Motorhomes equipped with a lightweight AL-KO chassis represent the premium category of the caravaning market. Many manufacturers – including Hymer, Bürstner, Rapido, Carthago, Pilote, KABE and Adria – rely on this high-end chassis technology based on the Fiat Ducato or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
The reason is clear: an AL-KO chassis offers reduced weight, increased stability, better road handling and maximum design flexibility.
But anyone who drives a motorhome with an AL-KO low-frame chassis knows the challenge: finding the right towbar is often anything but simple.
Why a special towbar is required for AL-KO chassis
The AL-KO chassis usually ends shortly after the rear axle, unlike conventional ladder-frame chassis.
A standard towbar therefore cannot simply be fitted to the rear of the vehicle.
Special cross members, side plates or chassis extensions are required to ensure a stable and TÜV-compliant mounting.
Thanks to the modular construction of the AL-KO system, towbars, levelling jacks or air suspensions can nevertheless be retrofitted without problems, provided that the correct vehicle-specific system is used.
Recommended systems – modular, stable and type-approved
A proven example is the SAWIKO MT054F-125, one of the most popular towbars for AL-KO chassis.
It stands out thanks to its modular construction, consisting of a towball, clamping cage, cross member and side plates, which can be individually adapted to the chassis width.
The SAWIKO MT054 series offers flexible mounting variants – fixed, detachable or flange ball towbar – together with ECE type approval, a D-value of 12.5 kN and a nose weight of 150 kg. It also provides high-quality corrosion protection, either hot-dip galvanised or powder-coated, and makes maximum use of the available space beneath the body.
These systems are specially developed for motorhomes based on the lightweight AL-KO AMC chassis, including models with a gross vehicle weight of 3,880 kg, 4,500 kg, 5,500 kg and more.
Alternatives to SAWIKO: LEMET and MEMO-Europe
In addition to SAWIKO, LEMET and MEMO-Europe also offer high-quality retrofit solutions for AL-KO chassis.
- The LEMET UCAMP GTR TH features adjustable width from 920 to 1420 mm, modular construction and different towball variants. It is available with swan neck, flange ball or detachable coupling and is immediately available from X-CAMPING.
- The MEMO-Europe 29001 – 29008 range offers simple installation, a robust design and TÜV approval. It is ideal for motorhomes up to 5 tonnes gross vehicle weight.
In terms of functionality and stability, these systems are very close to the SAWIKO solutions, while often being significantly more attractive in terms of price.
What you should pay attention to when buying
- First, check the type approval and EC number. Make sure that valid approval is available for your specific vehicle model.
- Second, check the load values. The D-value, towing capacity and nose weight must correspond to the vehicle data.
- Third, check the mounting points and extension. Depending on the vehicle, a chassis extension may be required.
- Fourth, consider corrosion protection. Galvanised or powder-coated components protect against rust and ageing.
- Fifth, make sure the electrical kit and accessories are correctly matched. A towbar is more than just the ball: the electrical kit, reversing sensors and wiring harness must also be compatible.
- Sixth, consider TÜV and insurance. Retrofit installations must be registered in order to preserve road approval and insurance cover.
Plus qu’un simple attelage – kits de seconde monte & accessoires chez X-CAMPING
More than just a towbar – retrofit kits and accessories at X-CAMPING
At X-CAMPING, you will find not only the towbar itself, but also all components for perfect integration into your vehicle.
The range includes chassis extensions and cross members, reinforcement kits for higher loads, vehicle-specific mounting kits for Fiat Ducato, Mercedes Sprinter, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper, VW Crafter and more, as well as electrical and hydraulic systems for chassis adjustment.
All products are immediately available and ready for shipping throughout Europe.
Conclusion – premium chassis deserve premium accessories
Anyone who drives a motorhome with a lightweight AL-KO chassis should not compromise on the towbar either.
With the modular and approved systems from SAWIKO, LEMET and MEMO-Europe, available from X-CAMPING, retrofitting is simple, safe and durable.
Chez X-CAMPING, vous trouvez non seulement l’attelage lui-même, mais aussi tous les composants pour une intégration parfaite dans votre véhicule :
- Rallonges de châssis et traverses;
- Kits de renfort pour charges plus élevées ;
- Kits de montage spécifiques au véhicule pour Fiat Ducato, Mercedes Sprinter, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper, VW Crafter et plus encore ;
- Systèmes électriques & hydrauliques pour l’adaptation du châssis.
Tous les produits sont disponibles immédiatement et prêts à être expédiés dans toute l’Europe.
Conclusion – les châssis premium méritent des accessoires premium
Toute personne qui conduit un camping-car avec châssis léger AL-KO ne devrait pas faire de compromis non plus sur l’attelage. Avec les systèmes modulaires et homologués de SAWIKO, LEMET et MEMO-Europe, disponibles chez X-CAMPING, la seconde monte est simple, sûre et durable.
