Tow bars

[gregozedobe]

Most importantly (to me) I cannot be accused of not following manufactures directions regarding chain connections when towing and have VW or Insurer deny any claim if I have a problem / accident (Heaven forbid).

I suggest that if you really want to avoid any accusations regarding chain connections you look into getting proper load rated chain and shackles - they will be more expensive than what you can buy at Bunnings, but they will also be a lot stronger for a similar size. I buy stainless steel ones from a specialist fastener supplier (a winch equipment place may also be able to supply them). They also look a bit less "agricultural".

[vanDub]

I suggest that if you really want to avoid any accusations regarding chain connections you look into getting proper load rated chain and shackles - they will be more expensive than what you can buy at Bunnings, but they will also be a lot stronger for a similar size. I buy stainless steel ones from a specialist fastener supplier (a winch equipment place may also be able to supply them). They also look a bit less "agricultural".

I don't disagree with anything you say, but the fact is that the Bunnings chain and shackles I used are still far heavier duty than the cr@p that the manufacturer welded onto my trailer or that used on any caravan I have ever seen. That's why it looks a bit "agricultural". At the end of the day, the chain on the trailer will give way first IMHO.

[vanDub]

So if you specify it on order from the factory does it come factory fitted?

No, as I understand it, the factory fitted ones are the European market ones only as per attached photo. These ones are not made available for our market so we get a "genuine" kiwi made one that is dealer fitted.

[Swallowtail]

No, as I understand it, the factory fitted ones are the European market ones only as per attached photo. These ones are not made available for our market so we get a "genuine" kiwi made one that is dealer fitted.

OK... thanks. At least the one on my Mazda has "Mazda" written on it LOL.

[tryingavw]

OK... thanks. At least the one on my Mazda has "Mazda" written on it LOL.

pretty sure hayman reese makes the mazda ( and about 80% of all brands ) towbar. also the HR branded bars sometimes have a higher capacity as they add extra strengtheners.

[gead]

wow! so much information on tow bars....

[Swallowtail]

pretty sure hayman reese makes the mazda ( and about 80% of all brands ) towbar. also the HR branded bars sometimes have a higher capacity as they add extra strengtheners.

I've seen the HR aftermarket ones for the 6 and they look crap... the one on mine is a proper factory integrated one, Mazda cover plate an' all... whether it's made by HR I'm not sure, but it sure looks better than the aftermarket one I saw on an MPS...

[Caddyman]

Hi All, I picked up my R36 after having the tow bar fitted last friday, towed a trailer with it today, the reverse sensors go off sometimes, then go completely crazy other times, are they supposed to be disabled when a trailer is connected

thanks

Matthew

[vanDub]

Hi All, I picked up my R36 after having the tow bar fitted last friday, towed a trailer with it today, the reverse sensors go off sometimes, then go completely crazy other times, are they supposed to be disabled when a trailer is connected Matthew

Yes when they are for a facory fitted towbar but ours are "dealer" fitted. I suspect the problem is that we have the 13 pin Euro electrics reduced by an adapter to 7 pins and one or more of the 13 pins not used are needed for feedback to tell the system that a trailer is fitted.

Your only options are to turn the sensor off manually or drive faster than 15 kph where they turn off anyway

[gregozedobe]

I have a vague recollection that euro trailer wiring standards have separate circuits for left and right tail lights (and possibly even L & R brake lights ? ).

Oz trailer connection standards only have the one common circuit for both sides, so we don't have the separate circuits the cars electronics are looking for (unless you wire up the trailer the Euro way, but then it won't work for Oz standard trailer connections). Hence the problems with Oz trailer vs Euro car electrics).

[rotelman]

Oh Yeah,

Don't forget if you have an electric tail gate optioned up on your wagon, it will only work if you dissconnect the trailer plug

Rotelman

[Caddyman]

thanks for your replies.

[PhilH]

No, as I understand it, the factory fitted ones are the European market ones only as per attached photo. These ones are not made available for our market so we get a "genuine" kiwi made one that is dealer fitted.

You'll probably find the 'Genuine' part has a 50mm (approx 2") ball on it which can be a hassle (certainly here in NZ we generally use the 1 7/8" as standard / not sure about Auz).

Our ML Merc came with a genuine bar fitted, which is similar in design to the genuine VW part (all cast as one piece) and it was quite a task to get it legally (for insurance and liability purposes) spun down to 1 7/8"

I know other owners have chosen to put on a NZ manufactured bar for this exact reason.