Totally confused about tow bars

[robthecob]

Now there's a good chance I have myself in an uneccesary pickle here, but the Internet isn't doing so well on the advice and I just spoke to the rudest person from a nationwide tow bar fitting company.

I've finally took the leap and done a deal on a towing vehicle (Mercedes MClass ML300, capable of towing to fatties easily). As part of the deal I am asking the garage to fix me a tow bar so that we're ready to go but they've come back to me with all sorts of questions that I couldn't answer.

I know I need a 7 pin for the age of my trailer and I want a fixed tow bar but other than that I thought everything was standard. Is there anything else that I need to be asking for / getting checked. I'm sure that the garage will fit many tow bars but from the questions they were asking me, I'm not sure how many of those are horse trailers.

 

[Midwychequestrain]

Make sure they fit a vehicle specific wiring loom and not a universal one. Had a garage put towbar on my disco, they fitted the universal wiring which played all sorts of havoc with my lights

 

[ROG]

If a 13 pin fitting is cheaper then simply get the removable adapter for a fiver
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TIANOR-Ada...d=1505123300&sr=8-7&keywords=tow+plug+adapter

 

[robthecob]

Thanks ROG, I was hoping that you would be around
They have gave me what looks to be a fair price of £390 Inc tax. If I decide to get a newer trailer in the future can I get an adapter to make it to 13?
What about the whole Swan and flange neck and do I need to specify anything else to ensure it's at the right height for my trailer?

 

[robthecob]

By your location you are also in the same county as me and I'd be interested to know if you had any recommendations for trailer service and also trailer clinics / test (I do not have the right categories on my license at the moment)

 

[ROG]

My knowledge is on the laws for licences and weights in regards to towing so I cannot help you

If the vehicle towbar is fitted with a 13 pin then you can get the removable plug in five quid adaptor for a 7 pin trailer leaving the 13 pin for more modern trailers = best of both

 

[robthecob]

Good idea and thank you. Hopefully these guys know what they're doing!

 

[tallyho!]

HI robthecob... there's no specific weight really (as that is determined by noseweight which is trailer/vehicle specific) for bolt flanges or swan necks, it's what you prefer on your vehicle.

Personally I prefer a four bolt flange as I can adjust it depending what I'm towing, you can even get multiple bolt-hole plates for even more flexibility. They are removable and don't stick out as much. Personal preference. Some people prefer a swan neck but I think they look like bendy willies.

Don't get yourself in a pickle. Choose your preferred towbar and they will fit it.

 

[Fiona]

I got a towbar recently on my scout, and it had to be a swan neck because I have rear parking sensors. ..

Hope this helps.

Fiona

 

[Batgirl]

If you have parking sensors it is advisable to have the electrics recessed under the bumper. Also I got a more local less branded guy to do mine, £100 cheaper than all other quotes, done a smashing job (including recessing the electrics which he told me about)

 

[Batgirl]

To add people recommend the swan neck for parking sensors but you can get either if they recess the electrics on the flange which is what I went for.