Motorhome Towbar Installation
Motorhome Tow Bar Installation
Vehicle-specific motorhome towbar installation, vehicle-specific 13-pin electrics and handover
Towbars for motorhomes only
We are NTTA trained. We assess each installation from the motorhome chassis and body build, then liaise with the technical teams at our motorhome towbar suppliers to advise on the most suitable towbar, electrics, chassis extensions and drop plates where required.
What we install
Vehicle-specific towbar installation
Every motorhome is assessed individually, including its base chassis, chassis extensions, body construction and rear overhang. Winterisation, spare wheel position, diesel heater, electric rear step, self-levelling system and air suspension can affect the installation. Rear bed and garage layout, tank positions and standard or enlarged tanks must also be considered. Please include these details and clear rear-underbody photographs with your enquiry.
Vehicle-specific 13-pin electrics
We recommend vehicle-specific 13-pin electrics where available, designed to work with your motorhome’s electronics. We select the correct kit and complete any required coding.
Where supported by the motorhome and wiring kit, CAN-bus integration allows the vehicle to recognise that a trailer is connected. Functions can include trailer indicator-failure warnings, rear parking-sensor deactivation and switching off the motorhome’s rear fog light to reduce reflected glare, while maintaining the required rear fog lighting on the towed vehicle or trailer.
Compatible installations can also support the manufacturer’s trailer stability functions, which may intervene through individual-wheel braking and engine torque control. These functions depend on the exact base vehicle, equipment, wiring kit and any required coding; we confirm what your installation supports. Bulb and LED compatibility is checked against the supplier’s specification.
Choose lighting-only wiring (eight contacts in a 13-pin socket) or full-function wiring with auxiliary power where required and supported. We agree what you need before fitting.
Electrical standards and motorhome approval
The 13-pin connector is covered by ISO 11446. This connector standard is separate from vehicle and towbar type approval. GOV.UK states that new motor caravans have required approval since 29 April 2012; this does not mean every motorhome must have a 13-pin socket. Read the government guidance.
Approved chassis extensions & drop plates
We assess standard and AL-KO chassis, specifying compatible approved extensions and drop plates where required. Each installation follows the supplier’s instructions and approval conditions.
Towbar approval and installation requirements
UN Regulation No. 55 covers coupling approval and installation requirements, including mounting reinforcement. Read UN Regulation No. 55.
Comprehensive handover
We explain the installation, electrical connections, checks and use before you leave, with photographs of the fitting to help you understand the installation.
Chequer-plate flooring & garage reinforcement
We can assess and quote for required garage or boot reinforcement not fitted at the factory, plus chequer-plate flooring. Flooring alone does not replace structural mounting reinforcement.
Rear air suspension
We use Glide-Rite rear air-assist suspension where suitable for the motorhome. We assess chassis compatibility and clearance alongside the towbar, extensions and other equipment. Air-assist suspension does not increase the vehicle’s plated weight limits or permitted towing capacity.
Manufacturers & suppliers
We select towbar, chassis and suspension components from established manufacturers to suit your motorhome.
Details from our motorhome installations
Chassis extension and mounting details from a Benimar Mileo 282 fitted at our workshop. Select a photograph to see the full image.
Chequer plate garage flooring
Get an accurate towbar quote
Where to measure
Use the Tow-Trust diagram for your chassis type. The measurement letters differ between forms, so send the completed form with your photographs. If you are unsure which applies, contact us first.
Send your motorhome details, weight-plate photographs and rear chassis measurements so we can check suitability and prepare an accurate quote.
Include your name, email or telephone, motorhome make/model/year and registration, base vehicle and chassis type, existing towbar or extensions, and any equipment underneath the rear.
Required photos
Always required: a clear, readable photograph of the motorhome manufacturer’s final-stage VIN / weight plate, plus any uprating plate or documentation. We also need the base-vehicle chassis plate.
We check towing eligibility before specifying the installation. The plated gross vehicle, gross train and axle limits, manufacturer’s towing limit and the proposed towbar rating must support what you intend to tow. The available allowance also depends on the motorhome’s actual laden weight.
Suppliers may require this evidence before quoting or supplying. If towing capacity is unclear, we seek manufacturer confirmation before proceeding. A towbar does not create or increase towing capacity.
Government guidance on towing weight limits
Also include the base-vehicle VIN plate, full rear view, rear chassis left and right, chassis mounting points inside and outside, rear overhang, underside below the valance, and any suspension or levelling equipment.
Measurements
A — chassis mount to level ground
B — chassis mount to bottom of valance
C — chassis mount to inner valance
D — chassis mount to outer valance
A photo with the tape measure visible is ideal.