Fitting a tow bar and electrics IX35 2013

gazzaman22

Hi, Is there any restrictions on fitting your own tow bar and electrics, I think i could take the project on my self but wondered if it could land me in trouble with insurance and so on?
I was thinking of buying the kit of ebay, is there anything to be wary of, Its a IX35 2013 with a few years of warranty to run, Would fitting it myself void the warranty?

Anybody any recommendations as to either take on the job or leave it to the professional, or any other advice as to where to buy it?

Many thanks in advance

biko

Yes you must tell insurance.
Have a read of this article http://www.independent.ie/life/motoring/car-news/insurance-alert-tiny-modifications-to-cars-can-wipe-out-cover-31273560.html

Even fitting a towbar or roof rack could mean losing cover if they don't inform their insurance company, it is claimed.

keano25

Fit away.

gazzaman22

keano25 wrote: »

Fit away.

Good man!

Whos to say that it was never fitted i suppose? I mean i was never asked if it was fitted pre insurance

Would you recommend i take on the job myself
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/121780864296?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

kirving

Is there an existing port where you just plug in the wiring? If not, then I wouldn't be touching wiring at all.

Modern ECUS's are very robust to damage, but only if they're used as intended. A single faulty wire can blow the ECU and void your car's warranty at the same time.

gazzaman22

Jaysus I wouldn't have a clue about an existing port...

Chiorino

Leave to a professional. As mentioned, the potential for issues with ECU alone don't make it worth the risk. A diy job, again you buy the towbar, wiring kit, bypass relay will save you, at most, about €100.

gazzaman22

OSI wrote: »

You were provided insurance cover based upon a number of assumptions to which you agreed, one of which was that the car was never modified from the factory specification.

So therefore i would need to inform them, if i fitted it myself, or got it fitted by the professional

Chiorino

Strictly speaking, yes. Non disclosure, of what they class as a material fact, may declare a policy null and void in the event of a claim.

biko

Lol, you ignored the article and chose to go with "fit away".
Perhaps it's best you read the small print in the terms and conditions you signed, or perhaps even ring the insurer and ask..

tk123

Fitting the tow bar itself is a 5 min job of just attaching it with 4 bolts - just in case you get some crazy quote for having to cut/take off the bumper - like I was! I'd already been looking at fitting instructions online so bought what I wanted from eBay

keano25

Everyday around the country, clowns are crashing heavily modified boy racer type cars.. still covered by insurance.

I'm sure OP will get away with a tow ball sticking out the back.