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MPV Section - Forums for Multi Purpose Vehicles: => Ford Galaxy Forum - Mk1 / Mk2 inc. VW Sharan and SEAT Alhambra (1995-2006) => Topic started by: Madbaz on March 20, 2012, 07:56:12 PM

Title: Tow bar
Post by: Madbaz on March 20, 2012, 07:56:12 PM
Why do traders always take them off (it's always obvious when one has been fitted), only for someone (like me) to have to source another.

Got a bargain via fleabay, Ã,£50 for a Anker flange bar with, ball and standard electrickery. sprayed up nice with tetrasyl underseal, got a new ball. I cheated though and got a Westfalia plug in electric kit for under Ã,£50.

(Note to self, when fitting bar do not poke that rusty spot on the exhaust :-[)
Title: Re: Tow bar
Post by: gregers on March 20, 2012, 08:36:01 PM
(Note to self, when fitting bar do not poke that rusty spot on the exhaust :-[)

wasnt that cheap then was it, ::)
Title: Re: Tow bar
Post by: Mirez on March 20, 2012, 08:54:56 PM
a) Because a lot of people assume that a tow bar indicates its been worked hard, if its not there on pictures they are more likely to view the car
b) Because they would have to warranty it

Least exhaust parts are quite cheap these days :D
Title: Re: Tow bar
Post by: pabinlove on March 20, 2012, 09:44:25 PM
just for future reference, when the tow bar is fitted the sensors will pick up the obstruction, can they be adjusted?
Title: Re: Tow bar
Post by: Mirez on March 20, 2012, 10:20:34 PM
Depends on the tow-bar fitted and how close to the bumper it is, some (for example mine: a Bosal removable) fits fine and the sensors don't generally detect it. If you do have problems then the best way is to wire in an inhibit switch - if you have a factory detachable kit then it would be wired like this:

[attach=1]

For all extents and purposes though its a simple ground switch. Take pin5 of C77 to ground and the PDC module will enter "tow" mode - in this mode the centre two parking sensors are disabled and the system uses just the outer ones on a reduced range.
Title: Re: Tow bar
Post by: Madbaz on March 20, 2012, 11:08:32 PM
A quick test shows that although it's a flanged bar the parking sensors don't pick it up, but with the electrics fixed to the side, on a standard mounting plate, and/or a bumper protector plate they do ???

I'm going to fabricate a mounting plate for the socket that'll put it out of the way and leave the bumper protector off. I won't need a protector anyhow being a proffesional driver and all that 8).

The wiring kit I've bought has a inhibit for the sensors when towing.

Quote from: gregers on March 20, 2012, 08:36:01 PM
(Note to self, when fitting bar do not poke that rusty spot on the exhaust :-[)

wasnt that cheap then was it, ::)

As for the exhaust, I've bought a fancy stainless clamp, bit better than the jubilee clips & tin can method.
Title: Re: Tow bar
Post by: gregers on March 20, 2012, 11:12:29 PM
As for the exhaust, I've bought a fancy stainless clamp, bit better than the jubilee clips & tin can method.

even better,use a scaffold tube  :) :)