As lockdowns are easing and the first campsites in the UK are opening up the UK is becoming a nation of staycationers. Whilst this has been ever-so-lightly imposed on us, recent conversations with clients show us that most are not down-in-the-mouth about not travelling abroad. They are excited to visit parts of the UK that they’d never previously thought about!
Installing towbars has been a huge part of our business for many years, but now more than ever and so we think it’s time to share some of our motorhome towbar know-how.
Wherever your vehicle is located in South Wales, we provide towbar installation services to a range of different vehicle types in Swansea, Bridgend, Cardiff, Newport, and more.
Can I have a towbar fitted to my motorhome?
Quite brutally, not always! Not every motorhome will accommodate a towbar due to obstruction from the spare wheel, waste pipes or water tank, for example. If you are considering buying a motorhome or having one fitted to your current motorhome, speak to a specialist towbar fitter like Kits-n-Bits first who will advise you on whether it is possible for a towbar to fitted legally and safely.
Can I transfer a towbar from my old motorhome to my new one?
Possibly, but we’d need to check. If your new old motorhome pre-dates 2012, then almost certainly not, even if you are replacing it with a similar make and model. (see the next point below).
Are there any legal requirements for motorhome towbars?
There are some, but if you use an experienced towbar supplier and fitter, the legalities aren’t too onerous.
Towbar Type
If your motorhome was registered in 2012 or after, it will need an EC type-approved towbar. Anything before that date and the towbar will be made-to-measure.
Weight
It’s important that you know what the Gross Train Weight of your motorhome is. This is the total weight of the laden towing vehicle and its loaded trailer. Your Gross Train Weight can be found on your data plate (usually found in the vehicle cabin, under the bonnet, or on the chassis), or handbook and you should be very careful not to exceed it.
You should also be aware of your Rear Axle Weight which can also be found in your handbook or data plate. This is because the more weight to put into the back of the motorhome, the more the pressure on the rear axle increases. This can create a see-saw effect and too much weight gives rise to the danger of broken suspension, brake and transmission failure and even tyre blow-outs. This is costly financially, but also in the risk to life.
It’s worthwhile to check your weights at a local weighbridge to ensure that your towing weight is safe.
A word about motorhome cycle carriers
If you are hoping to take bicycles on your motorhome holidays, you should factor this into your tow bar research (or tell your installer first). The tow bar or carrier you need will amongst other things, depend on your motorhome, how many bicycles you want to carry and their prospective weight.
Motorhome Towbar fitting
We are going to tell you to ask an expert to fit your towbar, naturally. It’s our job to do so, but not without reason. Kits-n-bits are experts in towbars. From understanding the legal and safety requirements to selecting the right towbar for your motorhome, to fitting it legally and safely and to providing aftersales care. This year, there are going to be more motorhomes on the road than ever before, make sure that yours is out there safely. Talk to our team on 01446 334 005 or email sales@kits-n-bits.com