Warning for those using A-Frames

peedee replied on 14/08/2023 12:11

peedee

Posted on 14/08/2023 12:11

I have towed my current car, a Suzuki Celerio, on an A-Frame since purchased new in 2016. Yesterday, having towed it for 7 years this happened when executing a hill start from a site onto a busy road. Fortunately I had waited until the road was completely clear. The car broke loose from the frame. The crash bar pulled completly off as I turned right onto the road and the car carried on straight across the road, up the opposite kerb and unfortunately came to a halt against a telegraph pole rather than in the bushes. Fortunately it all occurred at very slow speed and no other parties were involved. I strongly suspect the cause was metal fatigue, the crash bar literally being torn from the chassis and with it the front bumper by the strain of the start on an incline compounded by the right turn.

This is not the first incident of this kind. A couple of years ago a very similar incident was reported on anther forum although in that one the car was older.

I am posting this so that others are made aware of the potential problem and suggest that they have their A-Frame attachments annually checked, especially on older vehicles. Mine was checked two years ago, but clearly this interval was too long. I was lucky, no other parties were involved and no one was hurt.

peedee

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26 replies

LLM replied on 14/08/2023 18:21

LLM

Motorhomer

Posted on 14/08/2023 17:38 by Lutz

Do I understand you correctly that the crash bar that was ripped out was a Suzuki component to which the A-frame mounts were attached? If that is so I presume Suzuki never approved the attachment of A-frame mounts, so it would have been up to the A-frame manufacturer to provide data confirming that the crash bar on that car was capable of coping with expected loads.

Considering the possible implications of a failure (you were lucky that no-one was injured in this case) I think this is a case that should be reported to the DVLA for possible recall action, regardless of whether corrosion or a fault in the design was the cause. The seriousness of the failure should not be underestimated.

Posted on 14/08/2023 18:21

I would have thought that a report to DVSA would be more appropriate as they are responsible for setting and testing vehicle standards in Great Britain.

peedee replied on 14/08/2023 18:32

Member

peedee

Motorhomer

Posted on 14/08/2023 18:32

You do indeed understand me correctly Lutz. FYI the Suzuki handbook explains how to tow it behind a motorhome but it is a while since I read it so cannot remember if it specifically applied to A-Frames. I would have thought this was the case although I am also aware dollies can be used in some countries.

I do consider myself very lucky it happened where it did but I would have thought recalls only apply to mass production vehicles, not perhaps a handful equipped for towing.

peedee

Lutz replied on 14/08/2023 18:39

Lutz

Caravanner

Posted on 14/08/2023 18:21 by LLM

I would have thought that a report to DVSA would be more appropriate as they are responsible for setting and testing vehicle standards in Great Britain.

Posted on 14/08/2023 18:39

You're right. Mistake on my part.

Lutz replied on 14/08/2023 18:53

Lutz

Caravanner

Posted on 14/08/2023 18:32 by peedee

You do indeed understand me correctly Lutz. FYI the Suzuki handbook explains how to tow it behind a motorhome but it is a while since I read it so cannot remember if it specifically applied to A-Frames. I would have thought this was the case although I am also aware dollies can be used in some countries.

I do consider myself very lucky it happened where it did but I would have thought recalls only apply to mass production vehicles, not perhaps a handful equipped for towing.

peedee

Posted on 14/08/2023 18:53

Don't forget that this is a specific incident involving a Suzuki Celerio and an A-frame manufactured by a particular company. An A-frame from another source or a different car may not be affected. It would be up to the DVSA to investigate the extent of the problem and whether it is a generic issue affecting all A-frame/car combinations.

Any item may be the subject of a recall, no matter how few produced. The manufacturer must always be in a position to demonstrate product liability.

If this sort of thing had happened on the Continent, the vehicle and the A-frame would be impounded and submitted to state prosecution for further investigation to establish who can be held responsible before release back to its owner.

flatcoat replied on 14/08/2023 18:56

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flatcoat

Caravanner

Posted on 14/08/2023 18:56

My understanding is such towing devices are not allowed ‘over there’?

Lutz replied on 14/08/2023 19:09

Lutz

Caravanner

Posted on 14/08/2023 18:56 by flatcoat

My understanding is such towing devices are not allowed ‘over there’?

Posted on 14/08/2023 19:09

That's true, however my reply wasn't aimed specifically at the issue of towing with A-frames, but all cases where material failure could lead to possible injury or loss of life.

LLM replied on 14/08/2023 19:37

LLM

Motorhomer

Posted on 14/08/2023 19:37

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flatcoat replied on 14/08/2023 20:12

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flatcoat

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Posted on 14/08/2023 19:37 by LLM
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Posted on 14/08/2023 20:12

😂😂 I do get your point! However I appreciate this is quite a serious situation and had it involved injury (or worse) to someone I am sure the Police Accident investigators and the OP’s insurer's would be all over this. It does need following up and if that results in recommendations for annual or mileage related checks it might be a good outcome.

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LLM replied on 14/08/2023 20:40

LLM

Motorhomer

Posted on 14/08/2023 20:12 by flatcoat

😂😂 I do get your point! However I appreciate this is quite a serious situation and had it involved injury (or worse) to someone I am sure the Police Accident investigators and the OP’s insurer's would be all over this. It does need following up and if that results in recommendations for annual or mileage related checks it might be a good outcome.

Posted on 14/08/2023 20:40

I agree. Unfortunately unless PeeDee reports the incident I suspect it will fall through the cracks. Also, having been deeply involved with DVSA when it was VOSA, over the FIAT Ducato fuel filter debacle I know it takes many incidents before they will act, or sadly if there are deaths or serious injury.