Apache 700SE ALKO Extensions and Towbar queries

[Jeffers_S13]

I'm fairly sure my '54 Apache 700SE has Alko extensions on the back of the fiat chassis after a post that someone made suggesting that if the parts are galvanised then it's Alko. They look like they're welded on (the area that was dressed before welding looks like it had no sort of protection applied so there is some heavy surface rust.

It also has rear stay frame fitted, unsure whether this was a factory option or if someone has had them added at a later date? either way it was also either untreated when installed or the paint was very poor as it's rusted quite bad, it's also twisted as though they've been clouted on something, presumably because the back swung around and hit maybe a kerb (?!).

Forgetting that the stays are there (I may remove or modify them to accomodate a tow bar) but does this mean an 'Alko' towbar could fit? what makes a tow bar an 'Alko' tow bar? is it the width between the rails or that it makes use of mounting holes in the Alko chassis?

Are the Alko extensions the same shape/design as the rear ends of a full Alko chassis?

Is there anyone in the LE postcode area that has a 700SE of the same era as mine with a towbar fitted that I could come and examine/take pics of?

 

[tonka]

2004 you will need to have a towbar fabricated to suit. There will be nothing "off the shelf".
The 700 has extensions but I have never seen any reference to them being ALKO..

I had a 2005 model 700 and also a 2012 van... On the later van they were just starting to bring in some standarisation as it became a legal requirement to have only "type approved" towbars after April 2012..

If this helps.
Motorhome towbar fitters.

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[Jeffers_S13]

Thanks for the reply tonka, it was very prolific funster 'pappajohn' who put up the post #9 and he seems to have very good knowledge on various matters like this.

Which towbar for Fiat Ducato based Moho?

We've recently bought a 2018 Carado T449 which has a Ducato base. I want to DIY fit a towbar, possibly with a rear beam as I may make a vertical kayak rack for it. How do I identify which towbar I need without taking it somewhere? I've fitted towbars to a variety of vehicles in the past, and...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Thanks for the links but I'm hoping to buy something used from ebay that fits with a little modification. Do you happen to have any pics of the underside from your 2004 towbar?

 

[Ivory55]

Are you allowed to modify a tow bar now. I thought that they had tightened up laws on tow bars and towing etc. I don’t know for sure but it might be worth checking.

 

[MikeD]

I don't think you have a Alko rear chassis as I thought the springs on Alko are torsion bars not leaf as showing in your photo..

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[tonka]

Are you allowed to modify a tow bar now. I thought that they had tightened up laws on tow bars and towing etc. I don’t know for sure but it might be worth checking.

April 2012 was the magical date. From then only type approved can be fitted. Plus AFAIK that only applies if you actually have a tow ball to pull something. If you wanted a rear bar for protection or to carry a scooter on a rack then I don't think it applies and you and make something.

Jeffers_S13 No pics but I had one made and fitted at Towtal in Stoke for my 2005 van.
Went rusty pretty quick but thats another story..

Anything you buy used will need some modification to adapt PLUS be aware that as they are just chassis extensions then you should not just bolt a towbar to it.. The support needs to go right back to the original Fiat chassis otherwise a good chance you can pull the ass end off your van

 

[Jeffers_S13]

Ivory55 - You must fit a type approved towbar to any motorhome registered after April 2012, mine is 2004 so that rule does not apply.

MikeD - No, I don't have an Alko chassis. It's a Ducato chassis but I think it has Alko rear extensions, they 'fasten' (seem to be welded on mine) to the rear end of the standard Fiat chassis. They're fairly common if you do a search on google on this topic.

tonka - Yes, I am CEng (for the last 14 yrs), and my degree was specialised in Automotive Engineering, I've spent time Engineering parts of the flying and rolling machinery you find on the battlefield, flying machinery non-funsters go on their hols in and wheeled vehicles you find in warehouses! What I fabricate will be 'substantial' with diagonal bracing (that most proprietary towbars don't seem to have) to eliminate shear loads across the rear end to ensure the integrity of my MoHo is not compromised in any way