TOWBARS

[Mark_5064306]

I have been caravanning for over 10 years with a Sprite Major. In this time I have had several cars, all fitted with the normal ball type towbar. I am shortly due to collect a new SAAB 9-5 estate car, which I am thoroughly looking forward to but have been informed that it has a swan neck towbar fitted to it. Is there any difference to using a swan neck compared to a ball type towbar. I dont want to get caught out after collecting the car as I am going on holidays to Italy 6 days after this.

 

[Rod_5041370]

Shouldn't be any problem with the swan neck unless you have a blade type stabiliser.

Check which socket the car has fitted as it could be the Euro 13 pin in which case you will neeed a 13 pin to 7 pin adaptor or if your caravan has dual plugs (grey & black)you will need a 13 pin to two 7 pin converter cable.

 

[Jim.M_5040716]

Hi Mark

It is not the shape of the bar that counts as the size of the ball that your hitch is conected to which is a standard 50mm. If you requier a stabiliser with this type, then it will need to be the alko head type, I have one, never had any problems so far.

Have a nice trip.

Jim M

 

[Tina3]

Hi Mark

It is not the shape of the bar that counts as the size of the ball that your hitch is conected to which is a standard 50mm. If you requier a stabiliser with this type, then it will need to be the alko head type, I have one, never had any problems so far.

Have a nice trip.

Jim M

Yeah its not the shape its the size of the ball !!!!!!

 

[Lutz]

Hi Mark

It is not the shape of the bar that counts as the size of the ball that your hitch is conected to which is a standard 50mm. If you requier a stabiliser with this type, then it will need to be the alko head type, I have one, never had any problems so far.

Have a nice trip.

Jim M

Do I detect a note of irony your tone, Tina?

Seriously though, Rod is right. Swan neck towballs provide enough clearance to the bumper to allow an Alko-type stabiliser. A standard towball according to 94/20/EC will have 65mm clearance to the centre of the towball but for the Alko-type of stabiliser you need at least 80mm. However, this is taken into consideration on all swan neck arrangements that I'm aware of.