The Auto-Sleeper Motorhome Owners Forum (ASOF)
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.

Quality of towbar install

+12
Bilbobaggins
Tinwheeler
Kemerton-bath
Roopert
Caraman
Peatlander 2
Paulmold
IanH
Peter Brown
PLOUGHLIN
FreelanderUK
mikeelawson
16 posters

Page 1 of 3 1, 2, 3  Next

Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Quality of towbar install

Post by mikeelawson Sat Aug 26, 2023 10:29 am

Recently had a towbar installed by local person and looking at the underside, I dont feel the quality of the cabling / conduit work is that good (bare cables and connectors, cable ties not cut off). Given that I spent £850 on the install, I am pondering whether to make a complaint and have him tidy this up. What are your thoughts? 

Also the towbar is very close to the back of the van, is there anyway that this can be extended so that my bicycle carrier with bikes handles do not touch the back of the motorhome?

Regards,

BOOMEL

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
mikeelawson
mikeelawson
Member
Member

Male

Posts : 61
Joined : 2022-01-05
Location : London
Auto-Sleeper : Autosleeper
Vehicle Year : 2021

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by FreelanderUK Sat Aug 26, 2023 10:36 am

You can fasten an extender block in between the tow ball and tow bar frame these are made from aluminium block and vary in depth from 20mm upto 50mm, if the connections are not waterproof I would take it back , leaving the tags of the cable ties is just lazy

_________________
Chris
FreelanderUK
FreelanderUK
Member
Member

Male

Posts : 2904
Joined : 2020-07-18
Location : Lincolnshire
Auto-Sleeper : Warwick XL
Vehicle Year : 2016

gassygassy likes this post

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by PLOUGHLIN Sat Aug 26, 2023 10:45 am

Re towball extention, you could try one these options.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]


or [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

_________________
Peter L
PLOUGHLIN
PLOUGHLIN
Donator
Donator

Male

Posts : 4716
Joined : 2014-06-24
Member Age : 54
Location : NORTH HERTS
Auto-Sleeper : MB Gloucester
Vehicle Year : 2011

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by Peter Brown Sat Aug 26, 2023 10:54 am

I have this extended neck towbar

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I think your loom installation is pretty typical but not trimming the cable ties is plain laziness.
Peter Brown
Peter Brown
Donator
Donator

Male

Posts : 10376
Joined : 2012-11-10
Member Age : 71
Location : Staffs
Auto-Sleeper : Broadway EB
Vehicle Year : 2016

gassygassy likes this post

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by IanH Sat Aug 26, 2023 11:07 am

If any thing is attaching a towball or extension to a towing bracket, the fasteners must be grade 8.8 (Usually in raised text on bolt head)
Especially an extension as these bolts will be more stressed.

Cutting cable ties is, of course much neater. If done though they must be flush with the ratchet block part as otherwise they can be razor sharp.
IanH
IanH
Donator
Donator

Male

Posts : 7604
Joined : 2020-05-04
Location : NORTH WALSHAM
Auto-Sleeper : Executive
Vehicle Year : 2002

Chris M likes this post

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by Paulmold Sat Aug 26, 2023 11:11 am

Rather than a spacer you could fit an extended towball, uses standard bolts ...

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

_________________
Nice to be important but more important to be nice
Paulmold
Paulmold
Donator
Donator

Male

Posts : 25774
Joined : 2011-02-21
Member Age : 72
Location : North East Wales
Auto-Sleeper : Sussex Duo
Vehicle Year : 2010

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Thanks

Post by mikeelawson Sat Aug 26, 2023 11:18 am

Peter Brown wrote:I have this extended neck towbar

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I think your loom installation is pretty typical but not trimming the cable ties is plain laziness.
Just bought thanks. There is mention of an audible buzzer and I cannot see anything like that fitted.
mikeelawson
mikeelawson
Member
Member

Male

Posts : 61
Joined : 2022-01-05
Location : London
Auto-Sleeper : Autosleeper
Vehicle Year : 2021

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by Peatlander 2 Sat Aug 26, 2023 12:44 pm

mikeelawson wrote:There is mention of an audible buzzer and I cannot see anything like that fitted.
One way to check, plug a trailer in and use the indicators. If it's fitted you'll hear it. 

