Cheap Towbar

[MondeoWagon]

I have just purchased a 2012 Mondeo Wagon and was wondering if anyone has tried one of these cheap towbars.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TAG-TOWBA...oAAOSwv9hW37Pe

I know it doesn't have a wiring module but would that just mean whenever I reverse it will beep at me?

[manchu]

Originally Posted by MondeoWagon

I know it doesn't have a wiring module but would that just mean whenever I reverse it will beep at me?

what about lights?

[MondeoWagon]

Originally Posted by manchu

what about lights?

.... ah yeah didn't think of that :P

[manchu]

Originally Posted by MondeoWagon

.... ah yeah didn't think of that :P

haha.

Surely those Aranda/TAG tow bars are fine. Australian Made!

$290 for the full kit so still a lot cheaper than the Hayman Reese equivalent at $600+

[V8kado]

Also just so you know that 1,600kg Load Rating they specified is only achievable via a braked controller wired up in the car.

So, without brakes the car will only be able to tow 750kg. Which ironically is the max load for most commercially available 6x4 trailers anyway!

Any photos of your Wagon?

[bundybear75]

Originally Posted by V8kado

Also just so you know that 1,600kg Load Rating they specified is only achievable via a braked controller wired up in the car.

So, without brakes the car will only be able to tow 750kg. Which ironically is the max load for most commercially available 6x4 trailers anyway!

Any photos of your Wagon?

Actually the 1600kg rating is achieved by brakes on the trailer, which may be electric or hydraulic. A trailer with over-ride brakes can also be towed (....if your game....)

Most heavier trailers now have electric brakes so a controller would be required.

[V8kado]

Originally Posted by bundybear75

Actually the 1600kg rating is achieved by brakes on the trailer, which may be electric or hydraulic. A trailer with over-ride brakes can also be towed (....if your game....)

Most heavier trailers now have electric brakes so a controller would be required.

Cheers for that, forgot about the trusty old hydraulic brakes!

[manchu]

just resurrecting this thread because I'm thinking of fitting a towbar to my MC TDCI wagon. It's mainly needed for towing a small Jayco caravan (~1000kg).

So, has anyone tried these cheap towbar kits from ebay?

Any other recommendations for towbar fitting. is DIY possible/advisable?

any idea of ballpark cost for supply and fitting of electronic brake controller?

[manchu]

I got a quote from a local independent towbar supplier/fitter.

Towbar supply, fitting & wiring = $580. (BTA towbar. Hayman Reese would be $150 extra).
Brake controller and installation = $350

If I want to do on the cheap then that Aranda place on ebay sells:
- towbar kit, including wiring harness, plug etc = $279
- brake controller from $78 to $238.

So, seems like there's decent savings if I can DIY, but not sure it's a good idea.

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by manchu

I got a quote from a local independent towbar supplier/fitter.

Towbar supply, fitting & wiring = $580. (BTA towbar. Hayman Reese would be $150 extra).
Brake controller and installation = $350

If I want to do on the cheap then that Aranda place on ebay sells:
- towbar kit, including wiring harness, plug etc = $279
- brake controller from $78 to $238.

So, seems like there's decent savings if I can DIY, but not sure it's a good idea.

Towbar supply and fit price looks pretty right but they are trying to do a BIG job on you with the brake controller.Should be about $120 for controller and wiring and 1-1/2 hours fitting ($150)

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

Where's the rust?
Looks like a great basis for a project.

[manchu]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Towbar supply and fit price looks pretty right but they are trying to do a BIG job on you with the brake controller.Should be about $120 for controller and wiring and 1-1/2 hours fitting ($150)

cheers.

I guess it depends on the controller. Maybe they're putting a $200 controller in?? I didn't ask


Just for a laugh I also got a quote from Ford dealer. $1200 for bar + $550 for the controller !!!

that was for this controller. http://caravansplus.com.au/catalog/p...oducts_id=9724

[Tassie f100]

Maybe that price is for a flashy type controller rather than something like the Teconsha Primus which work very well.As for fittng the towbar most cars don't require any extra holes drilled so it's a fairly straight forward couple of hours work + maybe another hour to wire up the light plug.