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Author Topic: Tow bar advice  (Read 2122 times)

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BlueBridge

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Tow bar advice
« on: 05 April 2011, 21:50:05 »
I,m thinking of getting a tow bar and fitting it myself, is this an easy job and are the electrics already in place, I'm sure i've noticed a small connector near to the o/s rear light cluster.
It's on a 98 2.5 CD.

Jon
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Jon

dad1uk

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Re: Tow bar advice
« Reply #1 on: 05 April 2011, 22:00:00 »
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1242490914/0

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1171117165/0

http://www.witter-towbars.co.uk/uMedia/FittingInstructions/G67A.pdf

It's easy, the bolt holes are marked with dimples
You just need to drill them out.

The easiest way for the wiring is to get the kit from Vx and this plugs straight into the plug in the boot.
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best wishes
Simon.

BlueBridge

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Re: Tow bar advice
« Reply #2 on: 05 April 2011, 22:13:59 »
Thanks for that Dad  :y, any recommendations on which tow bars are best, its only for pulling a trailer.
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Jon

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Re: Tow bar advice
« Reply #3 on: 05 April 2011, 22:19:18 »
You will probably find a breaker on here has one, the chances are though, the wiring will have been chopped, so you will have to trace them all.
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Andy B

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Re: Tow bar advice
« Reply #4 on: 05 April 2011, 22:36:15 »
Quote
Thanks for that Dad  :y, any recommendations on which tow bars are best, its only for pulling a trailer.

Depends on what you want it too look like. IMO the Witter two bolt flange box section tow bar looks shite could look better, loads of 2" box section showing from underneath versus a Bosal OE supplied bar which has all the rigidity inside the boot floor with just the swan neck 'dangling' from the unseen metalwork above it. Or a Westfalia detachable with swing away electrics - like mine.  ;) :y
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BlueBridge

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Re: Tow bar advice
« Reply #5 on: 05 April 2011, 23:19:17 »
Cheers Andy :y
I'll avoid the Witter.
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Jon

YZ250

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Re: Tow bar advice
« Reply #6 on: 05 April 2011, 23:55:48 »
Quote
Quote
its only for pulling a trailer.

Depends on what you want it too look like. IMO the Witter two bolt flange box section tow bar looks shite could look better, loads of 2" box section showing from underneath versus a Bosal OE supplied bar which has all the rigidity inside the boot floor with just the swan neck 'dangling' from the unseen metalwork above it. Or a Westfalia detachable with swing away electrics - like mine.  ;) :y


Unfortunately, I have to use the additional parking sensor two bolt flange towbar as I tow a caravan with a dry ball for the Alko AKS Hitch Head but also tow a Moto X bike trailer with the pressed steel greased head. It's easier for me to just change the towball over which allows me to tow any trailer. Mine's fitted to an Estate so the only iron work showing is the parts that drop down from behind the bumper to the two bolt flange although I do agree it's not cosmetically great and detachable is the prettier option.  :y

« Last Edit: 06 April 2011, 00:13:54 by Alan-Hearn »
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My fun car is a 2020 Bmw F32 430d M Sport with indicators.
My cruiser is an Audi A6 Avant S Line Black Edition with indicators.

Andy B

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Re: Tow bar advice
« Reply #7 on: 06 April 2011, 06:40:47 »
Quote
....
It's easier for me to just change the towball over which allows me to tow any trailer.  ....

It's easier to undo 2 x M16 bolts than it is to use a rag & thinners?  :-?
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robson

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Re: Tow bar advice
« Reply #8 on: 06 April 2011, 21:59:43 »
I agree with Andy I tow both an old trailer and a caravan with Alko .A quick degrease is all thats needed
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Entwood

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Re: Tow bar advice
« Reply #9 on: 06 April 2011, 22:04:54 »
Quote
Quote
....
It's easier for me to just change the towball over which allows me to tow any trailer.  ....

It's easier to undo 2 x M16 bolts than it is to use a rag & thinners?  :-?


