how to fit a towbar??

[mumof3girls]

got a free ali trailer off my mum and now need to get a towbar and fit it. have seen the really cheap here http://stores.channeladvisor.com/towbar/Items/307241?
it gives intructions but is it a big job or do you really need to go to the garage?? dont want to get the bar and them not be able to fit it or be told by the garage you didnt get it from us so we can not fit it.

[Adbru]

Hi,

Any garage or sensible diy mechanic should be able to fit a towbar for you.

normally done within a couple of hours.

have fun

Adbru

[carly]

Its not really a job to undertake if you are not sure of what you are doing.There are safety implications as I'm sure you are well aware. Depending on the size and the weight of the trailer you may need to get it wired up to your car's lights, indicators etc. have a look in your local paper , there are usually firms who will supply and fit towbars advertising there. They may be able to give you professional advice or a few pointers and will be cheaper than a franchised garage.

[Nile]

Hello mumof3girls


I'll move your thread over to the 'Motoring & Public Transport' board, where it should get more views and responses.

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere(please see this rule (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=1009335#post1009335)) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email abuse@moneysavingexpert.com (abuse@moneysavingexpert.com).

Regards

Nile

[robowen]

I bought my towbar off ebay from this company : Here (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Witter-Towbar-Mount-Bike-Rack-4x4-Cycle-Carrier-Tow-Bar_W0QQitemZ7233521655QQcategoryZ56202QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem)
scan through his other towbars to find the correct make and model for your car.
It's fairly easy to fit as they provide all the instructions to do it. You will need various tools and drill bits to drill around 6 holes through the bodywork. This sounds difficult, however, there were dimples already marked in the bodywork in the correct place to drill the holes.

The wiring would have been tricky had I not borrowed an electrical teater from my brother. The wires on my car were not recognisable, so the tester identified the indicator and stop light wires. It is a special gadget that pushes a pin into the wire and lights up a bulb.
The towbar cables are conected onto the selected car wires by a crimp. You have no need to cut any wires, the crimp snaps over the wire and makes the connection.

Also, I wasn't expecting to have to remove the bumper from my zafira, but it turned out to be an easy task when I found someone to advise me.

It's an average - skilled DIY job :think:

rob :D

[vansboy]

Not just for trailer towing, but general advice, worth checking...

http://www.towsafe.co.uk

http://www.towsure.co.uk

VB

[Cumbrian Male]

If your car is newer than S reg. then all towbars must be type approved. That means it MUST fit all the manufacturers mounting points. This in essence makes life easier as all towbars regardless who makes them fit all the manufactures fitting points. If you are unsure about car electrics then get an auto electrician to do it. In all if you supply the towbar and 12N socket for your lights then approx. £65 should do it.

[ooo000ooo]

I fitted my own towbar to my 97 Toyota, it would have been fairly straight forward except some of the threads in a couple of the bolt holes were too rusted to get the bolts in and i ended up drilling through the chassis leg and fitting nuts and bolts instead. Saved about £100 but spent several hours cursing and swearing under the car. :)