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Topic: Towbars help please.

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villasean

19/5/2014 at 10:01pm
Location: midlands
Outfit: swift kingsmere

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Hi Guys.
totally new to the site and just as new to caravanning.
have just purchased a swift kingsmere 2008 model.
I urgently need to get a quote for a towbar to be fitted to my 2003 bmw 525 diesel, trouble is I have just been informed that there are different electrical connections plus etc, was hoping someone may have some info as to what I require to suit my van and car to enable me to give the correct info to the tow bar companies as to my requirements so I can get an accurate quote. and what would be a fair price for the supply and fitting of this towbar.
Thanks so much in advance. Sean

checkley1973

19/5/2014 at 10:38pm
Location: Sheffield
Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636

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need to check if you have an aloo stabiliser on the van hitch ( I would think you would have )

Do you want detachable or fixed tow bar?

where in mids are you based?

I personally would always have a vehicle specific wiring kit.

villasean

19/5/2014 at 10:48pm
Location: midlands
Outfit: swift kingsmere

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Quote: Originally posted by checkley1973 on 19/5/2014
need to check if you have an aloo stabiliser on the van hitch ( I would think you would have )

Do you want detachable or fixed tow bar?

where in mids are you based?

I personally would always have a vehicle specific wiring kit.

villasean

19/5/2014 at 10:54pm
Location: midlands
Outfit: swift kingsmere

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Hi.
thanks for the reply is there much of a cost difference between fixed or detachable?
I am not really bothered if it is fixed, I am based in tamworth Staffordshire.
just after a reasonably priced reliable towbar with the correct plug info so I can get an accurate quote.

villasean

19/5/2014 at 10:55pm
Location: midlands
Outfit: swift kingsmere

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oh and yes there is a stabiliser hitch.

Grampian91

19/5/2014 at 11:39pm
Location: Midlands
Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram

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Any towbar will be suitable. If you go for a fixed flange make sure its an ALKO towball.

All the non fixed and swan neck types are already suitable.

Only the older fixed flange towballs need to be swapped.

Correct plug depends on whats fitted to your caravan. 2 7 pin sockets or a single 13 pin?

tango55

20/5/2014 at 12:54am
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

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If your BMW has rear parking sensors fitted and you have a fixed flange towball fitted, make sure that the socket/s are not fitted behind the two flange bolts otherwise the socket plate will be detected by the sensors. The plate will need to be installed out of detection range ie. under the vehicle's rear bumper. However, if it's a detachable towbar (with no flange) then the socket/s will normally be fitted somewhere under the rear bumper anyway.
In relation to the AL-KO stabiliser hitch on the caravan, if you have a detachable towbar fitted there won't be any issues and will accommodate the stabiliser but if you have a fixed flange towbar (bolted on by 2 x 16mm. nuts and bolts) then you will need an AL-KO towball which has extra clearance under the ball and a slightly longer neck to accommodate the stabiliser. Do not fix a standard towball as it doesn't incorporate the longer neck or clearance so the caravan could become detached so it's important to understand the difference between the two types of towballs.
What Grampian91 has said (above) is correct so this is another post of confirmation and a bit more info for yourself as a newbie.

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