Some thinners contain a light "lubricant" type stuff that leaves a film on the towball... this can damage the friction pads in the hitch .. if you have an alko or westfalia ... better to use a quick spray of brake/clutch cleaner and a bit of paper towel IMHO ... leaves no residue at all ..  :)
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YZ250

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Re: Tow bar advice
« Reply #10 on: 06 April 2011, 22:10:29 »
Quote
Quote
....
It's easier for me to just change the towball over which allows me to tow any trailer.  ....

It's easier to undo 2 x M16 bolts than it is to use a rag & thinners?  :-?

I originally towed with a swan neck towbar but my straightliner stabiliser was no good on it. The clamp kept turning on the neck so I was forced to change it to a flange ball. Came in useful for a bike carrier as well. Obviously now I don't use the straightliner so I could use any style towbar. The OP only needs to tow a trailer but may want to stick a bike on at a later date. Personal choice for current requirements at the end of the day.  :y
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My fun car is a 2020 Bmw F32 430d M Sport with indicators.
My cruiser is an Audi A6 Avant S Line Black Edition with indicators.

Andy B

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Re: Tow bar advice
« Reply #11 on: 06 April 2011, 22:10:59 »
Quote
Quote
Quote
....
It's easier for me to just change the towball over which allows me to tow any trailer.  ....

It's easier to undo 2 x M16 bolts than it is to use a rag & thinners?  :-?


Some thinners contain a light "lubricant" type stuff that leaves a film on the towball... this can damage the friction pads in the hitch .. if you have an alko or westfalia ... better to use a quick spray of brake/clutch cleaner and a bit of paper towel IMHO ... leaves no residue at all ..  :)

you're splitting hairs now Nige.  ;) ;) ;)
You knew what I meant, ;)
Just for you ........

It's easier to undo 2 x M16 bolts than it is to use a rag & thinners brake cleaner?

actually I'd use Domino printer wash from work ....... acetone.  ;) ;) ;)


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Entwood

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Re: Tow bar advice
« Reply #12 on: 06 April 2011, 22:13:40 »
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
....
It's easier for me to just change the towball over which allows me to tow any trailer.  ....

It's easier to undo 2 x M16 bolts than it is to use a rag & thinners?  :-?


Some thinners contain a light "lubricant" type stuff that leaves a film on the towball... this can damage the friction pads in the hitch .. if you have an alko or westfalia ... better to use a quick spray of brake/clutch cleaner and a bit of paper towel IMHO ... leaves no residue at all ..  :)

you're splitting hairs now Nige.  ;) ;) ;)
You knew what I meant, ;)
Just for you ........

It's easier to undo 2 x M16 bolts than it is to use a rag & thinners brake cleaner?

actually I'd use Domino printer wash from work ....... acetone.  ;) ;) ;)




methinks your              is a tad too long .......  :)

and that IS splitting hairs .... :)
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Andy B

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Re: Tow bar advice
« Reply #13 on: 06 April 2011, 22:14:07 »
Quote
Quote
Quote
....
It's easier for me to just change the towball over which allows me to tow any trailer.  ....

It's easier to undo 2 x M16 bolts than it is to use a rag & thinners?  :-?

I originally towed with a swan neck towbar but my straightliner stabiliser was no good on it. The clamp kept turning on the neck so I was forced to change it to a flange ball. Came in useful for a bike carrier as well. Obviously now I don't use the straightliner so I could use any style towbar. The OP only needs to tow a trailer but may want to stick a bike on at a later date. Personal choice for current requirements at the end of the day.  :y

True!
But a 2 bolt flanged towball looks ugly which ever way you look at it. It was only 'cos this caravan came with an Al-ko that  I use a stabiliser. I towed the last caravan miles - here & abroad - without a stabiliser of any kind.
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Andy B

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Re: Tow bar advice
« Reply #14 on: 06 April 2011, 22:15:05 »
Quote
.....
methinks your              is a tad too long .......  :)

and that IS splitting hairs .... :)

It is !!!!!!!!!!!!  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D  :y
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