Tow Bars 2 Tow Cars

Tow-bars 2 Tow-cars - Your Questions Answered

Q. You are based a long way from us: why don’t you have any fitting agents nearer to us?

A: We believe in fitting the system professionally. When using fitting agents they are only as good as the amount they are paid. It is in their interest to fit your car as quickly as possible and often their interests are put before you the customer. By doing everything in-house our trained skilled professionals will convert your vehicle professionally, as this is what they do every day that they are at work.

 

Q: How does the system communicate to my tow car behind how hard I am braking in my motor home?
A: We fit a special electronic sensor in the car which generates data on the degree of braking. This is sent to an electronic motor on the tow car, which applies the brakes using the brake pedal at exactly the same proportion as your braking. The system is set to give a maximum of 60% braking efficiency, with the minimum required being 50%.

 

Q: How does the tow car turn behind my motorhome?
A: Once the system is attached, the vehicle follows the path of the motorhome using the castor action built into all cars.

 

Q: Will this scrub the tyres on my tow car?
A: No. The tow-cars steering lock is left in Position 1 when towing, which allows the free movement of the front wheels. The vehicle is also towed at the right height as per the manufacturer's design. By using the levels of the existing towing eye, you are not pulling the car down or lifting it up.

 

Q: By leaving the key in the ignition on my tow-car, doesn't this increase the chance of having it stolen?
A: No. The tow cars we provide can be supplied with 2 keys, one allows the steering column to be released in ignition key Position 1, the second allows you to lock the doors. A blank key can be cut to order as an extra to prevent the vehicle starting in the event of unauthorised access

 

Q: Does the tow-car clock up mileage when I'm towing it?
A: No. The mileage counter (odometer) of these cars only advances when the ignition is on in Position 2, which is not needed by our system. So no mileage is recorded when towing.

 

Q: Can I reverse the tow car behind my Motor Home?
A: Yes. The unique A-frame design allows the vehicle to be reversed. There is NO sliding hitch like on a caravan, so it will go backwards. There is also an inherent drag within the steering motor on these vehicles, so the wheels do not "flop about". If you are still not convinced, please ask us for a demonstration!

 

Q: I have heard these systems are illegal abroad: is this the case?
A: The System has been designed in such a way that all aspects of the law are covered. 1. If brakes are fitted to a trailer (tow-car) they must work irrespective of the weight. 2. The overall braking efficiency must be proven to be over 50% on the train (motorhome + tow-car), whilst this is impossible to prove using a sliding hitch. Our system has been to the Millbrook proving grounds (the DVLA government approved testing ground for all things automotive) and because the brakes are applied electronically this has been tested to be above the legal minimum. 3. The trailer (tow-car) must be able to be reversed without the operator moving from the driving seat of the towing vehicle. The unique A-Frame design allows the vehicle to be reversed. 5. All rear lights must work from the motorhome controls including reversing lights. All our vehicles are wired to comply. 6. A mechanical break-away must be fitted to apply the brakes in the event of an emergency. All our vehicles have a mechanical break-away system fitted to the handbrake.

 

Q: That’s all well and good but how do I explain that in a foreign country?
A: We supply all our customers with a CE certificate proving that our system meets all the laws. We also supply in English, Spanish, French and Portugese information on our towing system and how it complies with EU law. We have had vehicles stop for a spot check but no customer has been forced to remove their tow car or been fined. The authorities recognise a CE certificate as an official document.

 

Q: What happens if something goes wrong with the system?
A: First and foremost we fully warrant all our work so if there are any problems we will resolve them. The system has yet to fail but the system is programmed to automatically back all the brakes off and go into an "idle" mode. The system has its own fuse, which will open before damaging either the motor home or tow-car electrics.

 

Q: I want an automatic transmission - is this possible?
A: YES. There are two options: we will convert the Toyota Aygo and the Peugeot 107 which are both available in an automatic. The manufacturers confirmed in writing that they are suitable for towing as, although they drive like an automatic, they are actually fitted with a manual gearbox which is changed with electronic stepper motors.

 

Q: Does my frame need to be braked?
A: Yes. All towing frames regardless of the weight of the tow car, must have a braking system. The rules state that if brakes are fitted then they must work.

 

Q: What about electrics / lights?
A: In all our conversions the vehicle is fitted with a “suzi” cable. This controls all the rear lights on the tow car. This is included in the price.

 

Q: Can I reverse with the frame?
A: Yes, and we're hoping to upload a video soon as evidence!

 

Q: How much does the frame weigh?
A: Only 9kg. Most other systems are over 20kg.

 

Q: What do I do about displaying the correct registration number?
A: A number plate is supplied to match your motor home.

 

Q: This system doesn’t run with the servo assistance, and some tow car companies say you need to top the vacuum up. Is this correct?

A: This is a myth put out by some companies to try and sell you something you don’t need. The servo on modern cars only lightens the brake pedal effort. We are able to achieve the minimum 50% braking efficiency easily without the servo running. Topping up the vacuum is not required because our system is more than capable of meeting the 50% braking efficiency required with vacuum assist.