In the Land Rover I bypassed the audible warning buzzer and put a light on the dash instead to show the trailer lights working. No way in earth I'd hear a buzzer in a 42yr old diesel Landy!
Peatlander 2
Peatlander 2
Donator
Donator

Male

Posts : 1589
Joined : 2019-11-12
Location : Sutherland, North Highlands
Auto-Sleeper : Clubman GL
Vehicle Year : 1997

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by Caraman Sat Aug 26, 2023 1:33 pm

mikelawson - from your photos it appears you have a coach built A-S.  If so, there should be no external connectors.  The only connector(s) should be on Sargent's VLM5 unit which is inside the van and on my Nuevo EK is on the floor beneath the cooker.  The cable from the VLM5 unit should pass through the floor directly to the external 7 or 13 pin socket.  If you're not planning to pull a caravan you only need to connect 7 wires with one connector at the VLM5 unit.  This is a very easy and inexpensive DIY task.  If you search the Forum you will see how it's done:

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Caraman
Caraman
Member
Member

Male

Posts : 3229
Joined : 2019-04-19
Location : SALISBURY
Auto-Sleeper : Nuevo
Vehicle Year : 2019

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by mikeelawson Sat Aug 26, 2023 3:04 pm

Caraman wrote:mikelawson - from your photos it appears you have a coach built A-S.  If so, there should be no external connectors.  The only connector(s) should be on Sargent's VLM5 unit which is inside the van and on my Nuevo EK is on the floor beneath the cooker.  The cable from the VLM5 unit should pass through the floor directly to the external 7 or 13 pin socket.  If you're not planning to pull a caravan you only need to connect 7 wires with one connector at the VLM5 unit.  This is a very easy and inexpensive DIY task.  If you search the Forum you will see how it's done:

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
I stated this to him, however he spoke to Marquis and they advised what he was doing was correct way of doing it. 

BOOMEL
mikeelawson
mikeelawson
Member
Member

Male

Posts : 61
Joined : 2022-01-05
Location : London
Auto-Sleeper : Autosleeper
Vehicle Year : 2021

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by Roopert Sat Aug 26, 2023 3:47 pm

I'm not completely sure what the photos show, but the last of yours appears to show a bypass relay hanging underneath the chassis?

If that's what it is, I wouldn't be happy either. They are not really designed to hang under a van like that, and it will fairly quickly get covered in wet road crud when driving in the rain, if the suspension parts next to it are anything to go by.

[Edit: Peter Brown clarified what is in the picture, and it seems to be just an inline connector - which should be Ok. I would be concerned if it were a bypass relay as they are not typically given any proper waterproofing].


Last edited by Roopert on Sat Aug 26, 2023 6:39 pm; edited 1 time in total
Roopert
Roopert
Member
Member

Male

Posts : 3526
Joined : 2019-03-10
Location : South East
Auto-Sleeper : Trooper
Vehicle Year : 2005

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by Peter Brown Sat Aug 26, 2023 3:58 pm

I've got an almost identical installation on mine done by SMC last November:

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Peter Brown
Peter Brown
Donator
Donator

Male

Posts : 10376
Joined : 2012-11-10
Member Age : 71
Location : Staffs
Auto-Sleeper : Broadway EB
Vehicle Year : 2016

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by Peter Brown Sat Aug 26, 2023 4:06 pm

A close up of what I believe is just a connector:

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Peter Brown
Peter Brown
Donator
Donator

Male

Posts : 10376
Joined : 2012-11-10
Member Age : 71
Location : Staffs
Auto-Sleeper : Broadway EB
Vehicle Year : 2016

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by Caraman Sat Aug 26, 2023 4:17 pm

