Approved/non approved tow bars (1 Viewer)

[Brian_K]

I have an Elddis Accordo 135. Unfortunately I never had a tow bar fitted when new (earlier this year) when it would have been £575 as an option. The price now from the dealer is £800.

The reason for the tow bar is to fit a Thule Easybase and a Fiamma 320 Ultrabox (don’t like the bike racks, to high and block the rear window). After some discussion with Armitage Trailers http://www.armitagetrailers.com/TagBurstner.htm I can have one of their own make fitted for £690.

These are not type approved, does that mean at some point in the future (should I wish) I wouldn’t be able to pull a trailer. Also not sure if it falls into the scope of an MOT.

Brian

 

[DuxDeluxe]

As far as I remember, you can fit a non type approved towbar but they can only be used for things like bike racks. Somebody will be on soon to clarify, I'm sure

 

[scotjimland]

Have a look at this company.. and get a quote

http://www.watling-towbars.co.uk/motorhome_towbars.html


Vehicle Registration Date Towbar options

Before April 2012 e.g. ‘60’, ‘11’, ‘61’
Non-Approved towbar can be fitted and used as normal
Type Approved towbar can be fitted and used as normal

After April 2012 e.g. ‘12’, ‘62’, ‘13’ etc.
Non Approved towbar can be fitted but used only for bicycle rack support, motorbike or scooter rack support, other load carrying devise
Type Approved towbar should be fitted for all towing applications

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[Allanm]

Found this. Not sure if it's fully accurate as it is posted by a towbar manufacturer
http://www.towbarsdirect.co.uk/faqtypeapproval.htm#Q2

 

[gozomike]

Found this:-
https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/towing-equipment
I thought all towbars fitted to vehicles registered after a certain date had to be approved. Have just had a quick look at the MOT testers manual on line but cannot see reference to approval, just testing them.

 

[chaser]

If you don't need a towbar as such why not just make some brackets to hold your bike rack and box then regs don't come into it

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[Brian_K]

If you don't need a towbar as such why not just make some brackets to hold your bike rack and box then regs don't come into it

No where to put the brackets. The bike racks loop over the rear window, completely blocking it.

File photo:

Broken Link Removed

Brian

 

[Jamwitt]

I had a tow bar fitted on my elddis majestic it was a witter only one approved by elddis , you might not want to invalid warranty that was by marquis about £400 3yrs ago

 

[Brian_K]

Thanks for the replies.

After taking note of the comments and reading through the links it would seem non type approved are OK for bike racks, boxes etc. and should not to used to pull a trailer (the comment about insurance in one of the links was worth making a note of) - which is OK, as I don’t envisage ever pulling a trailer.

I think that’s the way to go for me, I already own the Thule Easybase and Fiamma box so it would be a waste not to use them when needed.

At the very least I’ll end up with a nice shiny stainless steel rear bumper

Brian

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[Brian_K]

I had a tow bar fitted on my elddis majestic it was a witter only one approved by elddis , you might not want to invalid warranty that was by marquis about £400 3yrs ago

Yep, good point.

Brian

 

[DuxDeluxe]

I can recommend Watlings. Not that cheap but they know their stuff. They have done two of my vans

 

[Pilote87]

Hi Brian,

I, like many on here, have used Mike Parkinson, based outside of Preston. He has a fixed price (was £350 when I bought one) for the fabrication and fit. He will lend you one of his cars for the duration of the work. Try giving him a call on 01772 634215, or use google to see what he has done in the past.

J

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[Brian_K]

Decided to go with Armitage trailers (closer to home). The fitting is a lengthy process (7 1/2 hours) but very pleased with the results. Thule Easybase fit's on a treat. Good bunch of guys in the workshop at Armitage's, seem to take pride in their work - a happy camper

Brian