Installation of Sawiko towbar on Trigano motorhomes
The Trigano Group is a leading French company specialising in the manufacture and distribution of motorhomes and caravans. The group’s well-known brands include Chausson, Challenger, Autostar and Roller Team in the motorhome sector and Sterckeman and Caravelair in the caravan sector.
Founded in 1935, the company began by manufacturing and distributing tents. Over the decades, Trigano has expanded its product range to become a major player in the camping and outdoor leisure industry. Today, the Trigano Group is a European market leader, recognised for its innovation, the quality of its products and its ability to meet the diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts.
Trigano products are distributed through an extensive network of external distributors. They regularly receive instructions and detailed guidelines for the installation of new and replacement parts. However, some of these internal guidelines are controversial in practice. In some cases they can be considered misleading and even contrary to European regulations. This is the case, for example, with the instructions for fitting towbars to motorhomes from the TRIGANO Group.
Trigano circular on trailer hitch fitting: background and alternatives
For some time now, a circular from Trigano has been causing considerable concern among dealers, garages and other partners of the manufacturer. It states that only SAWIKO towbars may be fitted to Trigano leisure vehicles. This has met with some resistance as many dealers are looking for alternative solutions. There is also the question of whether this regulation is legally binding.
In response to many requests, we would like to clarify the most important questions on this subject:
- Do I have to install a SAWIKO towbar?
- What are the consequences if I use a towbar from another manufacturer?
- What should I pay attention to when fitting a towbar?
Legal situation
A manufacturer’s internal rules are only legally valid if they do not contravene any overriding legislation. In this case, the Trigano regulation is contrary to European law. European Commission Regulation (EU) No. 461/2010 clearly states that parts can also be purchased from independent manufacturers or distributors. Trigano customers are therefore entitled to use certified towbars from other suppliers without fear of penalties.
Problems with SAWIKO products
SAWIKO is a leading supplier of towbars and chassis extensions for motorhomes. While the product range is extensive and covers a wide range of fixed and detachable towbars, many dealers complain about high prices and long delivery times. This has led to an increased search for alternatives.
Alternatives on the market
There are several European manufacturers that offer towbars that meet the requirements of Trigano vehicles. Alternatives include:
- SMV Metal
- XIMPLIO
- Umbra Rimorchi
- LEMET
All these manufacturers offer products with the necessary approvals for use in motorhomes. LEMET stands out: their towbars are adjustable, flexible and have high tensile strength and low weight thanks to modern FEM material optimisation methods.
Technical considerations
Trigano argues that the towing capacity depends on the body of the van. In reality, however, the towing capacity is determined by the carrier vehicle, such as the Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter. These manufacturers define the technical characteristics of their vehicles, including the maximum towable load.
By way of comparison, while SAWIKO and SMV-Metall allow towing loads of up to 2 tonnes, manufacturers such as XIMPLIO and Umbra Rimorchi offer solutions for loads of up to 2.5 tonnes. LEMET goes even further, offering towbars with a D-value of 14.6 kN and a vertical load of 160 kg. This means that vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes can tow trailers up to 2.6 tonnes.
Conclusion: do I have to install a SAWIKO towbar?
No, you are not obliged to use a SAWIKO towbar. European legislation allows the installation of certified towbars from other manufacturers. This is regulated by European Commission Regulation (EU) No. 461/2010, which protects free competition and allows the use of parts from independent manufacturers.
Several dealers have already taken legal action against Trigano as they consider this exclusive requirement to be anti-competitive.
We recommend that when choosing a towbar, you consider European legislation and choose certified products from manufacturers such as LEMET, XIMPLIO and others. These suppliers often offer competitive prices, high availability and innovative, high quality solutions. You can find such products for example in the X-CAMPING online shop.
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