A Frame Query

Oct 25, 2015
458
286
Devizes
Funster No
39,750
MH
Bailey 79-4t
Exp
Since 2016
This is not intended to be a heated discussion about A frames but more about a query on whether the frame type shown is any good.
The enquiry is on behalf of a third party looking for a tow car to benefit their personal circumstances.
This appears to be a mechanical braking type as opposed to an electronic one so the advice I’m seeking is the pros and cons of this particular one rather than ‘don’t get it, go for the electronic one’
Thanks
 

Attachments

  • 1B8D6B89-2EC5-4308-9477-C58AE8915230.jpeg
    1B8D6B89-2EC5-4308-9477-C58AE8915230.jpeg
    581.3 KB · Views: 69
  • FC8FA3C4-5CDB-40AF-8F44-BD2D22065F32.jpeg
    FC8FA3C4-5CDB-40AF-8F44-BD2D22065F32.jpeg
    503.2 KB · Views: 69
  • 3ABA5C50-253A-4833-83F6-39AFECC5E4D3.jpeg
    3ABA5C50-253A-4833-83F6-39AFECC5E4D3.jpeg
    1.1 MB · Views: 66
  • E8A24D7F-DAD8-466C-9A66-876CEBC936F5.jpeg
    E8A24D7F-DAD8-466C-9A66-876CEBC936F5.jpeg
    590.5 KB · Views: 68
We use a mechanical overrun type brakes A frame without any problems.
You can’t really reverse the mechanical type but the wheels lock around in reverse anyway so doesn’t bother me.
I know people will say they can reverse with it but not ours
 
Well, I have used both types, towing similar weighted tow cars

Both towed well

Main difference is price- could cost up to £1500 more for an electronic one
Second usual difference is the weight of the unit- a mechanical one normally heavier- some are MUCH heavier

The mech one I used though was sourced to be "only" 14kg and a nicely powder coated one
My experience is that some well known makes are quite heavy and crude

my experience also is that the dearest electronic one can sometimes be fitted/wired up by persons who should not be let near a complicated new car :LOL:
 
Nothing wrong with overrun brakes, the weight of the car pushing on the overrun device is more than enough braking power. Weight is the only real downside. Reversing is not possible with overrun brakes so there is a non compliance issue there but in practice it makes little difference. I have tried reversing having disconnected the brake cable and almost always the car’s wheels go out of line, the exception being reversing down a gradient when the car isn’t being pushed by the motorhome.
 
I had an Armitage mechanical A frame , worked ok but brake lights often stayed on when stationary and it was tooooo heavy. It would not break easily. I understand that these devices need a handbrake device for the toad . Mine had one. I have noted thang many electronic A Frames have no hand brake? If it is being classed as a trailer for towing purposes it should have one. Grey Area no doubt !

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
We have a Armatidge mechanically braked, had it for 5 years and no problems at all apart from it being over engineered and heavy. Friends of ours had the expensive electronic braking system and it jammed the brakes on at the 1st roundabout he came to and he had to be recovered.
 
We use a mechanical overrun type brakes A frame without any problems.
You can’t really reverse the mechanical type but the wheels lock around in reverse anyway so doesn’t bother me.
I know people will say they can reverse with it but not ours
Yep. What e said😉
 
Hi looks like a caratow old style we had on a panda, should have shot cord from base of seat around brake peddle when towing to pull brakes off. Only problem I had the frame was slightly sloppy and the hitch would move horizontally by an inch, i Could sometimes feel the car on the back. I now have a Suzuki on a new Taf a frame cannot feel it. So I would check the frame fit, never had a problem with overrun brakes.
 
I had an Armitage mechanical A frame , worked ok but brake lights often stayed on when stationary and it was tooooo heavy. It would not break easily. I understand that these devices need a handbrake device for the toad . Mine had one. I have noted thang many electronic A Frames have no hand brake? If it is being classed as a trailer for towing purposes it should have one. Grey Area no doubt !
Why grey? The car has a handbrake.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Back
Top