Breakaway Cable Attachment in Holland

Alko supply two types of breakaway cables one SKU: 1220984 which as per a previous post is the carabiner type clip for direct connection to a fixed point on the towball/bar. 

SKU: 368605 is a spring clip type for looping over the towball and back onto the cable itself. I have a 2018 van which was supplied with this type and was`nt suitable as the towball/bar has a fixed connection point.

See the Alko site for examples and NCC Documents for their take on connecting breakaway cables though the actual clip to be used is`nt that clear.

We’ve had an in depth discussion on this subject on CT in the not so distant past. There’s even been a live Q&A session with a C&MC expert. Officials both in the UK and abroad seem to hold strong beliefs about the legality of various attachment methods - which may or may not align with actual legislation and/Alko’s pictorial advice. The biggest culprits of all are Alko themselves. Not answering specific questions, often not replying, passing queries on to colleagues who in turn don’t reply etc. It seems that any fixed attachment point should be within 10cm of the ball centre - many aren’t. A karabiner type cable should be used and attached to the fixed point, if one exists. For many vans, the karabiner cable is so long that it may hang low enough to wear through on the road. But Alko only make their cables in one length.

We’ve printed out Alko’s pictorial advice and carry it in our van, in case our usage is queried. It’s a ridiculous situation, not helped by Alko’s inability to recognise the problem and provide an option for a shorter cable. Towbar manufacturers too, appear to be ignorant of the need to standardise fixed attachment points in both a legal way and one which works with Alko cables. Officialdom is almost universally ignorant of the above anomalies, and the C&MC, who should be using their influence to remedy matters, aren’t.

When it comes to lobbying on technical issues, the CAMC are as effective as a chocolate fireguard.

Where are the staff champions when a question like this arises, correct me if I am wrong but I thought they had been introduced for just such occasions as this. 

I have e-mailed Ro to ask if the club can provide and update on the current situation. 

A chocolate coffee cartridge heating device in the 21st century, surely. Fireguards are from a bygone era 

Before we got the current motor-home, during our caravanning days, we had a Skoda Octavia estate fitted with a Westfalia removable tow bar like..

<<this>>

There is no dedicated breakaway fastener, there is no accessible metal either in the rear end of the car, its all completely shrouded in plastic. Looping around the ball was the only option available... Good job we never went to Holland 

Much like my present tow bar, (and my neighbours)  On mine there is a metal bar with a hole in it coming down from the main spar but it's well hidden under the bumper and impossible to get to unless you lie on the ground. I'm not even sure it's meant for a breakaway cable 

Has it ever been known for a detachable tow bar to... well detach when towing? 

I wish the club would give some answers?

Latest Update:-  CaMC has now received all the relevant paperwork and has sent me an email saying they will be in touch...

A possible upside is, if I go ahead and appeal, I have to attend the hearing in person..in The Hague...now where did I put that ACSI book 

Unfortunately i cannot speak or read Ductch, some of the words I can translate from a German influence but the the following link...which is the official guidance on towing a caravan in Holland is pretty self explanatory with the pictures...

https://www.anwb.nl/kamperen/caravan/rijden-met-de-caravan/koppeling/losbreekkabel

And yet another offering...

https://www.caravanguard.co.uk/news/video-caravan-breakaway-cables-15969/?dealercode=URLTRACK&campaignID=NTNET676&sourcebusID=GSITE677&activityID=3NGUISI1

bottom line is:  Does the dutch legislation apply to foreign reg vehicles, as mentioned in a document further back this thread.

For info and as promised..... a copy of the 'ticket' is below.. The fine is €107.00 plus 50% if not paid by due date...I can appeal and need not pay during this time...but if I then appeal that decision (if against me) I have to attend a sub district court in the Hague...

Think that I would contact the clubs legal department just to check.