Tow Bar Setup Advice

[aspir3]

I found it was the oem wiring loom that was the most expensive and not the actual towbar. The towbar is an easy bolt on

[Lancer1993]

For a little over $300 the TAG kit has everything.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TAG-Standard ... SwVL1WDdKH

ARB wanted about $250 for the bar, about the same for the wiring and more for the actual tow ball and tongue.

Is there anything wrong with the TAG kit which is shipped from Brisbane for free?

[Lancer1993]

Dumb question by with the wiring is it a plug in system or will I need to splice into the wires?

I know some car makers have the airing set up so tow bars can easily be added without screwing up the cars electronics.

[aspir3]

The Mitsubishi is a complete wire loom that i believe plugs in to the fuse box under the glove box.
I just spliced in my plug and had no issues but it is a risk to the cars electronics

[lancerdarryl]

Dumb question by with the wiring is it a plug in system or will I need to splice into the wires?

I know some car makers have the airing set up so tow bars can easily be added without screwing up the cars electronics.

The OEM harness just plugs in on the LHR of the boot and a power wire that runs up to the battery.I would imagine an aftermarket one would be exactly the same.

[Lancer1993]

I have to contact TAG next week to get some more info on their kits, will remember to ask how the wiring is done.

Not that its an issue, installed trailer wiring before where you need to splice it in, I'd just prefer a plug in solution this time.

[lancerdarryl]

This is an OEM wiring setup it has its own ECU to protect the rest of the car wiring

[Lancer1993]

Still have to price the genuine kit from the dealer, hate to think how much they want!

Found this option also for about $416.85 delivered.
http://www.towbarsaustralia.com.au/towb ... x-gt-sedan

What ever I do I'd probably remove the tongue/ball when not in use, its what I did on the CC coupe.

Also has anyone tried making a 'diffuser' custom fit around the tow bar once installed?

[adamhumphrey]

Tag kit has to be wired in and you have to run a wire to the other light.. ie if you choose to wire most of the wires on the left side you will still need to run wire to the right hand indicator.

[Lancer1993]

Thanks, I think some I've seen for a little more are plug in, still investigating as a) can't afford it right now and b) haven't sold the Pathfinder yet...

[Lancer1993]

So got it fitted yesterday, $549 fitted with a life time warranty.


Only grip is they needed to cut part of the bumper, not where I expected it to be.
Still to use it for the first time, need to rewire the trailer plug as they put on a flat plug, fits better.

And now considering a camper, I've ruled out a pop top van as they start at about 800kg before loaded for the smallest ones. My other options are the tear drop style vans, way lighter but cost a fortune for anything good. Or a 'tent' that bolts on top of my box trailer and adds only 100kg to the weight of the trailer. Or just put a bed in the back of the 7x4 box trailer and get a cover for the gates!

[aspir3]

That is a big chunk out of the rear bar

[burfadel]

I guess directly from behind it doesn't obscure the number plate? If it does they could decide to fine you. Another reason to have it is the boot and only installed when required .

[Lancer1993]

The place I got it fitted said it should be okay, take into account they will usually be looking at it from a higher angle.

Still debating if its worth removing the tongue when not using it, which is 99% of the time. But what about the hole? Well I'm thinking of making up a plate and attaching a F1 style 'fog' light which can be wired into the trailer plug and easily removed when I need to tow something...



Thoughts?

[Lancer1993]

Got these...

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/191575343366