Towbar and frame extension for Ford Transit motorhome bulit from 2014 onwards | Guide and advice

The 4th generation Ford Transit (Mk8, V363) is one of the most popular bases for motorhomes of various types - from A-Class and C-Class motorhomes to coachbulits with overcab bed and panel vans. Although the selection process often seems simple and straightforward, questions about how to choose a suitable towbar for the Transit Mk8 are often raised in forums and discussion groups.

Brief overview: Ford Transit Mk8 base vehicle for a motorhome transition

The Ford Transit has been in production since 2014 and offers a wide range of variants such as panel vans, cargo vans, Tourneo passenger vans, single and double chassis cabs as well as numerous platform configurations. The Transit Mk8 is also known as the V363 and is available for front, rear and all-wheel drive. When fitting Transit with a towbar, a distinction is made between versions for panel vans and cab chassis.

Towbar for panel vans, Tourneo and campervans

Selecting a towbar for panel vans and similar models is straightforward. A standard version is usually sufficient and can be supplemented with a universal or vehicle-specific wiring kit if required.

Examples of available models at X-CAMPING:

• Fixed

• Vehicle-specific wiring kit for Transit fourth generation (13-pin)

Below are some of the best-known motorhome manufacturers that use the Ford Transit Mk8 cargo van as a base vehicle for campervans: Etrusco CV 600 DF, Karmann Dexter, Westfalia Big Nugget.

Towbars for Class A, Class C and with overcab bed motorhomes based on Transit 4th gen (2014-)

Here, the choice is made more difficult by various designations for chassis: terms such as ‘flat floor’, ‘flat-bed’ or ‘low-frame chassis’ are commonly used and refer to lowered frames that are 100 mm lower and save around 200 kg in weight. These frames are standard for RVs.

Below are some well-known motorhome manufacturers and models that use the Ford Transit fourth generation chassis as the base vehicle for their motorhomes:

• Batari: WOmBAT
• Benimar: Sport, Tessoro
• Bürstner: Nexxo, Lineo
• Challenger: Genesis, Graphite, Mageo
• Chausson: Flash, Korus, Titanium, VIP, Welcome, Trigano
• CI: Elliot, Horon
• Dethleffs: Eurostyle, Globevan, Summer Edition, Sunlight
• Eura Mobil: Activa, Husbil
• Karmann Mobil: Dexter
• Pilote: First
• Rimor: Evo, Evo Plus, Sound
• Scooter Team: AutoRoller, Kronos, NobelArt, NobelCamp, Zefiro

Ford Transit motorhome: Frame extension

For motorhomes with long bodies that extend beyond the chassis, a frame extension is indispensable in addition to the towbar. It is used to bridge the overhang of the motorhome bodywork and create a stable base for mounting a heavy-duty RV towbar.

At X-CAMPING, chassis extensions are available in various lengths from 120 to 160 cm. This allows flexible adaptation to the overhang and the size of the rear garage.

Determine the appropriate length:

1. measure the distance from the end of the vehicle frame to the rear skirt of the motorhome.
2. subtract 10 cm from this value - this gives the minimum length of the required frame extension.

A slightly longer frame extension is not a problem, as it can easily be shortened to the required length.

Method 2: Use of the X-CAMPING Automatic Calculator for Ford Transit

To simplify the process of selecting the most suitable frame extension for your Ford Transit from 2014, X-CAMPING offers an online automatic calculator, specifically designed for motorhomes based on this model. The tool is easy to use: simply enter the total length of your vehicle.

Once entered, the system will automatically calculate the recommended length of the frame extension, based on the typical rear overhang of configurations built on the Ford Transit platform. This tool is especially useful for those who cannot perform manual measurements or want a quick and accurate assessment.

With the X-CAMPING calculator, you can avoid mistakes when choosing the correct extension length and proceed with the purchase of the most appropriate product in a fast, safe, and personalized way.

Mounting options for the frame extension

The chassis extension can be mounted in four different ways, depending on the specific conditions and additional fittings on the vehicle:

• Adapter positioning: the adapters can be fitted either inside or outside the side members.
• Extension profiles: These can also be mounted on the inside or outside of the adapters.

The choice of mounting variant depends on which additional equipment is fitted to the vehicle.

Motorhome Ford Transit MK8: Towbar

To ensure flexibility during installation, the towbar should be adjustable in width. Such width-adjustable towbars allow precise adaptation to the respective requirements.

X-CAMPING offers a wide range of width-adjustable towbars from various manufacturers in different designs, including

• Fixed towbars for Transit RV: or flanged towball.
• Detachable towbars for Ford Transit 2014 onwards: Can be mounted both horizontally and vertically.

This variability ensures that the right solution is available for every motorhome configuration.

Complete kits with frame extension and towbar – fully customizable

To make the selection process even easier and more efficient, X-CAMPING also offers complete kits that include both the frame extension and the trailer hitch. These kits are designed for full compatibility with Ford Transit motorhomes from 2014 onward and offer several customization options to suit your specific needs. You can choose the color of the metal components (black or galvanized), the length of the frame extension, the type of towbar (fixed or detachable – vertical or horizontal), and the electrical kit (universal or vehicle-specific, 7- or 13-pin). This level of personalization ensures that you receive a solution tailored to your vehicle's layout and your towing requirements – all in one convenient package.

Fitting Ford Transit with frame extension and towbar: conclusion

The Ford Transit Mk8 offers a versatile base for motorhomes, and retrofitting a towbar is straightforward thanks to suitable frame extensions and flexible towbars. Whether for panel vans or fully integrated motorhomes - at X-CAMPING you will find the right products and professional advice for your requirements.