European type approval 94/20/EC

In the U.K, with effect from 1st August 1998 all Passenger Carrying Vehicles up to 3500kgs Gross Vehicle Weight (M1 Vehicles) can only be fitted with European Type Approved towbars if the vehicle has received European Whole Vehicle Type Approval.
Non M1 vehicles, Light Commercial Vehicles and private imports from outside the EEC are not required to use Approved Towbars.
Accessories
Most towbar manufacturers have allowed, in the towbar test and approval application, for the inclusion of various accessories, often by including a spacer in the towbar kit, which is removed when the accessory is fitted. This information should be clearly stated in the fitting instructions. If there is any doubt, you should contact the towbar supplier. This applies to all accessories that move the towbar rearwards from the towbar.

Design, Testing and Certification
The towbar manufacturer requires the following vehicle data to design a towbar:

• Manufacturer's specified fixing points.
• Gross vehicle weight or mass (GVW or GVM)
• Gross Trailer Weight or Mass (GTW or GTM) that the model of vehicle can tow.
• This information is included in the Vehicle's Handbook. From this data the towbar manufacturer constructs a test load, called D Value, which will be used to test the towbar. As well as providing the test load, the towbar manufacturer is obliged to include a D value in kn on the towbar identification plate.

"D" Value
The "D" value is calculated as follows:

(GVW x GTW ) / (GVW + GTW) x 9.81/1000 (gravity) = kn

• GVW = Gross Vehicle Weight
• GTW = Gross Trailer Weigt

The maximum D value for an M1 vehicle is 17.7kn that represents a GVW of 3500 kgs towing GTW of 3500kgs.

Towing Capacity

Towing Capacity is related to GVM then each model may have a different value for D. To prevent overloading of the towing vehicle refer to the Vehicle Manufacturers' Handbook to confirm the GTW for your particular model.

Below is a quick checklist to make sure that you are buying a towbar which is fit for purpose and complys' to EC legislation.

• On private passenger vehicles from 1st Aug 1998 onwards (S Plate) always check that the towbar you are fitting to the vehicle has a type approval plate. This will give the approval number together with the part number for the towbar.
• Before selecting a towbar look at the fitting instructions for the towbar to see if the fitting is within your capabilities. Most towbar sellers can provide pre sales advice.
• When fitting a towbar if in doubt ask! One quick question can save you a lot of time and also ensure that the equipment is being installed to manufactures specification. By selecting a seller which openly offers this support can ensure that a safe installation is made.
• If you decide to purchase a second hand towbar always ensure you obtain the fitting instructions to install it. We have these available on our fitting instructions website which you can access on any of our listings. This will ensure you are not missing parts which can be easily done. If you do not fit the item to the manufactures specification you will be breaking type approval for the equipment. More importantly this could mean that the item is unsafe and could cause injury if used.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us we will be happy to help, email us at sales@towequipe.co.uk.

This guide is written with reference from the National Trailer and Towing Association.