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CAR-A-TOW a new service by M&E motorhomes, that lets you tow your car with you on your motorhome Holidays.
M&E motorhome and caravan services also supply and fit a range of robust towbars for any vehicle, Car-a-tow can be implemented to any motorhome/vehicle with ease.
The frame simply attaches to a strong pull-bar fitted to the front of the car and is then secured with locking pins. The simple operation to attach the towing frame, connect the braking system, plug in the electrics and attach the number plate, should take no more than 2 to 3 minutes……
The system is a fraction of the weight of a trailer, it doesn't need a parking space on site or at home, and costs less than a trailer. Plus, there is less weight on the rear suspension of your motorhome, reducing your legal payload even further.
Braking System
The braking system operates from an AL-KO 'overrun' type coupling on the towing frame.
As the motorhome slows, a gas-damped piston, at the front of the coupling, operates a lever under the frame.
This lever pulls on a link cable which is attached (with a removable pin) to a permanently fitted brake cable on the car.
The brake cable is routed through the front area of the car, bolted through the bulkhead and attached to the brake pedal.
The harder the motorhome brakes, the harder the cable will apply the towed car's brakes.
Vehicle Steering
How the steering allows the car to follow is really quite simple, it is the caster angle. In simple terms, the vertical spindle of the front wheels is set behind the horizontal spindle. Picture the front swiveling wheels of a child's buggy. As the frame of the buggy is steered by the handles the front wheels swivel on their vertical spindles and follow the frame.
The principle is the same on a car being towed, the body of the car follows the tow ball and the front wheels swivel on their vertical spindles and follow the body. it is necessary for the steering lock on the towed car to be set in the accessory position, this will allow the steering to turn. Don't worry it does work! There are no attachments to the car's steering system.
Power steering is not a problem; it can be an advantage as it creates a steering damping effect.
Tow Ball & Electrics
The towing vehicle requires a 50mm tow ball, set at around 16" to 18" from the ground.
A standard 7-pin (12N) lighting socket is also required; the 7-pin socket should be mounted within 6" of the tow ball. When the towing frame is attached to the car and the motorhome, and plugged in, the required lighting on the car is powered by the motorhome.
Number Plate
Fitted systems include a number plate showing the registration number of the towing vehicle.
This plate is fitted with specially designed spring clips to grip onto the rear plate of the car.
Car-a-tow Kits include a pair of clips but not a number plate.
