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Monthly Archives: March 2022


Telford Towbar - BLOG Social Media Templates New Hyundai Ioniq 5 Towbar

The New Hyundai Ioniq 5 Towbar & Dedicated Electrics

The IONIQ 5 is the first from the ground up electric vehicle. The good news is that the IONIQ 5 can actually tow and a very reasonable/practical towing capacity of 1,600 kg too. The IONIQ 5 is based on a new dedicated electric vehicle platform called the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) which other full-electric Hyundai vehicles will be based on. Hyundai sibling brand KIA is also using this platform with the EV6 which shares similar specifications to the IONIQ 5.

We have now supplied many Towbar & Electrics for the New Hyindai Ioniq 5 please visit our shop should you wish to purchase the associated parts.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Detachable Towbar https://telfordtowbars.co.uk/shop/product/hyundai-ioniq-5-detachable-towbar/

Hyundai Ioniq 5 7 pin dedicated towing electrics https://telfordtowbars.co.uk/shop/product/hyundai-ioniq-5-2021-onwards-7-pin-towing-electrics-ki13607m/

Hyundai Ioniq 5 13 pin dedicated towing electrics https://telfordtowbars.co.uk/shop/product/hyundai-ioniq-5-2021-onwards-13-pin-towing-electrics-ki13613m/

If you are looking to have your towbar fitted by us the simply follow the link here https://telfordtowbars.co.uk/shop/ you can enter your reg number or select the vehicle manually to generate a quote in less than 30 seconds

Hyundai IONIQ 5 Towing Capabilities

So as you can see from the key specs above, there are two towing capacity ratings for the Hyundai IONIQ 5. If you opt for the Standard Range version with rear-wheel drive (SR RWD) it is limited to towing up to 750 kg. However, if you opt for either of the Long Range variants with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive you get a towing capacity of 1,600 kg.

Best Bike Racks for Cars in 2022

Best Bike Racks for Cars in 2022

There are many car-bike racks on the market, so finding the right one can be tricky. However, here at Telford Towbars   we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the top four car bike racks in that we recommend. So, without further ado, here are the best car bike racks on the market! Whether you’re looking for something simple and easy to use or something more robust, we’ve got you covered.

A question to ask yourself is how frequently do you need to carry bikes?

How many bikes?

And…

Which vehicle or vehicles will you be using?

You may require a bike rack for your motorhome?

We are happy to advise you on any of the above here at Telford Towbars.

Call us now on:  +44 (0)1952 608750

Another question before you start looking is how are you planning to carry the bikes?

  1. On the top of the vehicle?
  2. Off the back of the vehicle?
  3. Does your car have a vehicle hitch?

There are many factors to consider, and one of the most important things is the value of your bike. There is no point in risking a cheap bike car rack if your bike is worth a few thousand pounds!

Bikes vary so much in cost, style, size and weight all these need to be considered.

The main types of bike rack are roof-mounted, boot or trunk-mounted and towbar or hitch-mounted.

Your one-stop destination to choose from the best bike racks for family car rides and solo adventures

Thule Pro Ride- 598

Thule Pro Ride- 598

This is one of the best bike racks for cars currently in the UK.

Why Choose Thule Pro Ride- 598?

  • Automatically positions your bike when you secure it, thanks to the uniquely designed frame holder and wheel tray
  • Pressure is spread via large, soft claw pads that adapt to your bike’s frame tubes – minimizing the risk of frame damage
  • Quick and easy bike securing – the torque limiter dial controls the force going into the bike frame with a clear sign of correct mounting
  • Safe mounting – your bike is prevented from falling thanks to the claw’s extended lower jaw
  • Stable wheels – firmly fixed in smartly designed wheel holders with diagonal quick-release wheel straps
  • Easy, tool-free interface for switching the bike rack from one side of your car to the other
  • Pre-assembled, no tools required
  • Locks the bike to the bike rack and the bike rack to the roof racks (locks included)

The Thule ProrRide is a great choice and is ideal if your bike has mudguards, because rack wont interfere with them which is different to those bike racks that hold the bike by the wheels.

You do have to clamp directly onto the down tube bike, however the jaws have been designed to minimize the risk of damage.

RockyMounts TomaHawk roof rack

This hauls one bike and requires a base bar system.