Oh dear.  Marquis were clueless about the VLM5 when I bought my Nuevo in 2019.  It seems nothing has changed.  I can assure you that all that is required is a meter of 7-core cable, a 7N or 13 pin socket and a 9 way ‘Mate N Lok’ plug.  If in doubt talk to Sargent.  On my Nuevo there was already a hole in the floor for the cable.  A competent electrician could have fitted this in minutes.  I would definitely be taking this up with your fitter.  Part of the problem is that there is no mention of the VLM5 in any of the documentation that comes with the motorhome even though the VLM5 is needed when carrying bikes or a box on the back, with or without a tow bar.


Last edited by Caraman on Sat Aug 26, 2023 6:29 pm; edited 2 times in total
Caraman
Caraman
Member
Member

Male

Posts : 3229
Joined : 2019-04-19
Location : SALISBURY
Auto-Sleeper : Nuevo
Vehicle Year : 2019

gassygassy likes this post

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by FreelanderUK Sat Aug 26, 2023 6:21 pm

I see that you have just posted the same question on Facebook asking for opinions hopefully you will get one that answers your question 👍

_________________
Chris
FreelanderUK
FreelanderUK
Member
Member

Male

Posts : 2904
Joined : 2020-07-18
Location : Lincolnshire
Auto-Sleeper : Warwick XL
Vehicle Year : 2016

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by Kemerton-bath Sat Aug 26, 2023 6:37 pm

I’ve just read the Facebook comments and it makes for an interesting comparison with those above, regardless of the subject matter. On here you get knowledgeable views, more in-depth analysis and supported by relevant pictures. Let’s just say that on FB it’s rather different. 

Tim

_________________
Previously symbol-bath

1996 - Autosleeper Symphony   2010 - Autosleeper Symbol    2018 - Autosleeper Kemerton   2023 - Autosleeper Kemerton XL (Fiat)
Kemerton-bath
Kemerton-bath
Donator
Donator

Male

Posts : 1101
Joined : 2013-01-06
Member Age : 64
Location : Bath
Auto-Sleeper : Kemerton XL (Fiat)
Vehicle Year : 2020

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by Tinwheeler Sat Aug 26, 2023 6:59 pm

MotorhomeFun, too. That one’s a bit of a mixture and I’m still searching for the fun. smile!

I doubt any other forum has contributors with an equivalent level of expertise as we see here. I was astounded when I joined ASOF by the amount of technical knowledge on tap. Thanks, you clever folk. allthumbz
Tinwheeler
Tinwheeler
Donator
Donator

Male

Posts : 3553
Joined : 2018-09-20
Location : Kernow
Vehicle Year : 2019

Kemerton-bath likes this post

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by FreelanderUK Sat Aug 26, 2023 7:04 pm

I have just recieved a warning from the Admin on the Auto sleeper page on Farcebook and my comment removed 🤣🤣🤣

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]


_________________
Chris
FreelanderUK
FreelanderUK
Member
Member

Male

Posts : 2904
Joined : 2020-07-18
Location : Lincolnshire
Auto-Sleeper : Warwick XL
Vehicle Year : 2016

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by Bilbobaggins Sat Aug 26, 2023 7:47 pm

Left that FB group several months ago, got fed up with inane comments. Can't say I have missed it

_________________
Nil carborundum illigitimi.
Bilbobaggins
Bilbobaggins
Donator
Donator

Male

Posts : 1624
Joined : 2020-07-09
Location : Angus
Auto-Sleeper : Warwick xl
Vehicle Year : 2014

Kemerton-bath and FreelanderUK like this post

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by Paulmold Sat Aug 26, 2023 8:14 pm

John Street, the Admin, posted on this forum when he started the group and asked us to support him and the group. Peter and I joined and regularly referred to this forum. Every time we did he removed our posts. That's how fair he is. I'm still a member but maybe not for long if anyone tells him about this post. He is still listed as a member here but hasn't posted for years. He and his wife are wardens for the CAMC.

