
Tow bars are a great way to bring an extra vehicle with you on your travels. They are a device that couples between a truck camper and a towed vehicle, allowing you to bring a car, jeep or SUV with you on your trip. This means you can use your towed vehicle to get groceries or go sightseeing once you've set up camp. Tow bars are especially useful for those who want to get further into the woods or desert.
There are two main types of tow bars: motorhome-mounted and car-mounted. Motorhome-mounted tow bars are inserted into the receiving end of the motorhome hitch receiver and are preferred by many as they don't need to be detached from the front of the towed vehicle. Car-mounted tow bars, on the other hand, are stored on the front of the towed vehicle and can be more easily detached when not in use.
Before you attach a tow bar, you'll need to make sure your intended towing vehicle can transport your load. You'll also need to purchase a tow mounting bracket (or base plate) to attach the tow bar to the towed vehicle. It's also important to check your braking system and ensure you have all the necessary safety equipment, such as safety cables and lights.
When it comes to actually mounting the tow bar, you'll need to find a good mounting area on your front bumper and prepare your vehicle for drilling. You'll then need to drill out the holes for the tow bar, secure the brackets, install your pivot brackets, and wire your tow bar.
What You'll Learn
- Tow bars are a vital piece of equipment for flat-towing a vehicle behind an RV
- Tow bars are designed to handle load and stress in one direction, so you shouldn't back up with a tow bar and a towed vehicle still attached
- Tow bars come in two types: motorhome-mounted and car-mounted
- You must have safety cables/chains between the two vehicles in case the tow bar breaks
- The two main electrical systems used for towing are the 12N and 12S systems
Tow bars are a vital piece of equipment for flat-towing a vehicle behind an RV
To safely bring your tow vehicle along, it must be equipped with base plates or brackets on the front end, and your RV needs to have a receiver hitch. Base plates should be made for your tow vehicle specifically so that you don't cause damage to your RV or tow vehicle's frame. The tow bar goes between the dinghy vehicle and the RV, mounting into the RV trailer hitch and attaching to the vehicle base plate.
There are two types of tow bars: RV-mounted and car-mounted. RV-mounted tow bars are inserted into the receiving end of the motorhome hitch receiver. These are preferred because you won't need to detach them from the front of your towed vehicle, and you can store them on the back of your towed vehicle when the bar isn't in use. Car-mounted tow bars, on the other hand, are stored on the front of the towed vehicle and can be easily detached when not in use.
Before attaching your car to the towing vehicle, you need to wire the tow bar to ensure that your braking lights will flow between both electrical systems of your vehicles. Ensuring that your brake and turn signal lights work in tandem for both vehicles is necessary for the safety of those on the road with you. The two main electrical systems used for towing are the 12N and 12S systems. The 12N is best for standard vehicles, while the 12S is best for caravans and motorhomes. Attach the systems between your car and towing vehicle using the colour-coordinated pins on your wiring sockets, each of which corresponds to a different light in your two vehicles.
In any towing situation, it is also necessary to use safety chains. It is illegal to tow a vehicle without your safety chains. There should be two sets of safety cables that you use. The long set of cables will attach the RV hitch to the base plate arms of your pivot bracket. You will then attach the short set of cables between the base plate arms into the frame mount of the tow bar itself. This will ensure that in the case of any unhitching of the tow bar itself, your car will not careen into traffic.
Exploring Alabama's Camper Living Options and Legality
You may want to see also
Tow bars are designed to handle load and stress in one direction, so you shouldn't back up with a tow bar and a towed vehicle still attached
Tow bars are a crucial part of a flat towing setup, allowing for the towing of another vehicle, trailer, or RV. They are designed to handle load and stress in one direction only. This means that attempting to back up with a tow bar and a towed vehicle still attached will result in damage to both the tow bar and the towed vehicle.
A tow bar connects a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle, allowing the latter to be pulled without the need for a trailer. The tow bar attaches to the towing vehicle's hitch receiver and the towed vehicle's base plate, with safety cables and brake/light wiring providing additional security. This setup is commonly used for towing cars, SUVs, and trucks, as well as for flatbed trailers and enclosed trailers.