If you have a Thule or other base bar system or you have a vehicle that already has factory cross bars. The RockyMounts versatile TomaHawk upright bike rack is really ideal.

This bike rack is very versatile and it can haul all sort of bikes including kids bikes.

Loading a bike onto the rack is quite easy because RockyMounts roof racks include tabs so the wheel straps are kept out of the way.

Loading a bike is relatively easy since RockyMounts includes tabs to keep the rack’s wheel straps out of the way.

A disadvantage maybe that the lock on the base rack doesn’t rate as a top scorer.

Storage wise it folds down well.

Thule EasyFold XT 2

RockyMounts TomaHawk roof rack

Many e-bikes are just too heavy to lift onto a car roof or load into a hatchback. This clever – but very expensive – rack might be the answer to your problems if your car has a tow ball. Being low to the ground it’s a lot easier to lift e-bikes or heavy mountain bikes into place. They are held in position using adjustable and removable arms with clamps which click loudly when at the correct tension, so you won’t damage expensive frames. The whole assembly can be tilted out of the way of your rear tailgate at the press of a foot pedal, so you can still access the boot.

The cleverest feature of the XT 2 is its ability to fold up for easy storage in a garage or shed – there’s even a built-in carrying handle to make it easier to move around. Its big brother, the XT 3, even has a wheel so you don’t even need to lift it. The design includes built-in rear lights and a number plate holder.

Why Choose Thule EasyFold XT 2?

  • Fully foldable for convenient mounting, handling and storage
  • High load capacity enabling transport of e-bikes and heavy mountain bikes
  • Easy mounting of bikes through detachable bike arms with lockable Thule AcuTight torque limiter knobs that click when optimal torque is reached
  • Large distance between wheel holders enabling transport of sturdy bikes with large wheel bases
  • Adjustable pump buckles with extra-long wheel straps for easy fastening of wheels (up to 4.7″ wheels) enabling transport of fat bikes
  • Easy trunk access even with bikes mounted, thanks to smart foot pedal tilt
  • Easy mounting and adjustment of the bike rack before closing the tightening handle, thanks to the towbar coupling’s initial stability
  • Ergonomic transport of the bike rack thanks to the integrated carrying handles
  • Pre-assembled, no tools required
  • Lock your bikes to the bike rack and your bike rack to the towbar (locks included)

The Menabo Carriers

Finally, we recommend the Menabo Carriers these are available in various sizes for carrying up to four bikes;

Alcor Product Image

Why Choose Menabo Carriers?

  • ALCOR Towbar mounted bike racks E bike compatible
  • Suitable for E-Bikes or FAT Bikes
  • Tilts to give you access to the boot of the car, using the pedal at the front of the carrier
  • Featuring Rapid-lock, which allows you to easily fit the carrier to the towball and lock it to protect it from theft
  • Steel frame with aluminium channels
  • City Crash Tested
  • Sliding straps for a quick fixing to secure the wheels to the carrier
  • Arms are provided to secure each bike to the support bar
  • Each jaw arm is padded to protect the bike frame
  • Modern chrome UK specified lights also included

Have a look to see if we have the right one for you?

https://telfordtowbars.co.uk/shop/?s=thule+easy+fold&post_type=product

 That’s it for our list of the best car bike racks in UK. We hope you found this post helpful and that it has given you a good idea of what to look for when purchasing your own bike rack. If you have any questions or would like some help finding the perfect product for your needs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Telford Towbars. We offer a wide range of car bike carriers and accessories, all of which are available for purchase on our website. Thanks for reading!

Check out our website Or Call us today on +44 (0)1952 608750.

Telford Towbar - BLOG Social Media Templates Looking After Your Caravan How to keep your Caravan Winter Safe

Looking After Your Caravan: How to keep your Caravan Winter Safe?

Is your caravan winter-safe?

Caravanning is a hugely popular pastime, with more and more people hitting the open road in their caravans every year. But while caravanning can be great fun, it’s also important to remember that they require a bit of care and attention – especially in colder weather.

That is a lot more to looking after your caravan in the winter than protecting the towbar!

Here at Telford Towbars, we have given you some simple tips so you can be rest assured that your caravan will stay in good condition all winter long. Plus, you’ll avoid any nasty surprises when it comes time to hit the road again in the spring.

Insurance and Security

You can keep your caravan safe with specialist caravan insurance.

