Type approved towbar?

[Hils and Glenns]

We've inherited a tow bar on our van. I think it might have been factory fitted. I can't see any label on it saying its type approved. Is there a way to find out if it is, or a way to get it type approved? It looks sturdy and is fitted to an alko chassis.

 

[Fontie]

If it was fitted before 2012 it didn't need type approval, can you ask the previous owner what they towed using it. Doubt you'd be able to get it type approved now. I'd just tow using it so long as what you were towing is a sensible weight. Not many out there would even know about type approval

 

[tonyidle]

Type approval doesn't strengthen a tow bar and whether it's marked as such will never be checked by anyone, ever. I have an A class for which no type-approved towbar is available. I had one made and fitted by a respected engineer and I'm happy that it is as good as the one I would have made myself if I'd had the time. I don't understand the modern obsession with bits of paper or labels that 'prove' that something is 'safe'.

 

[Speve]

Taken from Gov.uk website
Trailers, caravans and towing equipment
The equipment you use with your trailer or caravan must:

• meet certain safety standards
• be used correctly

You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
Carry out safety checks to make sure you’re using the trailer and equipment legally.
Towing bars
If you get a tow bar for your car, it needs to be ‘type approved’. This means it meets EU regulations and is designed for your car.
Type-approved tow bars have a label with:

• an approval number
• details of the vehicles it’s approved for

If your car was first used before 1 August 1998, your tow bar doesn’t need to be type-approved.

 

[Kevan]

I Glenn if your new van is later than 2012 which i presume it is, then the tow bar will be type approved
you can see we have now downsized to a pvc.

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[tonyidle]

Taken from Gov.uk website
Trailers, caravans and towing equipment
The equipment you use with your trailer or caravan must:

• meet certain safety standards
• be used correctly

You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
Carry out safety checks to make sure you’re using the trailer and equipment legally.
Towing bars
If you get a tow bar for your car, it needs to be ‘type approved’. This means it meets EU regulations and is designed for your car.
Type-approved tow bars have a label with:

• an approval number
• details of the vehicles it’s approved for

If your car was first used before 1 August 1998, your tow bar doesn’t need to be type-approved.

I understand the regulations. However no-one manufactures tow bars for low-volume conversions - especially A class where the rear overhang requires a device unique to the conversion.

 

[Speve]

I understand the regulations. However no-one manufactures tow bars for low-volume conversions - especially A class where the rear overhang requires a device unique to the conversion.

Understand that but Alko do the kits for their chassis.??

 

[tonyidle]

Understand that but Alko do the kits for their chassis.??

True. There are many kits that will cover most motorhomes. A number of suppliers seem to get around the regulation by making chassis extensions (arguably the most important part) then fitting a universal approved towbar to the rear of them. And charging quite a lot of money. I went to an engineer who has been making custom mh towbars for years. He made a one-piece towbar that fits perfectly, looks tidy, and cost £300 (I did my own electrics) about two years ago. No plastic approval sticker though .

 

[Hils and Glenns]

Thanks Everyone. Our van is 2013 so the towbar is probably ok. But we want to take it off as we don't tow. I thought I might sell it but don't think I could if I have no evidence its type approved.