When backing up with a tow bar, the load and stress are applied in the opposite direction, which can cause the tow bar to bend. This can lead to difficulties in releasing the arm locks and may result in damage to the RV, tow bar, and towed vehicle. The steering system of the towed vehicle may also be affected, resulting in costly repairs.
To avoid damage, it is recommended to disconnect the tow bar before backing up. Additionally, choosing the right tow bar for your vehicle and ensuring proper installation are crucial steps in the process. Consulting a trained mechanic or technician can help ensure a secure and safe towing experience.
It is important to note that not all vehicles are suitable for flat towing. Referring to the vehicle's owner's manual or consulting the manufacturer can help determine if a car, truck, or SUV can be flat towed without causing transmission damage.
Camper Compatibility: 89' Bronco Edition
You may want to see also
Tow bars come in two types: motorhome-mounted and car-mounted
If you choose to use a car-mounted tow bar, then you'll have to keep it stored on the front of your towed vehicle. You can more easily detach these when not in use. However, you'll have to keep it stored on the front of your towed vehicle. Car-mounted tow bars might be a better option for those with truck campers that have rear entry doors, as RV-mounted tow bars would likely block the rear-entry door.
Motorhome-mounted tow bars are attached to the back of the motorhome and then collapse into a stowed position when not in use. Car-mounted tow bars are attached to the towed vehicle and then collapse into a stowed position on the car. Both types can be quickly removed when not in use.
Best Year-Round Parking Spots for Campers in Massachusetts
You may want to see also
You must have safety cables/chains between the two vehicles in case the tow bar breaks
When towing a camper, it is essential to have safety cables or chains between the two vehicles in case the tow bar breaks. This is not just a good idea—it's the law. Safety cables or chains are a vital backup plan in case something goes wrong during towing. If the trailer disconnects from the tow vehicle's hitch, safety cables or chains will prevent the trailer from crashing to the ground and causing damage, injury, or loss of life.
When setting up safety cables or chains, it is crucial to follow these steps:
- Choose the Right Type and Strength: Safety cables or chains should be durable and made from heavy-duty materials. The breaking strength of the cables or chains must be equal to or exceed the gross trailer weight. For example, a 7,000-pound capacity trailer would require each chain to have a break strength of more than 7,000 pounds.
- Attach Correctly: Safety cables or chains should be attached by crossing them underneath the trailer coupler and connecting them to the tow vehicle with hooks. This creates a safety net that will catch the dislodged tongue if the trailer becomes uncoupled.
- Ensure Secure Fastening: It is essential to fasten the safety cables or chains securely to both the tow vehicle and the trailer. S-hooks, slip hooks, and quick links are common options for connecting the cables or chains. If using S-hooks, it is recommended to use rubber keepers to prevent them from bouncing out.
- Adjust the Length: The safety cables or chains should be adjusted to the correct length. They should not be too tight, preventing full turns, nor too loose, dragging on the road. The ideal length allows for full turns while ensuring the cables or chains can effectively catch the load if the trailer disconnects.
- Weld a Chain Loop or Bracket: If your tow vehicle or trailer doesn't have a place to connect the safety cables or chains, you will need to weld on a safety chain loop or bracket as a secure point of attachment. Ensure that the equipment's class matches or exceeds the weight of the load you'll be towing.
By following these steps and maintaining high-quality safety cables or chains, you can confidently tow your camper, knowing that you have a reliable backup plan in place.
Transforming Campers: Food Truck Dreams on a Budget
You may want to see also
The two main electrical systems used for towing are the 12N and 12S systems
The 12N system provides the 'normal' or legal lighting requirements for towing. This includes brake, indicator, and fog lights. The 12N system uses a single 7-pin electrics plug to connect the vehicle's lights and signals to the lighting board on the trailer, caravan, or bike rack.
The 12S system provides the 'supplementary' or advanced electrical functions through an additional 7-pin twin electrics plug. This system powers the reverse lights, interior lights, and appliances such as the fridge in a caravan.
In 2008, UK-built caravans adopted a single 13-pin plug that combines both the 12N and 12S systems. This plug is now standard on the Continent and provides a higher standard of engineering, reducing the risk of pin burnout and water ingress. Adapters are available to convert between the different electrical systems.
Exploring Campgrounds with a 35-Foot Camper: Accessibility and Adventures
You may want to see also