Although not a legal requirement, caravans cost a lot of money to replace, and insurance can be surprisingly inexpensive. So our advice at Telford Towbars services is don’t skimp here; it may end up in tears!

You may find that there are discounts available for members of touring, camping and caravan clubs and sometimes companies offer deals if you insure both your caravan and car!

First and foremost, and this may be so obvious, make sure you remove anything valuable from your caravans such as TVs, radios and anything else of value.

Security

Telford Towbars’ advice is always to check with your insurance company or read the policy before you think of storing your caravan with a third party!

If you consider a caravan storage area make sure the caravans are not parked too tightly because we have seen a few caravans damaged when other caravans have been moved.

You can keep your caravan safe with specialist caravan insurance.

Although not a legal requirement, caravans cost a lot of money to replace, and insurance can be surprisingly inexpensive. So our advice at Telford Towbars is don’t skimp here as t it may end up in tears!

You may find that there are discounts available for members of touring, camping and caravan clubs and sometimes companies offer deals if you insure both your caravan and car!

Cleaning the Caravan

Let’s start with internal:

To keep the kitchen clean and free from mould, make sure that you

scrub every part of your fridge. Leave the door ajar; there may be a catch on it for you to use, to prevent any attraction for pests such as vermin. Use products designed specifically for caravans instead of normal domestic cleaners because they may damage surfaces or seals in a caravan.

Keeping your caravan dry and clean is one of the most important things you can do to protect it from moisture. Vacuum cleaning carpets helps eliminate any dirt that might have settled there while also checking for anything left behind in cupboards or seat bases; this way, we know all areas are as clean as possible.

Vacuum cushions regularly to prevent mildew. Store them standing upright away from the caravan walls and cover them with breathable material for protection against dust. Ideally, if you have room at home, keep them there.

Bedding and pillows should be removed for the winter.

Body Work

Springtime is just around the corner, and with it comes an opportunity to give your caravan exterior a much-needed maintenance clean. Whether you plan on using wax or cover preparation, make sure that any dirt from last season has been removed before storing away for winter!

Thorough cleaning of the body also allows you to inspect the bodywork for any damage. The winter season is an excellent time to fix it when workshops are less busy.

The chemicals used to clean your caravans can significantly impact their longevity. Proprietary agents designed for this purpose will be kinder towards the surfaces while also safer than traditional cleaners, so they’re worth considering!

Use caution when using pressure washers. They often have a powerful spray that can damage trim and seals.

Remove any green or black mould from the surface of your caravan. This will help prevent it from growing over winter, which can mark plastic and aluminium permanently with an unwanted colour!

Tyres

Tyres don’t like standing around for long periods, it may be worth increasing the tyre pressure while stationary, but forget to decrease when back on the road.

If your caravan is not too far away, it may be worth turning the wheels every six to eight weeks.

Hitch Lock

When you’re not using your caravans for travel, it’s important to lock them up. A hitch-lock will keep anyone from lifting or unhitching the caravan. 

Towbar

Remember! have you changed your car in the last six months you will need a new Towbar for your car.

Here our towbar installation specialists will give you the correct towbar for your vehicle, and it will be fitted by one of our experts.

If you have already got a towbar, please don’t hesitate to ask us for advice if you have any concerns.

You may need a refresh on towing, please take a look at our safe and legal towing services.

Towing Capacity

Once you have your towbar fitted it’s vital you look at the weight.

Details of the towing capacity for your vehicle found in the owner’s handbook, the manufacturer’s website, and other websites should only be taken as a guide.

The actual, exact, and only towing capacity figure that should be used for your vehicle is the one that is stamped on the Vehicle Identification Number Plate, VIN Plate.

Again check the website we have up to date information on here:

If you are looking for a Towbar supplier, we have experts on hand to speak to. Please call us on: : +44 (0)1952 608750

Alternatively, add your registration number onto our website Telford Towbars, and you can see the towbar that will fit your car: https://telfordtowbars.co.uk/shop/

Happy Caravanning!

Telford Towbar - BLOG Social Media Templates What is a multiplexed CAN Bussed system

What is a Multiplexed CAN Bussed System?

With new sophisticated safety systems and features being incorporated into today’s vehicles, manufacturers have had to re-think the way in which these systems can communicate to each other effectively. “CANbus systems” are therefore becoming much more common in today’s vehicles than previous analogue “wiring looms”. But what are the differences between the two systems, and what are the advantages…

CAN stands for “Controlled Area Network“.

