The installation of a tow bar for a motorhome is a necessity for all motorhome owners wishing to gain practicality in use, whether it be for towing a car trailer, a motorcycle trailer, or for fitting a compatible bike rack or motorcycle carrier.
However, compared to a car, choosing a drivetrain system for a motorhome is a technical operation that depends on the vehicle's structure. We give you all the tools you need to make the right choice. Towbar for motorhome.
The different types of towbars for motorhomes
In the motorhome towbar market, several types of installations can be distinguished:
- A towbar for a standard chassis: this applies to converted commercial vehicles or motorhomes where the original chassis (Fiat, Ford, Mercedes, etc.) extends to the rear end.
- Chassis tow bar with extensions: the majority of modern motorhomes have a body that extends well beyond the end of the motorised chassis. In this case, it is imperative to install approved chassis extenders to support the structure of the tow bar.
- The AL-KO chassis towbar: widely used on premium vehicles or HGVs, the AL-KO subframe requires specific towbar fittings, designed to adapt to its light and low-profile structure.
Criteria to consider when choosing a motorhome towbar
Before investing, several administrative and technical checks are essential to guarantee your safety and the compliance of your motorhome tow bar.
Checking the vehicle registration document
This is the starting point for any project. You must consult box F3 (maximum permissible load for the vehicle + trailer) on your registration certificate. If this box is empty or shows 0, your vehicle is not permitted to tow a trailer in its current state. In this case, you need to contact the manufacturer or your dealer to check if a modification is possible.
The chassis type
The choice of towbar varies depending on whether you have a light vehicle (GVW 3.5 T). The robustness of the towing device must be proportional to the vehicle's towing capacity.
Technical installation constraints
Certain motorhome models require prior modifications to allow for the passage of towbar crossmembers. These may include relocating the spare wheel carrier or, in more complex cases, changing the fuel tank to provide the necessary space for the metal structure.
Which motorhome towbar to choose?
The best towbar is one that respects the structural integrity of the vehicle while offering the maximum load required for your needs. At Mecatek, we manufacture models capable of adapting to almost all brands on the market: Fiat Ducato and PSA base vehicles, Ford, Mercedes and Crafter, as well as specific chassis such as Man, Iveco or Volkswagen.
The installation of a towbar on a motorhome is a complex operation that affects your safety. Our experts welcome you to our workshops to carry out an installation of your motorhome towbar in compliance with European regulations. To obtain a solution perfectly suited to the chassis and specificities of your vehicle, do not wait any longer and Request your free quote.
