Towbar Fitting... Is it worth...?

chris4489
chris4489 Forum Participant Posts: 6
edited May 2016 in Towcars & Towing #1

Hi,

I am getting a tow bar fitted to my car, however my  question to you guys is:-

Is it worth getting vehicle specific wiring or just a general loom?

Thanks

Chris

Comments

  • KENNYG
    KENNYG Forum Participant Posts: 215
    100 Comments
    edited May 2016 #2

    Most towbar fitters specify a dedicated wiring loom.

  • chris4489
    chris4489 Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited May 2016 #3

    Most towbar fitters specify a dedicated wiring loom.

    Hi,

    Yes every tow bar fitter I have contacted in the Midlands have given me the choice, either Specific Wiring (£550ish) or general wiring (£400ish) so my question is does it matter?



    My last car had a Witter towbar but didn't have specific wiring (however I couldn't tow with it due to licence restrictions) 

  • Whittakerr
    Whittakerr Club Member Posts: 3,472 ✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments Photogenic
    edited May 2016 #4

    You should what the difference is and what the benefits of a dedicated loom would be? Once you know this you can decide if extra £150 its worth it for you.

  • KENNYG
    KENNYG Forum Participant Posts: 215
    100 Comments
    edited May 2016 #5

    I believe that a dedicated wiring loom is the best for modern cars  down to the safety features on board try on Google with your vehicle details.

  • chris4489
    chris4489 Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited May 2016 #6

    Judging by what I have been reading online, it looks as thought dedicated wiring will be the best option. Thanks Guys :)

  • AdrianP
    AdrianP Forum Participant Posts: 10
    edited May 2016 #7

    It depends upon the car.  If it is an older car, pre-computer then the general loom should be fine.  What the fitters do is to break into the car wiring at the rear of the car using blue insulation displacement connectors and put the trailer lights in parallel
     with the cars lighting.  However if the car is relatively modern there will be electronics monitored by a computer which detects bulb failure and any other problems.  This is likely to be upset by the trailer lights causing general chaos as the computer gets
    confused.  This is why most car manufacturers provide a socket for you to plug their trailer wiring loom into.  The snag of course is that they charge a high price for their loom although the components are usually higher quality than the cheap general purpose
    looms.  These days with car electrics getting more and more complicated it is best to use the car manufacters specific loom which will not have any warrenty issues.

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,670 ✭✭✭
    1,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited May 2016 #8

    Hi,

    I am getting a tow bar fitted to my car, however my  question to you guys is:-

    Is it worth getting vehicle specific wiring or just a general loom?

    Thanks

    Chris

    Hi Chris.  I don't know where abouts you are in Warwickshire but we have our Towbars fitted by Tow Trust if Carlyon Road, Atherstone.  I'm sure they will give you the advice you need.

    David

  • chris4489
    chris4489 Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited May 2016 #9

    Hi DSB, I'm in Alcester but ill certainly have a word, thanks :)

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