest Rowan Lee]

Has anyone out there had any experience of having a towbar fitted to a Maesss Evolution IV? We have been to Midland Magneto in Nottingham and they were unable to help us, but we have been advised by the dealer that towbars have been fitted to this model. Any information will be gratefully received, as it may save us having to travel many miles just to be told they can't help.

[Guest Neal]

You could try David Spreadbury at PWS of Poole in Dorset (March MMM p284) 01202 746851. Also, I've seen in April MMM p314 Armitage Trailers 01977 607155 Regards Neal

[Guest Rowan Lee]

Thanks Neal, I'll add these to my list. I'm hoping to hear from someone who has a Maesss, to try and save some traipsing all over the country to no avail. We made the trip across to Nottingham (about an hour and a half from here, Boston in Lincolnshire) only to be disappointed. But if needs must, we shall go on a round tour of towbar fitters!

[Guest Derek Uzzell]

"Towtal" (www.towtal.co.uk) ib Staffs is another well-known specialist.

[Guest David Powell]

If you look through Yellow Pages and find your local commercial trailer firm. They can usually manufacture a tow hitch for anything, at a price. Worth a phone call?

[Guest Neal]

Rowan The two I mentioned apparently specialise in manufacturing to fit, whatever that takes. I know this is the case for PWS so you shouldn't, in theory, have a wasted journey. Regards Neal

[Guest Clive]

We are lucky with motorhomes as the option of a bespoke towing bracket remains available to us. For cars only type aproved towbars are now permitted.

[Guest Rowan Lee]

Neal, Brilliant, we'll give them a go then and have a trip away at the same time. Clive, Yes, I've just discovered that about cars from the National Trailer and Towing Association website, someone wanted to put a towbar on a KA and can't. And we thought we could perhaps legally put a Smart car on an A frame but it seems it is the car's GVW that counts rather than its unladen weight, which seems a bit ridiculous. Oh well, back to the trailer! Many thanks for all your advice.

[Guest Derek Uzzell]

There was a long forum posting some while ago about the advisability of A-frame towing a Smart car rather than the legality of the practice. (Perhaps you recall it?) In practice, I believe a Smart's GVW is only likely to matter if one were proposing to tow the car on an un-braked A-frame where a 750kg limit would apply. Incidentally, there have been quite a few comments recently in the motoring press warning that Smart production is likely to get the chop soon. Apparently the Smart, as a brand, has never been profitable and Mercedes-Benz is in a cost-cutting mood.

[Guest Neal]

The GVW is irrelevant if one is proposing to tow "4 wheels down". The car will, in law, become the "trailer" and, because it is fitted with brakes, they MUST be working. So, only a braked A-frame should be used. Regards Neal

[Guest Mike B]

I had a towbar designed,fabricated & fitted to my van at Armitage Trailers in Ferrybridge and they were brilliant. Price agreed beforehand after inspection, bar fitted, scooter rack fitted and fully instructed how to use it. Whole lot together including fitting, straps, lighting & No.Plate board was just over £600 and ready exactly as promised. They are not far for you from Boston-straight up A1 and well worth the visit. Speak to Wayne and he'll do you a great job-I would thoroughly recommend them.

[Guest Clive]

I had the chassis extended past the back of the camper body, stout rear bumper with towbar fitting provided and fold up rack for 2 mopeds made and fitted by Newark Vehicle Bodies. Cost was £250. (1997) Go and talk to Brian Wilmer at Newark Vehicle Bodies.

[Guest Rowan Lee]

Thank you Mike B for your recommendation for Armitage Trailers at Ferrybridge. We went up today and saw Eric, the gaffer, who was doubtful at first, but took the trouble to have a proper look around underneath the vehicle and reckons that by making some sort of additional attachment through the floor of the rear storage compartment of our van, he will be able to do something for us. We are booked in for 3rd/4th May and will keep you posted. Thanks to everyone for their help.