Dose anyone use a detachable swan neck tow bar with a als1300 stablizer hitch? My new car is booked in to get a brink one fitted next week but just want to confirm its the right one? Some say detachable are close to the bumper? Thanks Lewis
Depends on the car. Check the clearance required for you hitch. It will be in the manual or searchable online, from memory, AKS 1300 requires min 65mm clearance, centre of ball to bumper.
Then go to your towbar fitter & have written on purchase receipt that you require at least that clearance between centre of ball & bumper, then you are covered.
Tbf it's unlikely there will be insufficient clearance. The only possible problem could occur if your model of the car has a larger bumper than other versions of same model. I think there were some Skoda models that had this problem in the past.
Only other thing just to be aware of is that you are required, by law, to attach the breakaway cable to the tow bar, where applicable. If there is a fixing point, you must use it. If there isn't, you are allowed to wrap the cable around the tow bar, but this is not permitted with some removable tow bar types, so just worth making 100% sure you know how you will be attaching it.
------------- The one good thing about being wrong is the joy it brings to others..
Quote: Originally posted by Blue Sky Pennine on 14/8/2016
Only other thing just to be aware of is that you are required, by law, to attach the breakaway cable to the tow bar, where applicable. If there is a fixing point, you must use it. If there isn't, you are allowed to wrap the cable around the tow bar, but this is not permitted with some removable tow bar types, so just worth making 100% sure you know how you will be attaching it.
The bit about break away cables can be very confusing the cable is there to apply the brakes should the trailer and car part company in most cases this will only occur should the tow ball fall off if the cable is around the ball the brakes on the trailer wont come on I always fit the breakaway to a fixed point I used to drive a tractor for a local council in London I gad a trailer fitted with 5 gang mowers hop off when the hitch failed I tell you I have never been more scared even flying off my motorbike at 90mph wasn't as scary
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Russ Boy
Quote: Originally posted by Blue Sky Pennine on 14/8/2016
Only other thing just to be aware of is that you are required, by law, to attach the breakaway cable to the tow bar, where applicable. If there is a fixing point, you must use it. If there isn't, you are allowed to wrap the cable around the tow bar, but this is not permitted with some removable tow bar types, so just worth making 100% sure you know how you will be attaching it.
The bit about break away cables can be very confusing the cable is there to apply the brakes should the trailer and car part company in most cases this will only occur should the tow ball fall off if the cable is around the ball the brakes on the trailer wont come on I always fit the breakaway to a fixed point I used to drive a tractor for a local council in London I gad a trailer fitted with 5 gang mowers hop off when the hitch failed I tell you I have never been more scared even flying off my motorbike at 90mph wasn't as scary
I tow as part of my business, and I've had it happen three times. On every occasion, my tow bar has remained intact, but, I agree, it's not ideal, which is why you must use a fixed point, if you have one.
I'm sure is does happen a lot, though, so I, also, agree, fixed point is way better. I have one on mine, and always use it. I'm not sure I would feel comfortable wrapping it around the tow bar, just in case. Of course, the chances of a removable tow bar coming off are higher, which is why the legislation tells you to; "refer to the manufacturers advice" in respect of these, and, hence, my point above.
------------- The one good thing about being wrong is the joy it brings to others..
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Topic: Detachable towbars
