Sorry if this has been asked before, I did do a search but found nothing. So I have a shiny new S Max that needs a tow bar fitted. I'm thinking of a flange bar because I can then use my MaxxRaxx whilst towing. One tow bar fitter I'be had a quote from says I may get trouble with a flange ball and because of the rear sensors nad has recommened a detachable flange ball. I don't even know if I could use that with the MaxxRaxx but in any case its a lot more money. So, has anyone else here used a standard flange ball wth rear sensors and if so, what has been the result? Thanks in advance CC
Hi Claydon camper, I used to have a s max & also a Maxxraxx, I used a fixed flange Towbar that I could unbolt the arm off (a bit like a detachable) I'm sure it was a bosal bar, Only took 5 mins to do and was Bolted with 2 bolts
Have a Mondeo with parking sensors; no problem except when reversing with the van on when the bleeping is constant along with the dog barking and the wife yelling instructions at me. Thank goodness there's an off button on my hearing aids.
I have 09 plate S Max with front and rear sensors, the front ones have never worked, not at all, and the dealer has long since given up on trying to fix them.
My rear sensors work most of the time, but will also quite often randomly bleep at thin air.
Honestly, they're pretty useless on my car to be honest, and i just ignore them and look where I'm going instead!
Don't know about an S Max, but we have reversing sensors on our Alhambra and the flange ball is not a problem so far.
------------- Alan
2016
February C&CC Theobalds Park
March C&CC Salisbury
May C&CC Adgestone IOW
July Le Clos Auroy, Auvergne France
August C&CC Polstead
August C&CC Oxford
October C&CC Lauder
I have a fixed Whitter towbar with their bicycle carrier fixture as well on an 11 plate S-Max which has the parking sensors. I had the "Electrical upgrade" when it was fitted to allow the sensors to remain silent when reversing with the van.
Generally a good make and fitting will not cause problems. You get what you pay for!
I have a fixed towbar fitted to my Honda with parking sensors. I paid the extra for the dedicated wiring loom and softwear that disconects the rear sensors as soon as the caravan is hitched up.
Its worth checking that the price quoted by your fitter includes this upgrade, as without it you may have problems with the warning alarms sounding as the caravan hitch or anyother pertruding object sets these off.
The only problem we get with ours is if someone nudges the towball protector cap to the diagonal whist unhitched, then as soon as we engage reverse gear the collision alarm will sound as the cameras pick up the overhang of the protector, so im not so sure how anyother device would react if attached to the towbar without the electrical connector in place.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!