Mad Dogs and ......... yes I have been out in the Sun - Page 2

baxlin · 11th June 2007, 09:22

I'm looking to fit a towbar, purely to fit the bikerack onto, and was thinking about a removeable one - do they all involve cutting the bumper? Even if the cut's underneath and can't be seen, I go with Keith, and would not be happy to cut it.

I have seen traditional fixed ball types on ebay, cutting not needed, but rather fancied a swan neck type. Anyone know of a swan neck type where I don't have to cut the bumper?

For the electrics, I think I'll go with OEM, but as it's unlikely I'll actually be towing, would disabling the parking sensors be needed (unless the bikes activated it, but then it would only be in reverse?)

Any ideas anyone?

Thanks

Malcolm

GreyGhost · 11th June 2007, 17:32

There is already a cutout to accommodate any fixed OEM towbar on the 75 / ZT. To fit the detachable requires increasing the size of the existing cutout by a small amount. This in no way diminishes the integrity of the bumper or inteferes with the fixings. It cannot be seen unless you look from below.

Keith · 11th June 2007, 18:22

The one I have fitted is a Swan neck and fits in the existing gap under the bumper between the two fixing screws, it has dual electrics.

If you go for the dual electric version with the removable bar you have to remove about a 3" x 4" piece of the underside of the bumper on each side of the existing opening to accommodate the release mechanism etc and that leaves a fairly narrow strip of plastic going to each fixing screw.

As shown in this pic

black olive · 11th June 2007, 20:59

correct, there isnt a lot of meat left holding the location screw on :SHOCKED:

on the plus side the fixed part of the bracket and the electrics are totally invisible and tucked up out of the way when not in use

Rovernut · 11th June 2007, 23:37

I reverse my caravan quite a long way to get into my drive, and tthe noise from the reverse sensor gets quite annoying!

Is there a quick way to disarm it with a dashboard switch or similar?

Chris

baxlin · 12th June 2007, 07:49

I would have thought a wire tapped into the gearbox-mounted switch to a dash-mounted switch would be simplest.

Two problems maybe -

1. It would also switch off the reversing lights (which probably wouldn't be a concern as they only light up the caravan and could be better not on anyway) and

2. The danger of forgetting to switch it back on. Can't think of a circuit to light a warning lamp when power's off, but I'm sure it's possible

Hampton Caught · 12th June 2007, 15:53

Keith,

"What it does not do which surprises me is bleep with the indicators I thought all modern tow bars incorporated an audible sounder."

The 'rules of the road' state there must be either an audible OR a visible warning to warn the driver that the indicators are working. I understand that the OEM wiring loom enables a warning light to shine on the dashboard (central warning light panel) rather than give you a beep. Yours should do this!

I know which I prefer, and it's not the infernal beeping I get from my set up (Witter bar and a third party electrical box of tricks)

. The parking sensors sound off all the time too, so would heartily recommend anyone going for the genuine MGR parts.

With my tourer, I find it handy to open up the rear window when reversing to the caravan and SWMBO can give me directions over the din of the reversing sensors.

I hope that fly isn't life-size as it appears on my monitor

Steve

Keith · 12th June 2007, 16:09

Oh a new light to play with

I didn't notice on Sunday so will check next time I connect it up, cheers

rover · 12th June 2007, 17:18

[QUOTE=baxlin;65211]I'm looking to fit a towbar, purely to fit the bikerack onto, and was thinking about a removeable one - do they all involve cutting the bumper? Even if the cut's underneath and can't be seen, I go with Keith, and would not be happy to cut it.

I have seen traditional fixed ball types on ebay, cutting not needed, but rather fancied a swan neck type. Anyone know of a swan neck type where I don't have to cut the bumper?
Any ideas anyone?

I have the Witter Detachable fitted to my Saloon & there is no modification at all to the Bumper.Declined to have the Rover electrics fitted based on the price

Alex30013k · 12th June 2007, 21:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith

Alex I think you are thinking of Mayflies they fly around together can't say I have seen any Dragon flies doing the same though.

Oh Yes they do...

