We need to fit a tow bar to our Hyundai iX35 to accommodate a newly acquired, second hand Dandy trailer tent.
Along with the tent, we also have a fixed plate 'stabiliser bar' for a flange tow bar, from the previous owner.
As our Hyundai has rear parking sensors, depending on who we speak with, we have heard conflicting stories about what type of tow bar we need fitted.
Ideally we would like to use the provided stabiliser bar with a flange tow bar, as this would be most cost effective. One fitter has said this 'should' be ok, however others have suggested we would need to get a
'fixed' swan neck tow bar, to avoid the parking sensors, or even a 'removable' swan neck. But doing this would require an Alko Hitch stabiliser retro-fitted to the Dandy.....unless anyone can suggest
alternatives?
Dandy stockists do not do this, and to date we have been unable to find a caravan workshop, that will work on a trailer tent chassis, let alone get an idea of cost.
Therefore, if there are any Hyundai iX35, or similar, owners out there that have a tow bar fitted, that can share their experience and advise, it would be much appreciated?
you really dont need a stabiliser on a dandy, they tow great. as to the towbar. its the electrics that matter. if you have the proper dedicated harness fitted,it will turn off the sensors when the trailer is hitched.
That's 750kg max loaded weight and about 550kg unloaded. I know someone who tows one with a Fiat Punto 1.2 petrol and gets on fine albeit a bit slow on hills.
Thanks navver. The previous owner had had a bad experience with it 'jack knifing' after a lorry over took it on the motorway, which is why he used a stabiliser, and having never towed myself previously, I would be happier with one also. Thanks for the response.
An early Dandy Destiny may well be close to the manufacturers suggested weight. I put our 2004 model across the weighbridge and it was 1 tonne empty!
When we towed with a Scenic which had low energy tyres the outfit used to yaw at 55-60mph. It is somewhat better behind our new car which has tyres with a stiffer side wall.
Out of preference we fitted an ALKO 3004 stabiliser hitch as it is quicker and easier to hitch each time and you do not get problems with a leaf spring type stabiliser becoming unhooked when you get on or off a car ferry ramp.
We have appropriate speed rated tyres on the camper and it is stable when towing at 80 on the French autoroutes.
Bob, your destiny will be a toilet destiny which is 11'6" long and 1000kg loaded weight. Some of those have caused snaking problems.
The OPs destiny is a lowside without toilet or fridge. These are much lighter and shorter being only 9' long. They are much more stable than the toilet ones.
If you keep the nose weight of the Dandy up to the maximum your car will allow, including making sure that the awning is loaded at the front of the unit you should be fine. The other thing you could do is make sure that the elastic on the cover is strong and doing it's job. You can fit a hitch head stabilizer, they just bolt on just make sure you have the right sort of tow ball to make it work effectively.
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Topic: Dandy Tent -Tow Bar and Stabiliser
