Tow bar fitting

[uk_dave&gill]

Well, we've almost decided on a van, so all we have to do now (apart from pay for it!) is to get a tow bar fitted

Any advice on this? Sort of place to go, what's needed, pitfalls to look out for etc?

It's a fairly new van (2010) and has a 13 pin plug, so I assume we can get a 13 pin socket fitted to the car, and won't need an adaptor

Wonder how much it's going to cost?!

[HarryM1BYT]

Towsure will likely have all you need, including choice of electrics.

The fitting of the bar is as simple as can be, the easiest one I have ever installed, bumber off, just bolt on basically.

The electrics are where most get stuck. The choice is between a fully compatable system which works a treat - turns off the reversing sensors and checks your trailer lights are all working as they should, or a more basic kit (and much cheaper) which just makes the lights work using relays to bypass the Rover's sensors.

Which ever of the systems you decide to fit, run a good size of cable as the main supply from front of car to the rear, to avoid volts drop issues. It has to run your fridge and charge your caravans battery, volts lost = not much to charge its battery. I also suggest properly soldered connections throughout, for reliabilty and less volts lost, rather than the 3M blue splices.

[uk_dave&gill]

Thanks Harry, some useful info there

TBH though, I don't fancy fitting myself, too much to go wrong I think!

What sort of prices have any of you had to pay for purchase/installation? Also, what's the general consensus on detachable as opposed to fixed?

Cheers

[HarryM1BYT]

Originally Posted by uk_dave&gill

Thanks Harry, some useful info there

TBH though, I don't fancy fitting myself, too much to go wrong I think!

What sort of prices have any of you had to pay for purchase/installation? Also, what's the general consensus on detachable as opposed to fixed?

Cheers

Fixed is cheaper, looks ugly when not being used, but has the advantage that those parking up against your rear bumper will generally take a bit more care

[RPWC]

£160 from towsure ,easy job, 101 from Towequipe,they also sell the bypass wiring kit ,specific to the car,the only cutting you need is a 60x 100mm slot in the bumper,be aware though,if you have evrsing sensors ,that the fixed towbar may interfere with their performance.
ie,they may sound constantly as the ball acts as an object.

[uk_dave&gill]

Had a quote for:-

• Detachable Towbar with 13Pin Electrics - £408.00 Including VAT Fitted (Witter Towbar)
• Fixed Towbar with 13Pin Electrics – £318.00 Including VAT Fitted (PCT Towbar)

Sound reasonable?

[HarryM1BYT]

Originally Posted by uk_dave&gill

Had a quote for:-

• Detachable Towbar with 13Pin Electrics - £408.00 Including VAT Fitted (Witter Towbar)
• Fixed Towbar with 13Pin Electrics – £318.00 Including VAT Fitted (PCT Towbar)

Sound reasonable?

Sounds reasonable, but you need to be sure of the spec for the electrics. As already said, you can get a cheap bypass type install, or the proper can-bus type intended for the 75. Does the spec include the 13 pins fully wired and working, or just the bare road lighting wiring?

The proper can-bus system will stop the beeping when you put it into reverse with trailer attached and take account of the extra at the back when the towball is in place when reversing solo.

[RPWC]

Originally Posted by uk_dave&gill

Had a quote for:-

• Detachable Towbar with 13Pin Electrics - £408.00 Including VAT Fitted (Witter Towbar)
• Fixed Towbar with 13Pin Electrics – £318.00 Including VAT Fitted (PCT Towbar)

Sound reasonable?

A bit steep I think, you can buy the towbar,(fixed) for £160,and fit it yourself,its not hard, I did mine.IMO the fixed flange is best,as it gives more protection to the rear end,eg if you get too close to a wall ,or someone shunts you from behind.

[Canon]

Originally Posted by RPWC

A bit steep I think, you can buy the towbar,(fixed) for £160,and fit it yourself,its not hard, I did mine.IMO the fixed flange is best,as it gives more protection to the rear end,eg if you get too close to a wall ,or someone shunts you from behind.

When a towbar is fitted, the aluminium crash bar thats fitted behind your bumper is removed, so leaving the tow ball on will give you a bit more protection

btw i got a second hand but never used full tow bar kit off ebay for £40

[HarryM1BYT]

Originally Posted by RPWC

A bit steep I think, you can buy the towbar,(fixed) for £160,and fit it yourself,its not hard, I did mine.IMO the fixed flange is best,as it gives more protection to the rear end,eg if you get too close to a wall ,or someone shunts you from behind.

I bought new Towsure towbar + the full Canbus twin sockets, which cost me £350 - on top of that, I had to install it all. Tow bar was an absolute doddle, the wiring more involved and took up much of the rest of the day.