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Subject Topic: x trail tow bar
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25/1/2016 at 8:28pm
 Location: West Yorkshire
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Hi everyone bit of a long shot but here goes.

Ive bought an X trail and was looking at the price of towbar and electrics

Eyewatering is the term that comes to mind, so my question is this?

does anyone know where i can get the dimensions for the towing bracket, i have access to welders and fabricatoirs where i work and also as ive never wired up a towing electric point, is there any way i can get a wiring diagram. I am an electrcian, so im aware of safety etc   Im looking initially to only pull a trailer, but i also have access to a caravan so would need ( I think) the 13pin socket

 

Any info welcome  and TIA



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Franknsue


25/1/2016 at 9:25pm
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It would be interesting to know where you would stand insurance wise with a home made towbar. That's if I'm reading it correct.

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XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


26/1/2016 at 9:10am
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Towbars for modern cars have to be EU type approved so you can only fit a branded towbar not home made. Oddly enough you can still fit home made to van or motorhome but not car. Towbars usually easy diy bolt on fit. Plenty on ebay here. Prices seem reasonable.

As for wiring, you can probably fit cheaper bypass relay electrics if car is a few yrs old but fitting more costly dedicated loom would probably be easier for diy fitting.

Caravans after about 2008 have 13pin plug. Before that 12n/12s twin 7pin plugs but these can be converted to later 13pin. You can use 7pin trailer plug onto 13pin car socket with adaptor so no probs there.

Post last edited on 26/01/2016 09:21:55


26/1/2016 at 11:15am
 Location: Midlands
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Your home made towbar wont be type approved so technically wont be legal. They have started including towbars in the MOTs and it may not be long before they start looking for the type approval stickers.

2001 - 2007 towbar £60

2007 - 2014 £70

£129 for 2014 onwards.






Post last edited on 26/01/2016 11:35:16


26/1/2016 at 4:51pm
 Location: West Yorkshire
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Thanks for all the info guys. Would it not make any difference if it's done by a coded welder ?? Might need to look into it a bit more.
Grampian91. Where can I get tow bar brackets for that price. Round here they're wanting £300 plus just for the bracket and ball. Electrics extra.

Thanks again.

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Franknsue


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26/1/2016 at 6:02pm
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You cannot make your own towbar, it has to have EU type approval mark. Click the link here, towbars for diy fit for less than £100. Or search ebay, 'xtrail towbar'.


27/1/2016 at 8:09pm
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Breakers yard? If you have none local there are online ones where you put in your request and firms contact you with available parts.


27/1/2016 at 9:14pm
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Thanks everyone for the info and ideas. I've found a Towbar + 13pin electrics for £140 on fleabay

Think I need to use eBay more often. 👍👍👍

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Franknsue



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