Tow Bar electrics

Legacy_user

Just bought a 2017 Ford BMax, it was a pre registered car with about 20 miles on the clock. I purchased it from local car dealer not a Ford Agent, I believe the remainder of the three year warranty still applies as long as I get it serviced by the local Ford Dealer. We want to fit a tow bar, not to tow anything, just to fit a tow bar bike rack which will carry our E bikes. Have looked online and approx cost is around £280 - £340 for a detachable hitch type, it’s the electrics I’m not sure about, quotes vary a great deal, some say a standard 7 pin system is ok costing about £90 to £120. Others tell me I need a specific installation to manufacture spec for my car, costing a whopping £300 ish, and if I do t do it I would invalidate my Ford Warranty. Seems rather excessive for just a bike rack, I can understand it if I was towing modern caravan with all the accessories. I did ask Ford dealer, but they have not replied. Any ideas or help appreciated. I’m happy with tow bar and installation cost, just need electrics sorted.

Alter_ego

Bikes on a roof rack? Much cheaper!

forgotmyname

Your bikes may exceed the noseweight limit on the towbar.

Depending on the size and weight you may need a trailer.

foxy-stoat

Modern electrics are the biggest headache now for tow bars as its not the same as 20 years ago when you connect into the rear lights and everything worked.

You need to pay your money and get the correct kit - I would get a roof bike rack though.

Jackmydad

You could take the batteries off to save a bit of weight if it's a problem.
Lifting them onto the roof would be awkward.
Electrics wise, I'd pay to have a proper job done.
Saves any argument about the warranty.

System

Thanks for the help, looks like I’ll have to pay up and get dealer to fit and wire it. Wouldn’t carry bikes with batteries fitted, there not much heavier than standard bike with battery removed. Don’t want to carry on roof rack, don’t like the Roof racks at all, plus we’re gettiing on a bit now and I couldn’t lift them on myself. Definitely don’t want to tow a trailer either.
Will try and go in to get answer from Ford main dealer, and price, not expecting much change out of £700 to £800 now plus £300 for tow bar rack....😟😟😟

oldagetraveller

As foxy-stoat suggests not as easy as years ago! This is just one random example for a Toyota Auris.

https://www.toyota-tech.eu/aimuploads/%7BD2D5BD8F-E0AD-56CF-113E-6D73FA3AE0AD%7D/Tow%20Bar%20Wiring%2012N%20RHD%20PZ457-E9562-00%20AIM%20000%20740-0.pdf

Joe_Horner

oldagetraveller wrote: »

As foxy-stoat suggests not as easy as years ago! This is just one random example for a Toyota Auris.

https://www.toyota-tech.eu/aimuploads/%7BD2D5BD8F-E0AD-56CF-113E-6D73FA3AE0AD%7D/Tow%20Bar%20Wiring%2012N%20RHD%20PZ457-E9562-00%20AIM%20000%20740-0.pdf

That's actually a whole lot easier than they make it look.

It boils down to about 3 screw connections, one plug and a couple of splices, all the rest is specifying routing, clipping, and throwing your used insulating tape in the bin - yes, for those who can't be bothered, they DO have a picture showing you should do that!

Ganga

I would get it fitted by a professional towbar fitter/company rather than a main ford dealer,will cost less and probably be a better job.
Would not surprise me if main ford dealer sublet the job to an installer anyway.

facade

You haven't said how many 'bikes you want to carry, if it is only two they should fit in the back of a BMax if you drop the front wheel out.


£600 cheaper than a bike rack, and not a great deal more trouble- you have to fit the 'bike rack, and store it when not in use, then someone might steal it when you are parked, so there is security to fit, or remove it and store in the car.......


I have a Thule 3 bike carrier the one with the lights and number plate on. No way can you get 3 adult bikes on it at the same time, and you have to cover them in pipe insulation to try and protect the paint a bit from all the straps.

kev_min

As you do not intend to tow a trailer or caravan do you even need the electrics?
if not just have the mechanical bits bolted on!