Tow Bar Setup Advice

[Lancer1993]

So looking at getting a tow bar setup for my VRX.

Since my dad passed away we don't need a second car so might sell off his 99 Pathfinder, but this means we will need some way to tow the box trailer when needed. I used to tow it all the time with my CC coupe, even went to Sydney many years ago with it so the VRX shouldn't have an issue towing it.

Ideally I'd like a setup where the tongue can be removed and the trailer won't be used much, also want to consider a duel exhaust in the future with an appropriate rear bumper to suit.

Some pics of other people setups and advice would be nice.

[lancerdarryl]

Try and find an OEM towbar,they are a neat fit and there is no need to drill any holes.For the wiring you will need a wiring loom specific for your car.These are available from towbar places but check the price of an OEM unit.You cant just wire in a plug like you could on older cars.The wiring loom has a small ECU in it and requires a power supply from the battery.The tow bar is a very easy fitup to the car but you do have to remove the rear bumper to fit the wiring.

[Lancer1993]

If I keep the current bumper what should I expect to pay?

I'm pretty handy and know a guy who can help with the wiring if needed.

[aspir3]

I fitted a towbar to my lancer. I had to fit a spacer plate between the tongue and towbar otherwise they would have cut the bumper to clear the tongue. My Aspire towed okay. I have upgraded the brakes though. I normally only towed light loads. I did once tow a horse float for moving house and a Toyota corolla on a gypsy trailer

[Lancer1993]

With my old coupe it was the 1.8 but stock at the time and I towed a 7x4 full of my sisters stuff back from Sydney to Caloundra with no issues up the coast, don't know how heavy the load was but apart from that its been mainly used for short runs to Bunnings and stuff.

I would love it with an RA style bumper where the diffuser covers the bar and somehow the tongue pokes out a slot or hole so its all hidden when not in use.

[mealsey]

Hey mate,

I've been planning the same thing for a while now and have had this saved on eBay for a while now.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/142264253593

Noticed it has a look and part number so not sure if it helps or not.

[aspir3]

I still have my tow bar in the garage as it doesn't fit withthe new ralliart bumper.
It's a pity you are not in Adelaide.

[Lancer1993]

We were in Adelaide back in May.
I'd like a tow bar that works with a RA or EVO style bumper but can't see getting the dual exhaust to justify the added cost of bumper and new exhaust.

Thanks for the eBay link, I have seen one made by TAG in Brisbane.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TAG-Standard ... Sw4HVWDdEB

[burfadel]

Trailers don't really weigh much. Without brakes no trailer is legally allowed to exceed 750 kg, I believe that's pretty standard across Australia.

[Lancer1993]

Yeah, need to get some new springs for mine, ones on it don't like half a meter of blue stone dropped in it!

[adamhumphrey]

I fitted the Tag one to my wife's Sportback VRX I did have to drill out one or two holes slightly to get it all to line up but pretty easy. It came with a harness to protect the ecu from damage fairly easy to wire up.

[Lancer1993]

Thanks for the info.

[age69er43]

Aspir3 what kind of spacer plate did u fit? I've got the genuine tow bar set up but have noticed that u need to cut the bumper to fit the tongue which I don't want to do

[aspir3]

Between 6-10mm

[Lancer1993]

Okay just got an over the counter quote at ARB here in Caloundra, want to guess how much they want for a stock light weight tow bar?

Over $800 installed, over $600 just for the kit to install it myself, OMG. how can they charge so much when ADR aproved kits can be bought on eBay from local manufactures/suppliers for less than $300.

How much have others payed for a tow bar setup on there CJ?