Can we put a Swift Bolero towbar on a Bailey Autograph? (1 Viewer)

Mar 2, 2015
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We're in the process of changing our Swift Bolero 724FB for a Bailey Autograph 745 (had to go down to 3.5 tons). We've taken the towbar off the Bolero and are hoping we can transfer it to the Bailey as they both use the Alko chassis. Sounds simple but from experience know that nothing ever is - anyone either done this or is teccie enough to know if it's doable?
 

pappajohn

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Depends on the rear bodywork I would think.

Is there clearance for the bit that sticks out.

I would expect the chassis mounting to be the same unless one has extension pieces fitted to the rear of the chassis members......but not certain.
 

MikeD

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I think that if they are built after 2012 then the answer is probably no. Check the type approval certification. :rolleyes:

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PeteH

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I think that if they are built after 2012 then the answer is probably no. Check the type approval certification. :rolleyes:

I thought about that, but would tend to ignore it. IF I could fit it. But then ANYTHING which comes from EU Edicts, fully deserves to be ignored, like the French do ALL the time.

Pete (Outer!)
 
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I thought about that, but would tend to ignore it. IF I could fit it. But then ANYTHING which comes from EU Edicts, fully deserves to be ignored, like the French do ALL the time.

Pete (Outer!)
Not only the French but most of the rest of them!

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OP
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South_Wales_Lady
Mar 2, 2015
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Thanks for the replies - never heard of Type Approval for a towbar but have now done a search on the web and guess what, our Bolero is post-April 2012 so we've been "illegal" all along! Ah well, I thought it all seemed too easy, guess we'll have to bite the bullet and buy a new type-approved one, and maybe sell our old towbar to someone with a pre-2012 van.
 

PeteH

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That's fine until something goes wrong. If you had an accident that's more than enough of a reason for your insurance company not to pay out.

How would they know? Unless you where daft enough to tell them! remember it did say "IF it would fit" and in my case I almost always do it myself anyway, Most fitters (so called) know less than "dick". So unless you go to a "Specialist" and pay out Loadsa dosh for written guarantees you are wasting cash! Fitting any tow bar is ONLY common sense!. HELL I made my own in the past and NEVER had a Failure of any kind except the one "professionally" made and fitted which fractured in France!

Pete
 

MikeD

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Thanks for the replies - never heard of Type Approval for a towbar but have now done a search on the web and guess what, our Bolero is post-April 2012 so we've been "illegal" all along! Ah well, I thought it all seemed too easy, guess we'll have to bite the bullet and buy a new type-approved one, and maybe sell our old towbar to someone with a pre-2012 van.

We could not find anybody who was willing to fit a towbar to the van unless it was type approved. :(
 

hilldweller

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I know it is fashionable to knock the EU directives but a tow bar, you could be towing a big caravan or a car on a trailer so consider the potential carnage if it failed.

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Autowbars

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How would they know? Unless you where daft enough to tell them! remember it did say "IF it would fit" and in my case I almost always do it myself anyway, Most fitters (so called) know less than "dick". So unless you go to a "Specialist" and pay out Loadsa dosh for written guarantees you are wasting cash! Fitting any tow bar is ONLY common sense!. HELL I made my own in the past and NEVER had a Failure of any kind except the one "professionally" made and fitted which fractured in France!

Pete

As a towbar fitter for over 25 years I believe I know a good bit about them. It is NOT only common sense, we have turned down fittings due to the vehicle not being suitable, chassis extensions not being strong enough etc.
NOT all MHs can have a towbar fitted.

I have had owners bring a MH in asking "can you help"
after a chassis bend, towbar not fitting properly, we ALWAYS say, sorry NO.
Our insurance cover would not cover us for bodge jobs.
Believe me an insurance company would look at the towbar being a vehicle alteration if the claim warranted it!
If not type approved after 2012, and 1998 for PVCs you could end up in the sxxt
 

PeteH

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Type approval = Permission to make loadsa dosh. Another original EU "proposal" which we are saddled with. Please note however I did Say IF it fits, and "Specialist". The rest is not essential but is good for "Business" and is designed to put the Competent DIY out of the arena.

pete
 

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