Dixon bate shocklink

[Spengoran]

Hi everyone, new on here and to caravanning and looking for some advice.

I tow a Bailey unicorn Segovia twin axle with a Ford Ranger wildtrak 2020

I have been reading about the problems this can cause and damage to the caravan via excessive forces with the Ranger leaf springs being so rigid compared to normal car coil springs.

I have also read about a device called a Dixon bate shocklink which can solve this problem.

My main question is do you think I need to fit a device like this?

Also if I do where do you actually get them as can’t seem to see any available anywhere?

Thanks

Andy

 

[JTQ]

I used the original pre Dixon-Bate acquired "Shocklink" towing our Castleton Caravan with 110 Land Rovers throughout the 90s. These were not leaf sprung vehicles but coil of heavy duty loading so the vehicle had an very stiff rear end, the more so running "light".
There is IMO little doubt commercial type vehicles punish the frail chassis of our European caravans, more than the more compliant domestic cars do.
Getting a Shocklink these days could be quite a challenge, I don't believe they are made anymore. A secondhand one is likely to need refurbishing, there used to be a company doing this but similarly I have not seen an advert for them in years.
In their day Shocklinks were very desirable items prone to be stolen if ever left unattended.
There are any number of like vehicles towing vans without these devices, so they can't be considered essential, though I remain of the view, using them is highly desirable in giving some increase in protection to your van.
It might be wise to talk to Bailey re your tow vehicle if your van is still under warranty.

 

[Buckman]

I am not familiar with that caravan, but doesn't the caravan have the ATC as standard? If so, probably not a good idea to use the shocklink?

 

[GaryB]

Seem to be still available: https://www.cvarena.co.uk/companies/towbars-and-trailers/products/shock-absorbing-towbars

I found that through Google as I know I'd seen them still in use on commercial vehicles delivering caravans, usually one on the bed and another being towed. Worth asking on the web site to see if they're still a current offering.

 

[JTQ]

I am not familiar with that caravan, but doesn't the caravan have the ATC as standard? If so, probably not a good idea to use the shocklink?

It is very difficult to understand why there could be any issue or interaction, technically or otherwise between using a Shocklink and ATC, other than from a small increase in the ball to axle overhang length.
The latter aspect does affect the towed unit's dynamic issues the ATC addresses, but in practice it would only alter how prone the ATC would be likely to be activated. I note vehicle overhang is not featured in guidance whether we buy a van with or without ATC.

The Shocklink does not alter or the influence from the important in respect to snaking lateral stiffness of the vehicle's suspension, uniquely only its vertical stiffness.

 

[Buckman]

It is very difficult to understand why there could be any issue or interaction, technically or otherwise between using a Shocklink and ATC, other than from a small increase in the ball to axle overhang length.
The latter aspect does affect the towed unit's dynamic issues the ATC addresses, but in practice it would only alter how prone the ATC would be likely to be activated. I note vehicle overhang is not featured in guidance whether we buy a van with or without ATC.

The Shocklink does not alter or the influence from the important in respect to snaking lateral stiffness of the vehicle's suspension, uniquely only its vertical stiffness.

I was thinking that if the ATC and shocklink were used together, there may be an issue?

 

[JTQ]

I was thinking that if the ATC and shocklink were used together, there may be an issue?

In what possible way can you envisage any reason or reasons why?

As explained they address totally unrelated towed unit aspects, the Shocklink does not alter the stiffness of the tow vehicle, only thats vertical component's action on the tow ball.
I can't see any area there for these to interact at all so either positively or negatively.
Tow ball vertical stiffness, so its suitability, is not a factor we are asked to divulge where ATC is offered

 

[otherclive]

Might be useful for the OP to read this link from Dixon Bates and extract from C&CC tech bulletins (right at the end of the bulletin)

Dixon-Bate Web Site - Shocklink

Shock absorbing couplings​

Many years ago towbar manufacturer Dixon Bate produced the Shocklink coupling. It uses coil springs with rubber inserts to absorb any shocks transmitted through the towbar to the trailer. The coupling is primarily designed for use on 4x4s and other large vehicles fitted with leaf spring rear suspensions.

The Dixon Bate Shocklink Mark II

The Shocklink was only available for vehicles fitted with a Dixon-Bate adjustable height towbar. It can't be used with other type approved towbars unless the towbar has been granted type approval with the Shocklink in place. If you can still find one it can be fitted to cars registered before 1 August 1998 and motorhomes registered before 29 October 2012.

 

[Beachball]

Hi Andy Welcome to forum sorry I cannot help you on this about a Dixon- Bate but it looks like you are getting some help, but keep posting .

 

[ProfJohnL]

There is an overriding issue that must also be considered. Under UK and EU regulations you can only fit a towbar and hitch assembly that meets the present regulations. The items must be approved for the vehicle to which they are fitted. I suspect that Dixon Bate have not got the official approval

But f you do find a unit do research the approvals for fitting to your vehicle.

 

[otherclive]

There is an overriding issue that must also be considered. Under UK and EU regulations you can only fit a towbar and hitch assembly that meets the present regulations. The items must be approved for the vehicle to which they are fitted. I suspect that Dixon Bate have not got the official approval

But f you do find a unit do research the approvals for fitting to your vehicle.

The fitting approvals are clearly stated in the Dixon Bates link in my post above at #8 and mirrored by the C&CC extract copied to the post. Given the OPs vehicle is 2020 it cannot be fitted with a Shocklink. But Dixon Bates do supply height adjustable, and non height adjustable items, but non are shock inhibiting.

 

[Spengoran]

Thank you everyone for the welcome and prompt and detailed replies, I’ll read through them all when home from work.