Corner steadies /tow bar

by Apple Thu Oct 24, 2024 3:05 pm

I have a 2013 Broadway FB with factory fitted corner steadies. I want to fit a towbar to facilitate a 2 e-bike rack (too heavy for the Fiamma bulkhead rack).. can I retain the corner steadies and have a towbar fitted?

Many thanks for any advice

by Paulmold Thu Oct 24, 2024 3:27 pm

Depends on the make of towbar, some require removal of steadies, others don't.

by Apple Thu Oct 24, 2024 4:11 pm

Paulmold wrote:Depends on the make of towbar, some require removal of steadies, others don't.

Thank you for the info obviously I need to do more research. Not sure whether I need chassis extensions but have been quoted between £800 - £1550 for the fitment

Thanks again

by Peter Brown Thu Oct 24, 2024 4:15 pm

I cant answer the OPs question but would offer this:

In our previous two vans (Ford then Mercedes) over16 years that were the same length as the Broadway FB we were generally not comfortable without the steadies being deployed.

Our current shorter Broadway EB came without steadies but with a towbar for which I procured a bike rack to take electric bikes. Over 2 years (although there is movement of van as we move about) its acceptable to use without steadies and I am happy with that but would mention that this September on the top of a cliff on the North East coast we had nearly 48 hours of 50 mph winds that made life in the van very unpleasant and if I could have readily done so, I would have gone and bought two screw jacks to steady us.

by Apple Thu Oct 24, 2024 4:21 pm

Peter Brown wrote:I cant answer the OPs question but would offer this:

In our previous two vans (Ford then Mercedes) over16 years that were the same length as the Broadway FB we were generally not comfortable without the steadies being deployed.

Our current shorter Broadway EB came without steadies but with a towbar for which I procured a bike rack to take electric bikes. Over 2 years (although there is movement of van as we move about) its acceptable to use without steadies and I am happy with that but would mention that this September on the top of a cliff on the North East coast we had nearly 48 hours of 50 mph winds that made life in the van very unpleasant and if I could have readily done so, I would have gone and bought two screw jacks to steady us.

That,s very helpful Peter, thank you. My better half gets very skittish in winds and the Broadway does have a fairly lengthy overhang hence I currently use the steadies all the time. The screw jacks seem a good idea d I have also looked at the triangularbased ratchet axle stands

Thanks again

by IanH Thu Oct 24, 2024 5:26 pm

For £1550 you could sell the bikes as well and use taxis!! hugegrins

Joking apart we choose nightstop locations and check them on google earth, when zoomed in it shows bus stops, the decision can be based on those. Never had any issues using buses all over Europe. Don't have to park them either!

by Peter Brown Thu Oct 24, 2024 5:40 pm

IanH wrote:For £1550 you could sell the bikes as well and use taxis!!

Joking apart we choose nightstop locations and check them on google earth, when zoomed in it shows bus stops, the decision can be based on those. Never had any issues using buses all over Europe. Don't have to park them either!

I use my bike because I enjoy cycling and its good for me - even with electric assistance - not everything revolves around money.

by Mike187 Thu Oct 24, 2024 7:09 pm

Our Broadway will be a bit shorter but in the 9 years we have owned it we have never used the steadies or rarely ramps come to that. So when we had a tow bar fitted a couple of years ago we were quite happy to lose the steadies. I think it cost about £900 if I remember correctly.

Mike

Corner steadies /tow bar

Corner steadies /tow bar

Re: Corner steadies /tow bar

Thank you

Re: Corner steadies /tow bar

Re: Corner steadies /tow bar

Re: Corner steadies /tow bar

Re: Corner steadies /tow bar

Re: Corner steadies /tow bar