When it comes to towbars for campers, Linnepe is at the top of the list of experts. All Linnepe towing hitches are made of steel and KTL-coated, so they are permanently protected against rust. KTL coating (cathodic dip coating) is an effective and long-lasting automotive anticorrosive product that is scratch-resistant and resistant to stone chipping and salt water. Our towbars always have an EC type approval and are therefore free of registration. Incidentally, a carrier system can also be installed as an alternative or in addition to the coupling, because the attachment systems in most cases already form the mounting base for a load carrier system. Often you can also choose between fixed and removable ball on our hitches.

Upgrades for heavy loads

Most motorhomes allow you to fit a towbar. Next to sufficient motorisation, an important consideration is the fitting options on your vehicle chassis. The first step for all motorhomes therefore is to take a look under your vehicle. Motorhomes are usually made up of the vehicle chassis and a built-on body. These bodies almost always extend beyond the length of the chassis. The picture illustrates that an original towbar (TB) does not fit, as the ball would sit right under the body. This is why the space between end of chassis and end of body needs to be bridged with a frame extension so the latter can accommodate a TB or a load carrier fixture. The bridged space is referred to as the overhang. To check what towbar works best for your vehicle, you will first need to determine

Is the TB for a vehicle with a (sturdy) frame extension, or
is the TB for a vehicle without a sturdy frame extension, or
is the TB for a vehicle without any frame extension?

The right towbar

If your vehicle comes with a suitable and upgradable frame extension, you will only need a suitable towbar. Our experts have access to an extensive database containing the most popular European motorhome models. This allows us to find out quickly what kind of towbar you need and, more so, determine the right frame extension, if you need one. However, since motorhomes are outfitted individually, you may find, for instance, that the septic tank needs to move, supports have to be rearranged or certain attachments require modification. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a specialist.

Crucial – the D-value

The D-value of the structure is crucial for choosing the right towbar. The D-value is an indication of the strength of the towbar and is calculated using a set formula. That said, there are several determinants that factor into the equation, such as the gross weight of the towing vehicle and the actual permissible trailer load, which is invariably specified by the base vehicle manufacturer. So whether a vehicle has a permissible trailer load and whether the D-value of the TB is adequate are two entirely different aspects. They must but be right, though. In many cases, the trailer load will be stated in your registration papers, even if no coupling is fitted. Our extensive data records additionally tell us which trailer loads are permitted for which chassis.

Also important: the rear axle load

When towing a trailer, the tongue load acting on the towball also increases the rear axle load of the towing vehicle. As a result, motorhomes quickly exceed the maximum load on their rear axle. Bear in mind also that the rear axle load F increases at a higher rate than the tongue load S. This increase in rear axle load F can be calculated using the following formula:

F=S x (R+O) : R

Example: Wheelbase (R): 2,500 mm Overhang (O): 1,100 mm Tongue load (S): 75 kg As a result of the weight, the increase in rear axle load, with the full tongue load of the trailer bearing down on the towball, would be a whopping 108 kg.

Back to towbar overview

If you have any questions about our towbars for your Motorhome or need more information, you can reach us by phone on +49 2333 98590 or via our contact form.

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