Tow bars

lizhiggins80

I need to get a tow bar fitted to my A Class Merc so that I can carry a bike rack. Any suggestions as to where I could get this done in my area and the type I should buy would be much appreciated. I live in the Redhill area - RH1. Many thanks

Herzlos

I'd just get the cheapest one fitted unless you really care enough to get a removable one.

pfjones.co.uk are good for supply and can arrange a local fitter.

knightstyle

If you can get one with a detachable or swing down ball, otherwise you will have bruised shins.

Goudy

Which type will depend on how the bike rack attaches.

Some fit to the ball and some bolt to a flange behind the ball.

A flange fitment allows you to fix a bike rack to the towbar and also tow something using the ball.

With a ball fitment you can't tow something else with the bike rack fitted.

So a simple swan neck, flange or detachable swan neck is ok for a ball fitment, but you'd obviously need a flange type towbar for the other.

Simple swan necks are fixed in position which can cause a few issues with bruised shins and can sometimes mess up parking sensors.

Detachable ones unclip the ball part when not in use and leave the back of the car "clean".

Flange towbars are usually fixed in position, but I think Witter make a detachable type (Quantum) with an optional flange type fitting, so best of both worlds.

Here's a handy site to look up what's available for your make and model.

https://www.pfjones.co.uk/tow-bars.html

Also, you have to consider what electrics you need.

Most light bars on cycle racks only require a 7 pin connection, but I think some cycle carriers, like some of Thules use a 13 pin connection.

There is a guy that mobile fits in Surrey, he works with a lot of the local main dealers, he did one of mine a few years ago.

I can't for the life of me remember his name, but FX Security or something like that rings a bell, though you could ring a few local dealers and ask if there is anyone they use.

AdrianC

Goudy said:

Also, you have to consider what electrics you need.

Most light bars on cycle racks only require a 7 pin connection, but I think some cycle carriers, like some of Thules use a 13 pin connection.

There are adaptors going both ways between 7 and 13pin

13 to 7 - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N1MI68L/
7 to 13 - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00HRLJMEA/

Those are the basic 7N. There are also adaptors both ways for both 7N and 7P, if you need the extra stuff. For a bike rack, you won't.

Goudy

Yeah, but you wouldn't want to go to the extra expense of fitting a 13 pin socket and paying more for an adaptor if all you need is a 7 pin in the first place.

And you wouldn't want to cough up for a towbar and electrics to be fitted to then realise on your first trip out, you need to buy an adaptor.

Herzlos

You'd only need the 13 pin if the rack had a reversing light or it's for the EU market.

I'd just get a 7 pin bar fitted and then buy the £7 adapter if the bike rack says it's got a 13 pin, and try it out when it arrives rather than when you're planning on taking it out.

MSE point- you can get a roof rack for much less and fit it yourself, and (height restricted car parks aside) it'll be easier to park.