Originally developed in the early 1980’s by the Robert Bosch corporation, for automotive applications. The use of Can bussed systems allows the manufacturers of automotive vehicles to seriously reduce the cost in vehicle construction by incorporating CAN technology. The older technologies consisted of many metres of heavy cable combined with switches, relays and fuses. This proved heavy and expensive, so the creation of a CAN network now consisted of fewer wires and control units communicating through a single pair of twisted wires as the transmission medium and because CAN’s are now used in such huge volumes, all the components are extremely affordable. Its high transfer rate and high transmitter reliability, as well as the ability to recognise data error, makes it ideal in electrical noisy environment

In automotive CAN applications, the instrument panel, power windows, body accessories and even many sensors and actuators all have their own individual mini-control unit. All the units, known technically as ‘nodes’, communicate with each other through a single pair of wires. These are twisted together to ensure minimum interference and is broadly known as the ‘data bus’.

All the data on the bus is addressed to a specific node or group of nodes by function, not location. The relevant nodes respond to a particular pre-programmed protocol. For example, the vehicle speed sensor will put its data on the bus, and every other control unit that needs vehicle speed information will receive it directly without having to go to an alternative central control unit.

Because there are multiple units sharing a single bus, every data package includes a priority code. This will ensure, for instance, that if the ABS control unit and the lighting unit both send a message to the BCM (Body Control Module), the critical ABS system message gets to go first.

CAN technology will significantly reduce the number of connector pins and wires in the vehicle. With extra ‘blank’ connectors built into the network loop, or with a splice kit for adding connectors, nodes can be added on the production line (or even aftermarket) without running a new wiring harness. However, designers have built in more than one network on the vehicle, linked by ‘gateways’ where appropriate. The mission-critical nodes will be linked on a high-speed Class C network that can operate in virtual real-time. Less critical items, such as the instrument panel, lighting systems will use a slower Class B network, and ‘occasionally used’ body accessories, such as power windows are likely to use a Class A network.

*Activated driver assistance systems inform the driver about all relevant data being transferred around the vehicle – the corresponding display is then activated either in the instrument display or on a centre panel display. Computers for engine and transmission control or for lighting system management monitor the vehicle using the data transmitted via the CAN bus. The systems no longer operate in isolation alongside one another, but can now quickly react to the information from one another. The CAN bus is an optimal solution for managing all vehicle electrical and electronic functions.

As a result, effective fault monitoring and diagnosis of the systems are integrated into the CAN bus, defects can be localized more quickly and even temporarily compensated for by corresponding secondary systems. For example, a faulty tail light function can be temporarily replaced by a brake light bulb. The driver would instantly be informed of the failure in order to address the problem.

*Activated driver assistance system is hugely relevant for the towing customer.

Particular features such as ‘Trailer Stability Programs’ (TSP) are now being introduced and currently installed in nearly ALL new VAG vehicles, BMW X series and the newly produced GM vehicles. The alarming thing about these systems, are that they are a incredibly easy feature to install and activate when towing. With a change to the existing ESP, ( Electronic Stability Program) the vehicle is able to correct a ‘snake’ in a trailer or caravan. These systems are dormant in the software of the vehicle and brought into operation when the car detects a trailer connected.

How does the vehicle know a trailer is connected?

This happens in a number of ways but the most common method is a signal generated by the towing module, which is recognised by the central computer. The signal is sent when a towing plug is inserted into the socket. The vehicle specific ‘Towing Electrics’ can also activate other features associated with towing. For systems such as TSP to operate it is essential to have a towbar wiring kit installation which communicates directly on the CAN bus.

With technology constantly being refined and improved, towing electrics have become as vital as any other electrical system in terms of safety. Therefore, it is CRITICAL to MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE.

The alternative is to either choose the cheaper universal towing electrics solution or possibly worse, have this chosen for you by a towbar installer. This decision could affect every aspect of the safety of your vehicle and that of other road users.

REMEMBER: Choosing a universal by-pass electric installation WILL NOT allow certain safety systems to function!

Why not take a look at our range of vehicle specific Towbar wiring kits in our online store click here https://telfordtowbars.co.uk/shop/product-category/right-connections-towing-electrics-vehicle-specific-towbar-electrics/

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