_________________
Nice to be important but more important to be nice
Paulmold
Paulmold
Donator
Donator

Male

Posts : 25774
Joined : 2011-02-21
Member Age : 72
Location : North East Wales
Auto-Sleeper : Sussex Duo
Vehicle Year : 2010

Peter Brown likes this post

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by IanH Sat Aug 26, 2023 9:15 pm

I avoid FB on a par with avoiding Ryan Air!!! up!
IanH
IanH
Donator
Donator

Male

Posts : 7604
Joined : 2020-05-04
Location : NORTH WALSHAM
Auto-Sleeper : Executive
Vehicle Year : 2002

Kemerton-bath and Eltel like this post

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by Kemerton-bath Sat Aug 26, 2023 10:15 pm

Paulmold wrote:John Street, the Admin, posted on this forum when he started the group and asked us to support him and the group. Peter and I joined and regularly referred to this forum. Every time we did he removed our posts. That's how fair he is. I'm still a member but maybe not for long if anyone tells him about this post. He is still listed as a member here but hasn't posted for years. He and his wife are wardens for the CAMC.
That’s interesting Paul, I had no idea of that background. That sort of intolerance seems entirely in keeping with FB though. I’ll have to find a reason to mention ASOF at an appropriate moment and see what happens.!

I’m in two groups over on the dark side, the AS Owners Group and the AS Appreciation Group. The latter seems to be moderated in a more intelligent manner. They are my only contact with FB.

Tim

_________________
Previously symbol-bath

1996 - Autosleeper Symphony   2010 - Autosleeper Symbol    2018 - Autosleeper Kemerton   2023 - Autosleeper Kemerton XL (Fiat)
Kemerton-bath
Kemerton-bath
Donator
Donator

Male

Posts : 1101
Joined : 2013-01-06
Member Age : 64
Location : Bath
Auto-Sleeper : Kemerton XL (Fiat)
Vehicle Year : 2020

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by Paulmold Sat Aug 26, 2023 10:29 pm

AS Appreciation group is I believe run by Brian Spence, he was expelled from the Owners Group for spamming anyone who posted to get th em to join his group. Another untrustworthy one (also expelled from Warwick Group).

_________________
Nice to be important but more important to be nice
Paulmold
Paulmold
Donator
Donator

Male

Posts : 25774
Joined : 2011-02-21
Member Age : 72
Location : North East Wales
Auto-Sleeper : Sussex Duo
Vehicle Year : 2010

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by Tinwheeler Sat Aug 26, 2023 11:13 pm

Reading all this makes me so glad I don’t do FB  wellhappy
Tinwheeler
Tinwheeler
Donator
Donator

Male

Posts : 3553
Joined : 2018-09-20
Location : Kernow
Vehicle Year : 2019

PLOUGHLIN likes this post

Back to top Go down

Quality of towbar install  Empty Re: Quality of towbar install

Post by mikeelawson Sun Aug 27, 2023 6:25 am

Caraman wrote:Oh dear.  Marquis were clueless about the VLM5 when I bought my Nuevo in 2019.  It seems nothing has changed.  I can assure you that all that is required is a meter of 7-core cable, a 7N or 13 pin socket and a 9 way ‘Mate N Lok’ plug.  If in doubt talk to Sargent.  On my Nuevo there was already a hole in the floor for the cable.  A competent electrician could have fitted this in minutes.  I would definitely be taking this up with your fitter.  Part of the problem is that there is no mention of the VLM5 in any of the documentation that comes with the motorhome even though the VLM5 is needed when carrying bikes or a box on the back, with or without a tow bar.

Any chance of photo of connection in cupboard under cooker please?
mikeelawson
mikeelawson
Member
Member

Male

Posts : 61
Joined : 2022-01-05
Location : London
Auto-Sleeper : Autosleeper
Vehicle Year : 2021

Back to top Go down

Page 1 of 3 1, 2, 3  Next

Back to top

- Similar topics

 
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum