We've had a couple of quotes for a towbar fitting to our 52 plate Alhambra. One was £185, one was £165 so far. We went back to the first chap as he's more local and asked if he could price match but he said he couldn't as it would cost him £155 for the bits. He said to make sure it has relay and said that some towbars can rust if they're cheap.
Are there certain questions we should be asking to make sure we get a good one and don't get ripped off? I don't want to sound green on the phone and have people taking advantage (esp as they do sometimes try when you're a female asking about mechanical and electrical doings..!)
Thanks for for any advice available. It's our first caravan and we haven't brought it home yet so I am slightly embarassed to be asking about every single thing but do appreciate your help. It's all learning innit!
Providing you get a well-known make of towbar, such as Bosal, Witter, etc., rust shouldn't be a problem. Make sure you know what you are paying for, eg., does the price cover electrics and 12N socket (essential for operating road lights)-(probably not at that price), and decide whether or not you require the additional (grey/12S) socket, to facilitate charging the caravan battery and running the fridge on the road,etc., or not. This can add on another £70 or so. Some people don't bother with this as it is not essential - I don't.
Please don't feel embarassed about asking question here - that's what the forum's all about.
That seems a fair price to me.We had a galaxy a few years ago with single electrics and it was at least £180 then. I had one fitted to my Passat in January with twin electrics and that was about £280 (just found the receipt) and it was £280.Guy came to the house and fitted it.Also found receipt for Sorento tow bar £305 with twin electrics.
hi there i use a firm in leeds called central towbars... they were the cheapest i could find did both my cars heres there number 0800 7832518 family business very help ful... dropped them of morning ready at lunch
just found my reciepts also my ford ranger not a tow sure bar he recommnded a different one for this was 185 and my mondeo was 165 both single electrics add 50 for twin just called him other day he will even upgrade my electrics after 6 months for the extra 50 quid reasonable i thought
Lucy - We've had two Alhambras - the first one did not have reversing sensors but the second one did. We had a standard PCT bar fitted by the supplying dealer and it caused the sensors to go off particularly in hot weather. We think that possibly the heat caused the bumper to expand slightly (part of the bumper stiffening has to be removed to fit the tow bar). In all fairness to the dealer they changed the bar to a fixed swan neck Bosal which totally resolved the problem. If your Alhambra has rear sensors make sure that you can go back to the fitting company if there is a problem!
Thanks so much for your replies, we have a good idea what to watch out for now.
Si rang the chap at the garage where they quoted £165 and he said he has 47 years experience of fitting tow bars and it'll be done to a high standard, so we feel a bit more confident - plus the firm fits Witter towbars which I understand are reputable, so that's good
Luckily our Alhambra doesn't have rear sensors and so that shouldn't be a problem, it's just a standard one but when we do upgrade (lottery win awaited, lol!) we'll definitely be getting another Alhambra so I'll make a mental note about the sensors.
Still waiting for the van to be fixed up ready to collect but can't wait. Plus the good news is that Si checked his towbar on his old Renault Scenic at the caravan place yesterday and it worked! Yippee! At last something goes right, lol.
Thanks again for your replies, I really appreciate your help as it's all so confusing when you don't know owt about it!
Best wishes
Lucy
Still cant figure out how they are doing it for that price, they must be short of work. cost of towbar & electrics would normally be that much. Is that the full price for twin electrics (12n/12s) including vat?
------------- Sell my camper? I'd rather eat school semolina!
It's one in Castleford, single electrics (recommended by caravan dealer as we're on a such a tight budget). It's the Castle Car Centre in Barnsdale Rd, Castleford 01977 604012.
Apparently our car has an easy to access chassis and so it's easy to bolt on, hence the low price compared to some. He did say all cars vary in price though depending on complexity. That's what he told my husband, sounds quite experienced so we'll keep you posted once job's done
It's a Brink one, rather than a Witter although the chap does fit Witter towbars too. He was a lovely man and did a great job, seems very knowledgeable and experienced. And gave my husband free reign over the kettle while he waited, always goes down well, lol!
It was £165 all in. So sounds like a good place to go! I have a feeling that if we do have any queries the chap will be more than happy to help, so we're very pleased.
We had a witter tow bar fitted to our alhambra for about 150 quid last year, seems straight forward as the tow bar completely replaces the metal bit of the bumper hidden behind the plastic.
------------- Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers!
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Topic: Fitting towbar to a Seat Alhambra
