Q: ARE A FRAMES LEGAL?
A: Yes, Both in the UK and in most of Europe. However this is provided the country you are visiting ratified the Vienna Convention. Spain did not, so technically you can not flat tow ANY vehicle in Spain, Unless you are a licensed recovery agent.
Q: IS IT TRUE THAT ONLY ELECTRONICALLY BRAKED A FRAMES ARE LEGAL ABROAD?
A: In a word NO, this is a story put around by some companies who only do the electronic systems. The law is clear on this.
Q: MY VEHICLE IS UNDER 750KG, SO IT DOESNT NEED A BRAKED SYSTEM DOES IT?
A: Sorry but again the law is clear, when towing your car is classed as a trailer. If that trailer has brakes then the brakes must work when towed. It doesn't matter what weight the trailer is.
Q: WHAT ABOUT THE BRAKE AWAY CABLE, WHY DOESNT YOUR HITCH HAVE ONE?
A: Legislation is set out in the GOV. UK document. Our standard hitches are rated 1200kg and the heavy duty 1500kg, so a break aware cable is not required. We use a 'Secondary means of attachment' by cable.
Q: YOUR BRAKE CABLE DOES NOT STICK OUT, WHY NOT?
A: Our brake cables are purpose made to suit the vehicle, no a trailer made to do. For that reason we can ensure the fittings are as discrete as possible.
Q: ARE YOUR FRAMES TYPE APPROVED?
A: There is no type approval available for A frames, therefore there is no approval system available and it is illegal to claim otherwise, likewise the certificate of conformity offered by some companies, simply confirms the system is manufactured to their own specifications. No official testing standard at all.
Q: CAN I LEAVE THE TOWING EYES IN PLACE WHEN DRIVING, AS OTHERS DO?
A:You should ALWAYS remove the towing eyes when not towing, they could be construed a hazard and could cause injury in the event of an accident. It takes seconds and we supply the spanner to make removal easy.
Q: I NOTICE YOU DONT HAVE A JOCKEY WHEEL, WHY NOT?
A: Our hitches are designed not to need a bulky expensive jockey wheel. For manoeuvring, we fit a strap system to lift the hitch up out the way.
Q: WHY ARE YOUR HITCHES SO LIGHT?
A: They are manufactured from STAINLESS STEEL for strength and lightness. They are Tig Welded to aircraft quality, we do not take a 'standard' trailer coupling and add bits to it. We manufacture from scratch. (using a proprietary coupling head and damper)
Q: DO YOUR HITCHES FOLD FOR STORAGE?
A: Yes they will even fit into a boot of a 1960's Mini.
Q: DOES THE VEHICLE BATTERY RUN DOWN WHEN TOWING?
A: No, the ignition is in auxiliary position, IE position 1. This means no power is being taken from the cars battery. You MUST however ensure all screens, radios, interior lights etc are switched OFF, not just in sleep mode. We also where required, fit relays or diode systems to prevent your brake lights stopping on at no additional cost.
Q: WHAT ABOUT MILEAGE INCREASING?
A: Same as last answer.
Q: HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT ATTACHING THE SECOND TOWING EYE TO THE CRASH BEAM?
A: You should NEVER attach a second towing eye to the crash beam, it is not strong enough or suitable. The vehicle towing eye is designed to pull you out of a ditch, not long term towing. An internal frame is required to secure two new towing eyes and this fits around the existing crash beam WHICH SHOULD NEVER BE REMOVED AND NOT RE FITTED. If you find that your fitter wants to remove/attach second towing eyes to the crash beam. WALK AWAY!!!
Q: CAN I MOVE YOUR SYSTEMS TO ANOTHER VEHICLE?
A: The internal frames are vehicle specific, so they will only fit another vehicle of the same make/model and year range. So the internals cannot be reused. However although the hitches have specific jaw widths to suit your car, we can fit new width 'arms' when you change your vehicle, saving you money.
Q: MY CURRENT HITCH IS SO HEAVY, SO ALTHOUGH YOU DIDNT DO MY SYSTEM CAN YOU HELP?
A: We can supply a new hitch to suit your internal system. Purpose made to suit.
Q: I HAVE A KIA PICANTO WITH SENSORS ON THE FRONT, SEVERAL COMPANIES HAVE SAID THEY CANNOT FIT BECAUSE OF THIS, CAN YOU HELP?
A: Yes for this case and for certain other vehicles IE some BMW, Mini Coppers, We produce our unique 'inverted hitch' with the brake system on the top, this gets over the problem.
Q: I HAVE A CLASSIC CAR, CAN YOU HELP?
A: Most certainly, we do a large number of classic/show/competition cars. We tow an MGF ourselves.
Q: WHAT ABOUT AN AUTOMATIC OR 4 WHEEL DRIVE?
A: We have to be careful on the definition here. You cannot flat tow a 'traditional' automatic car, however most semi automatics are fine ( with a few exceptions) For this reason, we have to be precise on definition. You cannot tow a 4 wheel drive.
Q: WHAT ABOUT AN ELECTRIC OR HYBRID CAR?
A: You cannot flat tow an electric car. This is because of the battery charging method. You can flat tow some hybrids such as the Fiat 500, however before we agree to do a hybrid we would require official confirmation from the manufacturer that is in order. (fiat have been happy to supply)
Q: DO I NEED ANYTHING ELSE TO START TOWING?
A: Naturally a tow bar plus a number plate of the towing vehicle. (We fit quick release clips as standard for this) We can also supply a number plate for an additional cost. We also have warning triangles again we can supply for a cost. Some people like an on on tow sign or the like.
Q: WHAT IS THE COST FOR ANNUAL SERVICING?
A: We do not charge anything like this and do not insist on it.
Q: HOW LONG IS YOUR WARRANTY?
A: Until you drive out the car park!! Seriously we cover labour (unless misuse or fiddling) whilst you own the vehicle. Parts are 12 months.
Q: I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF CONFLICTING INFORMATION ON FACEBOOK AND THE LIKE.
A: You need to be careful here, some Facebook sites are by A frame companies and not not allow any other company to be mentioned
Q: I AM QUITE MECHANICALLY HANDY, CAN YOU SUPPLY FOR ME TO FIT MYSELF?
A: We can supply DIY kits for a great many vehicles, Just ask.
Q:DO I HAVE TO COME TO YOU FOR FITTING?
A: We fit ourselves in Chesterfield, However we also have fitting agents in South Wales and East Anglia.