Hi all,
TowTal in Stoke-on-Trent tell us they've fitted their A-Frame to an Abarth 500 already. Is it any of us?
If so, would appreciate feedback on the experience. Thanks!

This was on my car, I'm new to this forum, but it was definately my car. Works perfectly I'll add, doesn't look great, but it isn't terrible, already been round Europe on a two week holiday towing the 500 behind a motorhome, no problems at all, and it doesn't record the mileage put on when its getting towed, which I thought it would, so another bonus, I'll upload some pictures tomorrow depending on whether its light enough or not now

Well when its off there is a bar across the front that the rest of the frame attatches to, with the electrical socket and brake attatchment cable. It is black so it doesnt look like a stupid chunk of metal, but it does ruin the look of the car slightly. But considering it takes about 5 minutes max to take off or put on the frame, and it can actually fit in the boot of the car (although driving would shunt it about your boot, not so good, but it gives an idea of its size) it is practical, and ideal if your someone who doesnt have space to have a trailer lying about when you dont need it, or just doesnt want the hastle of getting the car onto the trailer, taking it off when you get there, hitching up, etc etc. But the A-frame is a very cool idea, the way the car sort of steers along behind you, uses its own lights, and brakes along with the vehicle your using to tow, very cool indeed.

I'm gonna go take some photos and upload them within half an hour or so, I'll do some pictures with the A-frame off, and with it on.

Quote from: Nibor on September 28, 2010, 12:10:51 PM

uses its own lights, and brakes along with the vehicle your using to tow, very cool indeed.

How does it operate the brakes?

Easiest way to explain would be to upload a picture, so here we go, the cable in the middle circles in red connects to a cable leading into the car, which is linked to the cars breaking system. When you break in the car you are towing with, the cable is pulled hard, which applies the footbrake inside the car. (The car is left with the keys in the ignition when towing, car turned off, just half a click round to deactivate steering lock and allow breaks to be applied easily) A bungee cord inside the car attatched to the drivers seat and to the brake peddal allows the brakes in the car get pulled back from the tension when the towing vehicle releases is brakes, so that the brake doesnt stay on. Its all quite clever I think

Heres the last 4. If you have any questions about it, or would like to see some close up photos of specific areas just let me know and I'll help if I can. But I am very pleased with the A-frame, works very well, and people always stop and look, it is quite a site seeing the Abarth getting towed along like this. Only downside is the bar thats always on the front, it doesnt look terrible, and it doesn't effect the cars performance at all, but theres always one downside when you get a lot of pros

Mod: MONSTER pic resize.

Great Picc and well explained
 
 What size engine do you have in your motor home and is it twin wheel or single on the back. I am looking at swopping in the caravan next year and buying a motor home. One reason for buying the Abarth

Its an Autotrail Miami SE 740D with a 2.5dci engine, single wheel on back, but still a fairly big 4 berth motorhome. Its also been chipped to add a little bit more oomph to it, and it tows the Abarth as if its not even there. Glad I was able to explain things well, most of the time I tell too much and leave people going 'eh?'

I'm sure you are aware that it is technically illegal to tow a vehicle in the UK with an A frame unless the vehicle is being recovered. 

"An A-frame or dolly can only be used to recover a broken down vehicle to a place of safety. Transporting a car is, therefore, illegal. A-frames may be offered with a braking system that applies the car's brakes. These do not conform to the law as the car then becomes a "braked trailer" and has to conform to European Directives contained within the Construction and Use Regulations. It does not conform to the European Directive 71/320/EEC and amendments regarding braking requirements in any way. The use of this A-frame for transportation is illegal. It is still OK for use to recover a vehicle to a place of safety."

http://www.ntta.co.uk/faq/default.htm