Detachable towbar

Settermum
Settermum Forum Participant Posts: 127
First Comment
edited April 2016 in Towcars & Towing #1

We recently changed our car and decided to have a detachable towbar this time. It was fitted on 31st March and we went off on our first trip away with the van on 4th April. Well the damn towbar is jammed on, it will not detach for love nor money. Has anybody
else ever had this happen. The fitter is coming out to look at it on Wednesday.

Comments

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited April 2016 #2

    What make is it? Mine (Bosal) does need a deft shove inwards before it'll turn to release

  • Settermum
    Settermum Forum Participant Posts: 127
    First Comment
    edited April 2016 #3

    It's a PCT. We had it on and off several times before we towed with it and we have studied the instructions over and over. The mechanism pushes in on the first stage of the removal manoeuvre but will not turn to release the swan neck. It's solid.

  • stephen p
    stephen p Forum Participant Posts: 194
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    edited April 2016 #4

    I am not familiar with a PCT, I assume it has a key lock, could it be that it is locked

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited April 2016 #5

    ..... could it be that it is locked

    It does sound like it doesn't it. On mine, if the key isn't in it, it's locked as the key can only be removed when the bar is fully engaged, conversely, when the bar is removed from the car, the key can not be removed.

  • Settermum
    Settermum Forum Participant Posts: 127
    First Comment
    edited April 2016 #6

    No, it isn't locked, we thought it might have somehow locked itself, but no. I'll be mortified if the fitter gets it off in any kind of normal fashion. He's due here any time.

  • Settermum
    Settermum Forum Participant Posts: 127
    First Comment
    edited April 2016 #7

    Well, although the swan neck was indeed very tightly attached, the fitter got it off fairly easily. Slightly embarrassing but he is an expert after all. Anyhoo, he's given it a spray of wd40 and a wipe, so we're good to go. Embarassed

  • Whittakerr
    Whittakerr Club Member Posts: 3,472 ✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments Photogenic
    edited April 2016 #8

    Glad yo have got it sorted. Hope he didn't charge you.Happy

  • Settermum
    Settermum Forum Participant Posts: 127
    First Comment
    edited April 2016 #9

    No, he didn't charge anything.Happy

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited April 2016 #10

     .... Anyhoo, he's given it a spray of wd40 and a wipe,  ..

    Maybe it now needs a wipe with something a little more substantial than WD40 so you can get it off next time.  Wink

    not the ball though Cool

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
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    edited April 2016 #11

    I also had a real problem with a new detachable on a new car.

    Returned to the dealer twice first time no go...he would contact the manufacturer.

    Second time no go....he would contact them again.

    In the meantime I managed to remove it and concluded that.with the right knack it is no problem at all.

    Done it many times since and it is incredibly simple!!!!!

     

  • Mr H
    Mr H Forum Participant Posts: 356
    100 Comments
    edited April 2016 #12

    Me too. Mine fits vertically upwards. It is easy to get confused which way to turn the key to unlock it. Then simultaneously, you have to pull the knob outwards whilst turning it anti clockwise. Whilst doing this you have to also watch out for it dropping
    suddenly trapping your fingers. Next time I will make sure I have the horizontal type.Yell

  • HarleyDave
    HarleyDave Forum Participant Posts: 150
    edited April 2016 #13

    Always had problem with the Thule/Brink on the Kuga and now problems with the Witter on Ssangyong,it's me not the tow bar lol
    EmbarassedI have found youtube fitting tutorial a Godsend suggest you have a look on there they seem to cover virtualy everything on thereHappy

  • IanH
    IanH Forum Participant Posts: 4,708
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    edited April 2016 #14

    Our Volvo towbar has jammed on twice. The knob pushed in but would not turn.

    Dealer fixed it - mechanic said that the lock mechanism had fallen apart. Took him about an hour to sort it (no charge).

  • Nuggy
    Nuggy Forum Participant Posts: 512
    edited April 2016 #15

    My flanged towbar hasn't jammed yet! Innocent sorry, couldn't resist.

  • IanH
    IanH Forum Participant Posts: 4,708
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    edited April 2016 #16

    My flanged towbar hasn't jammed yet! Innocent sorry, couldn't resist.

    Bet you can't remove yours either, though.....Wink

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited April 2016 #17

    Me too. Mine fits vertically upwards. It is easy to get confused which way to turn the key to unlock it. Then simultaneously, you have to
    pull the knob outwards whilst turning it anti clockwise. Whilst doing this you have to also watch out for it dropping suddenly trapping your fingers. Next time I will make sure I have the horizontal type.Yell

    You sure? Cool .... mine pushed in ...... as does my current Bosal. That's possibly why you're struggling Innocent

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited April 2016 #18

    My flanged towbar hasn't jammed yet! Innocent sorry, couldn't resist.

    Looks ugly as sin though Kiss

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited April 2016 #19

    My flanged towbar hasn't jammed yet! Innocent sorry, couldn't resist.

    Bet you can't remove yours either, though.....Wink

    2 x 24 mm spanners required Innocent

  • Mr H
    Mr H Forum Participant Posts: 356
    100 Comments
    edited April 2016 #20

    It is a Hyundai Towbar that works differently to our previous one. When you locate it the knob moves inwards automatically. 

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited April 2016 #21

    It is a Hyundai Towbar that works differently to our previous one. When you locate it the knob moves inwards automatically. 

    I was pulling your leg Wink

  • Runrig
    Runrig Forum Participant Posts: 186
    edited April 2016 #22

    My flanged towbar hasn't jammed yet! Innocent sorry, couldn't resist.

    I would be more concerned if your flanged towbar wasn't totally jammed...Tongue Out

    How are the bruised shins coming along?

  • Mr H
    Mr H Forum Participant Posts: 356
    100 Comments
    edited April 2016 #23

    Molly I suppose having your leg pulled is better than having a bruised shinSmile.

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