Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice

Topic: Deflector plate?

sueblo

28/6/2017 at 12:59pm
Location: Lincolnshire
Outfit: Swift Sprite 4.50C 1993

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 22/5/2013

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 33

Site Reviews Total:	5

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	1

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	1

Changed the car to an older Picasso, I had a towbar fitted, and they put a swanneck on. When I queried it, was told that's for the car. I am going to need a 'protective deflector plate' but nowhere seems to stock them.
New to this so all the help needed. Also can I fit a 3 bike carrier on this, to use whilst the new (to me) caravan is on.

Rob and Tina

28/6/2017 at 2:31pm
Location: Royal Forest of Dean
Outfit: Swift Major 4SB

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 3375

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Usually you have a choice of towbars, detachable, swan neck or flange but you have to stipulate which one you want before it's fitted. If you wanted a deflector plate you should have asked for a flange towbar, I am pretty sure you can't fit a deflector plate on a swan neck, you could fit a gel protector to the bumper of the car to protect against bumps and scratches, I also think there may be a plate that you fit to the towbar, you just put it on whilst hitching up and then remove it before you drive off.

As for the bike rack it might be possible to use whilst towing if you have the right rack for the swan neck, I very much doubt you will have the nose weight to do that anyway as I am pretty sure that the caravan will use most if not all of the nose weight allowance.

Tina

Grampian91

28/6/2017 at 2:49pm
Location: Midlands
Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6893

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

As above there are clamp on plates, but i find they are not that secure and tend to move slightly over time.

Just take extra care when hitching, or use a cheap plastic chopping board when hitching and pop it into the boot when done.

You can get bike racks that fit onto the towball, but it depends on how many bikes.

You wont be able to carry a bike whilst hitched to the van though. You would have needed a flanged towbar for that. But as mentioned above you would likely exceed your noseweight limit.

Isnt your caravan way too heavy for a Picasso?

Max tow weight 1300kg for the car and the caravan weighs over 1400kg?

Isnt the noseweight low for that car also? around 50kg? Its a big van for a 50kg noseweight.

Opensauce

28/6/2017 at 3:02pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4530

Site Reviews Total:	13

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Do what I do for swan neck. Make a diy removable bash plate. Cut out a square of plywood then cut a notch in it to jamb over swan neck to protect bumper while hitching up & remove after use & keep in boot.

Car allows 70kg noseweight so you cannot carry bikes on towbar with caravan hitched up.

sueblo

28/6/2017 at 3:12pm
Location: Lincolnshire
Outfit: Swift Sprite 4.50C 1993

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 22/5/2013

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 33

Site Reviews Total:	5

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	1

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	1

Sorry everyone, I got very mixed up, we no longer have the Bailey caravan. Getting another 'van in spring, but trying to get my head round all the 'bits' that will be needed before then. Many thanks for the messages and help

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

6875 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder