The most apparent advantage of having a towbar fixed on your car is the towing of trailers and caravans, not to mention the addition of bikes in a trip. However, this task should be done with detailed consideration. The points whether you are going to do it individually or approach a professional is always significant to know. This guide will show you the basic requirements and tools needed to tow safely and guide you through the wiring process, as well as what not to do when towing.
What is a Towbar? And what makes it necessary for you?
A towbar is a very robust metal bar that gets fixed to the rear end of the car and serves to tow small trailers, caravans, and other loads. Towbars prove to be essential not only for a personal car but also for carrying or transferring goods for business purposes. The efficiency of a towbar properly installed is that you can take your bikes, transport furniture, or even take your caravan on a camping trip. A towbar makes the car more versatile and will help get rid of problems with transporting large loads.
Types of Towbars
Fixed Towbars
Fixed towbars remain attached to the vehicle throughout the time. They are reliable and cheap and there are those that can carry a higher load than the other types. However, it is very much conspicuous which is not very good for those who want a neal and clear look.
Detachable Towbars
Snap-on tow bars are preferred because they can be removed when not in use, thus, you do not spoil your vehicle’s appearance. While the former costs more than the latter, the convenience that is offered by the latter normally offsets the cost.
Retractable Towbars
Retractable towbars are Towbars that can be pulled when in use and be hidden when not in use. They give the comfort of the detachability of a towbar without necessarily having to be detached by hand. Even when more costly than any of the other three options, they hardly display any signs of presence and are relatively easy to operate.
Equipment You Will Require for Towbar Fitting
Before beginning, gather these tools:
- Socket set
- Drill with metal bits
- Torque wrench
- Screwdrivers
- Bumper removal tools
- Vehicle-specific wiring kit
- Such protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles, and masks).
When you have the best tools when installing it then the work becomes easier and the risks of having a wrong installation or damaging the parts becomes slim.
Preparations to be Made Before the Towbar Service
Check Vehicle Compatibility
Some of the vehicles do not qualify to have towbars fitted on them. Check with your vehicle’s handbook to see whether a towbar is permissible. The manufacturer’s recommendations will also show the recommended weight and the points of installation.
Safety Measures
At the beginning of the process turn off the vehicle to prevent any electric shocks while connecting the wiring. First, you need to park the vehicle on a flat area in order to achieve the desired safety while you work.
Removing the Rear Bumper
Again most vehicles require you to remove the rear bumper to gain access to the mounting points. Follow these steps:
Remove the screws and bolts that are holding the bumper in place.
Slowly remove any of the sensors or any wiring.
Remove the bumper carefully without twisting which often leads to fracture of clips or tabs that hold the bumper.
THE TOOL: Step-by-Step Guide to Towbar Installation
The steps in how to fit the towbar kit include the following:
Remove the towbar kit and then recognize all the components as well as the bolts, brackets, and the actual frame of the towbar. Check under the kit for instructions so that you may know how to install it.
Part 2 – Connecting the Tow-bar to the towed Vehicle
Ensure that the towbar you have got matches the pre-drilled mounting points on the vehicle in Question. The bolt and washer provided for this component should then be used to secure the frame on to the vehicle chassis. Loosen the bolts just enough in order to align them properly and then they should be tightened by a little more.
The professionals, therefore, simplify their work through the following comprehensive steps that must be followed strictly:
Once you are happy with the position of the towbar return it back and using a torque wrench, tighten all bolts as per the manufacturer’s recommendation. It shows that all tightening sequences and torques are crucial to avoid the towbar becoming loose during usage. It is advisable to read each connection twice when constructing the circuit diagram.
Wiring and Electrical Connexions of Towbar
Importance of Proper Wiring
If you have a towbar you should make sure you connect it right. This makes sure that stylistically the trailer’s lights, indicators, and brake lights harmonize with your car. Correct wiring is good for safety and also complies with necessary road and legal regulations.
Where the specific wiring harness cannot be provided, the vehicle manufacturers may opt for a Vehicle-Specific Wiring Kit.
Always select the wiring kit to suit your particular make of a car. These kits make the installation easier and also guarantee that everything will fit into the right place. Refer to the given kit to ensure that you fit the electrical connectors of the towbar on the electrical system of your vehicle.
Electrical Connections Test
After wiring is complete, check various electrical connections. Next, look at the brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights to ensure that they are functioning as they are supposed to. If this happens, users ought to refer to the troubleshooting guide which is included in the amateur kit.
Refitting the Rear Bumper
Replace the rear bumper and check that you have aligned all the clips, sensors, and bolts correctly. Screw the new bolts well down but not too excessively for this would harm the bumper in the process. After reattaching the part, check for gaps and misalignment.
Adjustments that must be made before a road is hit on The Simpsons
This means that one needs to check the towbar installation keenly. It must be quite stable, so use only the light pressure to feel its stability. Check wiring connection for tightness as well. If all the points mentioned above are correct then the towbar is fit to be used.
Comparison between Towing Bar Do It Yourself and Professionally Fitted
Advantages of DIY Fitting
Unfortunately, while it is often possible to fit a towbar yourself, it could save you money and provide a certain degree of satisfaction. It means that one is able to work as much or as little as one wants to without placing much pressure on one another.
When to Hire a Professional
If your car’s wiring system is complex, you have sensors, or the car’s design makes installation difficult, consider getting assistance from a professional. Professional installation usually comes with a guarantee, which is a plus.
What Not to Do When Fitting a Towbar
Incorrect Torque Settings: Ensure all the bolts are torqued appropriately. Poor Wiring Connections: Electrical issues are caused by the wrong connection. Skipping Safety Checks: To the undecided, it is important to conduct a safety check before using the towbar every time. Ignoring Vehicle Compatibility: Do not have the towbar fitted if your car is not tugging as this will cause many problems.
How to Long Lasting for Your Towbar
To keep your towbar in good shape: Look for signs of rust or corrosion as often as possible. Grease sliding contacts to diminish wear. Power connections and wiring should be checked at least once per year.
Some of the questions that people have in their mind regarding the Towbar Fitting has been summarised in this article.
Legal Ramifications Whenever You Are Using a Towbar
It is also important to respect all rules and regulations pertaining to towing within the state. The UK and EU regulations imposed rules on towing weights and lighting conditions. The general rule that should be followed when distributing weight is information specified with an aim of preventing habitual fines.
Best Practises on Towing after Installing a Tow Bar
It is recommended that the load be distributed evenly in order to avoid sway.
This can be done by tying up the trailer or the load to the towbar through the use of clips, chains and wires or ropes that should be tight enough.
Be very cautious and increase the distance from the car in front when braking while towing.
Conclusion
Towbar fitting can also be fun as a do-it-yourself exercise as long as it is well done. Always pay attention to the procedural measures and the kind of utensils that have to be used while carrying out your task to avoid any harm. If you have any doubt, do not leave it until a professional gives you advice or assistance. Food and shelter are necessities of life and are essential in our daily needs, but accurate towbar installation boosts our hauling satisfaction when in a trailer, caravan, or even bike rack. Always service your towbar well and ensure safety at least every time you are towing.
