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Tow bar - what and how?

  • 19-08-2011 10:17pm
    #1
    CiniO
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,069 ✭✭✭✭


    I've never had a tow bar in any of my cars, but now it looks like one would be handy.

    I don't know anything about them though, so I have few questions.

    Car is 04 Mazda 6

    1. How much approximately would it cost me to fit towbar?

    2. Can you get a towbar secondhand to make it cheaper?

    3. Would it make sense to get one online and fit it myself? Would it be an DIY job, or is there any welding or other heavy stuff involved.

    4. Is there any paperwork involved with fitting towbar? Like any document stating it was fit to the car, and is save. Maybe some information about weight limits, etc. Would insurer need to be informed that car was modified by fitting towbar? Would it cost anything extra on insurance?

    Generally any information appreciated.


Comments

  • #2
    -Corkie-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,025 ✭✭✭✭-Corkie-


    CiniO wrote: »
    I've never had a tow bar in any of my cars, but now it looks like one would be handy.

    I don't know anything about them though, so I have few questions.

    Car is 04 Mazda 6

    1. How much approximately would it cost me to fit towbar?

    2. Can you get a towbar secondhand to make it cheaper?

    3. Would it make sense to get one online and fit it myself? Would it be an DIY job, or is there any welding or other heavy stuff involved.

    4. Is there any paperwork involved with fitting towbar? Like any document stating it was fit to the car, and is save. Maybe some information about weight limits, etc. Would insurer need to be informed that car was modified by fitting towbar? Would it cost anything extra on insurance?

    Generally any information appreciated.

    Price around, you can get them on ebay for handy enough money. Its a fair b1tch of a job to fit but I think you are fairly well mechanically minded so it should be OK. You will have to inform your insurance company but it shouldnt affect your policy.

    If you know any main dealers fairly well they might have a used one lying around.


  • #3
    Fishtits
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,382 ✭✭✭Fishtits


    Just make sure its got a rating plate & type approval, the days of making your own are gone.


  • #4
    stevenmu
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 9,689 Mod ✭✭✭✭stevenmu


    I've never had one fitted but from friends who have, generally a main dealer will insist on an OEM towbar and charge a lot to fit it, and independant mechanic will source and fit a spurious part for half or even one third the price.


  • #5
    Stinicker
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 7,102 ✭✭✭Stinicker


    Must you also be licenced to tow? Although I doubt if the majority of farmers and tradesmen you see towing trailers have the licence, it seems the Guards turn a blind eye to it.


  • #6
    shawnee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,830 ✭✭✭shawnee


    The wiring can be tricky for the modern cars, it is for that reason not a diy job for one who is not mechanical. However if you source someone who can fit one , you may buy one at a breakers for a fraction of the cost :P


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  • #7
    CiniO
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,069 ✭✭✭✭CiniO


    Stinicker wrote: »
    Must you also be licenced to tow? Although I doubt if the majority of farmers and tradesmen you see towing trailers have the licence, it seems the Guards turn a blind eye to it.

    With Mazda 6, I can tow a trailer up to 1300kg with my B licence.
    I won't need to tow anything more than that.


  • #8
    CiniO
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,069 ✭✭✭✭CiniO


    shawnee wrote: »
    The wiring can be tricky for the modern cars, it is for that reason not a diy job for one who is not mechanical. However if you source someone who can fit one , you may buy one at a breakers for a fraction of the cost :P

    So generally looks like I should start ringing scrapyards around.

    Wiring won't be any problem for me. I'm well electrical/elecrtonical minded.
    What I'am bit more affraid is mechanical fitting. If it involves some welding, or metal cutting I won't be able to do it.


  • #9
    -Corkie-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,025 ✭✭✭✭-Corkie-


    CiniO wrote: »
    So generally looks like I should start ringing scrapyards around.

    Wiring won't be any problem for me. I'm well electrical/elecrtonical minded.
    What I'am bit more affraid is mechanical fitting. If it involves some welding, or metal cutting I won't be able to do it.

    If you get the proper towbar for you car Cinio there is no need for cutting or welding bacause the car will have the brackets etc in place. A lot of main dealers remove towbars of cars when they are traded in before resale. I will make a few enquiries and get back to you..:)


  • #10
    Paddy001
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 724 ✭✭✭Paddy001


    Fishtits wrote: »
    Just make sure its got a rating plate & type approval, the days of making your own are gone.

    That is certainly true, there is a 95 polo going around near me, the hitch on it is a piece of box iron across the back, with a bolt through each tow hook to keep it in place and a hitch in the middle of the section of box iron, tow hooks would be strong but I doubt this is a good idea :rolleyes:


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