Can we talk Towbars?

[Janks78]

Evening All,

I am contemplating a Towbar for my Motorhome. It’s an Ixeo 664 from 2010 on a Ducato x250 camper chassis. There are extensions from the chassis, these look to be galvanised steel. Firstly, do the extensions need changing, an if not how do I know if these are strong enough to mount a Towbar to? Secondly are there any recommendations. Dearly beloved doesn’t want to spoil the look of the back of the MH with a large visible crash bar so unless that is my only option that style is out. Initially the Towbar is to be used for a bike carrier, later down the line maybe to tow a small motorbike trailer or towbar mounted scooter. I have attached some pics of the underside. Thanks in advance!

.

 

[tonka]

On a 2010 van you will have to get one fabricated. The cheap way they will just fit it to the extensions. A proper job will go along the extension bars and onto the main vehicle chassis.
I see your in Lancashire. Search out M Parkinson .

Motorhome Towbars Lancashire Blackpool Preston Manchester

Motorhome towbars and services, professionaly fitted motorhome towbars and bike racks

motorhometowbarslancashire.co.uk

 

[Janks78]

Thanks Tonka, I have seen this chaps website. I will bare in mind.

 

[Phill D]

I agree with tonka , the extensions look as if they would either need considerable strengthening or long extensions directly to the main chassis.

on our 2012 Adria a COC came with the user manuals for the chassis extension and gives how & what loads it can take and how a towbar would fit.

think you need a decent towbar specialist to have a look.

wont be cheap though, you could be talking around £1k

 

[Phill D]

Edit!!! are those side extension a box section cant tell from the pictures.

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[Phill D]

here you go from our van

the last photo is the strengthening kit for our van that goes "across" the van

 

[Minxy]

I suspect you'll need to replace the existing brackets if you want to utilise it for carrying something heavy and/or tow.

What's the towing capacity on the vehicle plate? Also what is the MH weight in full 'holiday' mode and what' is the weight on each axle? This will tell you whether you have the spare payload/capacity to do what you want both now and in the future.

 

[Janks78]

Edit!!! are those side extension a box section cant tell from the pictures.

Hi Phill,

They are a box section but not that thick. The rear bar certainly is thinner. I may consider just for bike rack and scrap the towing element. I thought it wouldn’t be cheap. Nothing to do with Motorhoming is as I’m finding out

 

[The Coops]

Go and see Mick Parkinson in Freckelton top fabricator Easy to find on Kirkham Road BUT go from the village not the by pass!

 

[Phill D]

Hi Phill,

They are a box section but not that thick. The rear bar certainly is thinner. I may consider just for bike rack and scrap the towing element. I thought it wouldn’t be cheap. Nothing to do with Motorhoming is as I’m finding out

My Adria has a ( I think its light weight anyway ) chassis extension in alloy and according to the spec that come with it needs the strengthening bar in photo set across between the extension to stop it twisting in on itself £300 if you buy the ready made kit. then the towbar and electrics which was quoted me as £ 800 minimum........
so
I gave the idea up and I dont have a tow bar./.......,

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[The Coops]

My Adria has a ( I think its light weight anyway ) chassis extension in alloy and according to the spec that come with it needs the strengthening bar in photo set across between the extension to stop it twisting in on itself £300 if you buy the ready made kit. then the towbar and electrics which was quoted me as £ 800 minimum........
so
I gave the idea up and I dont have a tow bar./.......,

About £300 from a good fabricator should do it! I know a very good one that all the dealers on the N West use...............in Freckleton! and charge for doing so! Speak to him direct it wont be anything like you have been quoted!

 

[WESTY66]

My Adria has a ( I think its light weight anyway ) chassis extension in alloy and according to the spec that come with it needs the strengthening bar in photo set across between the extension to stop it twisting in on itself £300 if you buy the ready made kit. then the towbar and electrics which was quoted me as £ 800 minimum........
so
I gave the idea up and I dont have a tow bar./.......,

I’ve given up too, it’s just too much money for a towbar for the Adria Sonic, I’ll do without

 

[Campervan_man]

Mick Parkinson :-
Drive in to the village of Freckleton.
Turn 1st right at the pub up a short dead end road { He is at the end of the road on the left }.

 

[Janks78]

Looks like I’ll be paying Mick a visit!!

 

[Ridgeway]

We had a standard Sawiko extension kit fitted to our, the tow bracket and electrics etc but the Sawiko kit was off the shelf

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