New Tow Bar

[K4thyL]

Hi,

Im going to see a 04 Terrano 3.0 tomorrow which doesnt currently have a tow bar. The dealer has agreed to get one put on in the price and has asked me what type I want?

Being that I will use it to pull a double horse trailer, just wondered if there was type that would be most suitable? I seem to have found out by surfing that I would need a fixed flange tow bar? Would I be correct in advisng the dealer of this but is there a make I should go for?

Cheers

Kathy

[RJL Services]

fixed would be best thats the way i would go at least you know nothing can come loose,rob

[Lazy-Ferret]

Having had a nice lady hit our caravan up the rear, and in the processes demolish the towbar, that was on our T2 when we got it. I went for a Witter fixed flange one as a replacement, as it looked to be made so much better and stronger. You have to go onto the Witter site to see actual pictures as most companies that sell towbars use a generic picture that often does not look anything like the one you will receive.

It does lower your rear ground clearance, so will have an impact if you are a serious off roader, but for me, the benefits of strength and safety far outweighed the potential issues.

this was the original towbar before impact


and after


This is the Witter one. (not very clear, but you get the idea)

[Barrbeast]

Yeh definitely go for fixed and a flange one if you can as much more flexible than a swan neck. Also, if you need to replace the towball for any reason then bolt on ones are generally cheaper than swan necks to replace.

[K4thyL]

Cool. Thanks for replies so far. Being that I'm having to go by myself I just wanted to check other than giving it a good look over from a synthetic point of view and when I drive it, listen out for any odd noises, is there anything else I should check. I can look under the bonnet but it won't mean much apart from seeing how tidy/clean the engine looks??!

[rustic]

Originally Posted by K4thyL

Cool. Thanks for replies so far. Being that I'm having to go by myself I just wanted to check other than giving it a good look over from a synthetic point of view and when I drive it, listen out for any odd noises, is there anything else I should check. I can look under the bonnet but it won't mean much apart from seeing how tidy/clean the engine looks??!

I don't know if you've read much about rust on these trucks, but you could do with someone with some knowledge to take a look.

Corrosion can be bad, but not limited to, the following areas:-
rear wheel arches, where the rear seat belt mounts.
Sills both sides, near to the rear.
Front wings, look at the edges near the wheel arch trim first.
Rear floor, under carpet of rear seat.
Rear chassis near to rear suspension mounts.
Front cross beam behind rear bumper, but difficult to see.

Also look out for oil leaks, there shouldn't be anything to speak of, you are not buying a Land Rover
Also for the diesel tank seams can rust.

If you advise the rough area where the garage is, a local member might volunteer to pop along, if only to help drive the price down.

best regards,

Rustic

[rustic]

The two bolt tow ball type are more popular, and there are more attachments for those, stabilisers, dropper plates, bike racks etc.
The alternative is the four bolt fixing type, they use different size bolts to the two bolt type and tow balls cannot be interchanged between the different types.

You also have to consider the electrics.
The simplest for trailers is a 7 pin type "n" socket, that just covers the basic lights and indicators.

If you later want to tow a caravan, or have electric in the trailer or a second battery in the trailer, then you will also need the supplementary type "s" socket.

The latest trend is now the 13 pin does everything socket.
Most of us on the forum have the 7 pin "n" socket, some of have the type "s" as well, and not so many with the later 13 pin socket, if that helps...

For what you need, the "n" socket will be adequate, but if you are planning ahead, and if someone else is paying... then say you may be towing a caravan in the future and have the " s" type fitted too.

I hope it helps.

best regards,

Rustic