11th June 2007, 23:37	#15
Rovernut Loves to post R75 Conn Tourer, R8 Tourer, R8 Cabby Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Manchester Posts: 401 Thanks: 87 Thanked 11 Times in 7 Posts	Reversing sensor switch I reverse my caravan quite a long way to get into my drive, and tthe noise from the reverse sensor gets quite annoying! Is there a quick way to disarm it with a dashboard switch or similar? Chris __________________ Wonderful Wedgwood Turbo Towcar

11th June 2007, 09:22	#11
baxlin This is my second home Volvo C70 Convertible and JZR 3 wheeler Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tring, Herts Posts: 3,960 Thanks: 124 Thanked 173 Times in 124 Posts	I'm looking to fit a towbar, purely to fit the bikerack onto, and was thinking about a removeable one - do they all involve cutting the bumper? Even if the cut's underneath and can't be seen, I go with Keith, and would not be happy to cut it. I have seen traditional fixed ball types on ebay, cutting not needed, but rather fancied a swan neck type. Anyone know of a swan neck type where I don't have to cut the bumper? For the electrics, I think I'll go with OEM, but as it's unlikely I'll actually be towing, would disabling the parking sensors be needed (unless the bikes activated it, but then it would only be in reverse?) Any ideas anyone? Thanks Malcolm

11th June 2007, 17:32	#12
GreyGhost Banned 180+ Sport Auto Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bedford Middle Level Posts: 17,787 Thanks: 0 Thanked 18 Times in 5 Posts	There is already a cutout to accommodate any fixed OEM towbar on the 75 / ZT. To fit the detachable requires increasing the size of the existing cutout by a small amount. This in no way diminishes the integrity of the bumper or inteferes with the fixings. It cannot be seen unless you look from below.

11th June 2007, 18:22	#13
Keith This is my second home ZT400 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ellesmere Posts: 5,948 Thanks: 0 Thanked 43 Times in 29 Posts	The one I have fitted is a Swan neck and fits in the existing gap under the bumper between the two fixing screws, it has dual electrics. If you go for the dual electric version with the removable bar you have to remove about a 3" x 4" piece of the underside of the bumper on each side of the existing opening to accommodate the release mechanism etc and that leaves a fairly narrow strip of plastic going to each fixing screw. As shown in this pic

11th June 2007, 20:59	#14
black olive I really should get out more....... 260 SE vin 214 ( last mark 1 260 ) Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Lancashire Posts: 2,009 Thanks: 1 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	correct, there isnt a lot of meat left holding the location screw on :SHOCKED: on the plus side the fixed part of the bracket and the electrics are totally invisible and tucked up out of the way when not in use

12th June 2007, 07:49	#16
baxlin This is my second home Volvo C70 Convertible and JZR 3 wheeler Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tring, Herts Posts: 3,960 Thanks: 124 Thanked 173 Times in 124 Posts	I would have thought a wire tapped into the gearbox-mounted switch to a dash-mounted switch would be simplest. Two problems maybe - 1. It would also switch off the reversing lights (which probably wouldn't be a concern as they only light up the caravan and could be better not on anyway) and 2. The danger of forgetting to switch it back on. Can't think of a circuit to light a warning lamp when power's off, but I'm sure it's possible

12th June 2007, 15:53	#17
Hampton Caught Loves to post ex MG ZT-T (sob!), Rover 25 and TR7 dhc pilot, but not all at the same time! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: near Hampton Court Posts: 430 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Keith, "What it does not do which surprises me is bleep with the indicators I thought all modern tow bars incorporated an audible sounder." The 'rules of the road' state there must be either an audible OR a visible warning to warn the driver that the indicators are working. I understand that the OEM wiring loom enables a warning light to shine on the dashboard (central warning light panel) rather than give you a beep. Yours should do this! I know which I prefer, and it's not the infernal beeping I get from my set up (Witter bar and a third party electrical box of tricks) . The parking sensors sound off all the time too, so would heartily recommend anyone going for the genuine MGR parts. With my tourer, I find it handy to open up the rear window when reversing to the caravan and SWMBO can give me directions over the din of the reversing sensors. I hope that fly isn't life-size as it appears on my monitor Steve

12th June 2007, 16:09	#18
Keith This is my second home ZT400 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ellesmere Posts: 5,948 Thanks: 0 Thanked 43 Times in 29 Posts	Oh a new light to play with I didn't notice on Sunday so will check next time I connect it up, cheers

12th June 2007, 17:18	#19
rover Loves to post Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Staffs/Derbyshire Border Posts: 285 Thanks: 19 Thanked 29 Times in 14 Posts	[QUOTE=baxlin;65211]I'm looking to fit a towbar, purely to fit the bikerack onto, and was thinking about a removeable one - do they all involve cutting the bumper? Even if the cut's underneath and can't be seen, I go with Keith, and would not be happy to cut it. I have seen traditional fixed ball types on ebay, cutting not needed, but rather fancied a swan neck type. Anyone know of a swan neck type where I don't have to cut the bumper? Any ideas anyone? I have the Witter Detachable fitted to my Saloon & there is no modification at all to the Bumper.Declined to have the Rover electrics fitted based on the price