Wanted info on detachable towbars

[jaffo]

im after a detachable twin electric towbar for my rover 75 2.5 contemp tourer (55 reg facelift).
can anyone recommend both the best towbar and also the best fitter/dealer.? i live in the stafford/lichfield/burton on trent triangle!

[Jamie]

im after a detachable twin electric towbar for my rover 75 2.5 contemp tourer (55 reg facelift).
can anyone recommend both the best towbar and also the best fitter/dealer.? i live in the stafford/lichfield/burton on trent triangle!

Hi Jaffo, I can recomend the Brink original fit towbar...its totally invisible when the neck is detached and the sockets are hidden under the bumper. I had mine supplied & fitted to my zt-t tourer at Chester Towbars fully inclusive at £350 including twin electrics.

I dont have the phone number to hand but they will be in the phone book....great service, very prompt and they wrapped my bumper in bubble wrap whilst they did the work. highly recomended.

Jamie

[tourerfogey]

See here: http://www.towsure.com/product.asp?p=5502

Should be dead easy to fit yourself especially if the mountings and wiring socket are already present on the Rover which I suspect they probably are - can anyone confirm this? There is a downside though as the bumper needs cutting to fit it - so that might also put you off.

[rover]

I have the Witter Detachable Towbar fitted.Well engineered & easy to fit & remove.Had a Brink detachable fitted to previous car but I much prefer the Witter locking mechanism.I would recommend Bermick Towbars, Abbey Lane, Leicester. 0116 2666680.Have had three bars fitted by them;towbar specialists & well priced.

[tourerfogey]

Right - I have now read your opening post properly and see that you want a detachable towbar - just ignore me and I'll probably go away.....

:(

[Lovel]

im after a detachable twin electric towbar for my rover 75 2.5 contemp tourer (55 reg facelift).
can anyone recommend both the best towbar and also the best fitter/dealer.? i live in the stafford/lichfield/burton on trent triangle!

If you want the best working functionality from the electrics, I would recommend purchasing the Xpart (MGR) supplied Twin socket and Towlink. Advantages are that it is just a simple plug in system compared to after market versions. The original MGR kit complements the Bulb failure ECU's which can be a problem on pattern parts, as well as isolating the rear fog lights and reverse light switch inhibitor to disable the parking sensors. You also do not have to fit an annoying beeper in the boot or extra pilot light, as the in built dash display will warn you of any failed bulbs.

The original Xpart supplied MGR towbar is a Brink towbar anyway, and these can be purchased on line via Brinks website, so i would not order this via Xpart as they are a bit more expensive.

[stef_uk]

i can second the witter towbar and bermicks to fit...they did mine,well priced and a top job

[windrush]

Had mine fitted by MGR at longbridge as O E had no problems and the rear bumper was not cut in any way

[davehockley]

I've got a Brink towbar, they're excellent, just 3 blanking caps showing under the back of the car when not in use, and only takes a few seconds to take the removable part out of the boot and plug it in and the same time to remove it. It has a two stage security fastener. When it's fitted, it looks exactly the same as the rigid version.
I paid £335 fitted for mine by CDF Towbars based in Coventry. A mobile fitter came over and did the job while I was having some work done by Lates in Rugby.

[Rincewind]

Brink bars were the approved bars for the 75/ZT as were Dixon Bate units. However, over time we phased out the Sixon Bate units in favour of the Brink bars as they were better in the long run and the company was more "supportive" over time and did a lot of work to upgrade the bars especially when the V8's came along.

[Spôôk]

I bought the original Rover 75 detachable towbar from E-parts incl. twin electrics and all at £ 135 on ebay.
It is COMPLETELY invisible when not fitted.

They have got one on ebay now: 130076779545 - £89.

[GreyGhost]

I bought the original Rover 75 detachable towbar from E-parts incl. twin electrics and all at £ 135 on ebay.
It is COMPLETELY invisible when not fitted.

They have got one on ebay now: 130076779545 - £89.

I also have one from them but they are for saloons only, the Tourers have different fittings.

[black olive]

Id seen these "detachable" ones on Ebay.
Can I ask how they detach, ie are they quick release or is it 10 minutes on your knees undoing bolts ??

Thanks

Steve

[Lovel]

Id seen these "detachable" ones on Ebay.
Can I ask how they detach, ie are they quick release or is it 10 minutes on your knees undoing bolts ??

Thanks

Steve

If it is a detachable Brink, then you just push a trigger type lever to disengage the tow head from the towbar. The trigger type lever is locked in place mechanically by an additional interlock. To disengage will take you seconds crouching down.
The Brink also comes with a miniature lock & key which would deter your average light fingered fellow for a liitle while.

[GreyGhost]

Id seen these "detachable" ones on Ebay.
Can I ask how they detach, ie are they quick release or is it 10 minutes on your knees undoing bolts ??

Thanks

Steve

Literally seconds, on or off as described by Lovel. Takes longer to kneel down and get back up again.

[Lovel]

Tourer Showing cutaway in bumper with Brink detachable and tow head

[GreyGhost]

The OEM version does not look anything like that, it is angled and cannot be seen from behind unless you kneel down to it. Fitting neck seems to be similar. I'll see if I can find pics.

[Lovel]

The OEM version does not look anything like that, it is angled and cannot be seen from behind unless you kneel down to it. Fitting neck seems to be similar. I'll see if I can find pics.

MG Rover supplied part in MG Rover box, definitely. I dont buy non MGR stuff. Ordered under MGR part number.

[GreyGhost]

Pics courtesty of mikejnunn on XPF. I have exactly the same equipment bought from ECP £89.00 OEM Boxed as genuine MGR part nos. VUB 112370/380/390/400
Mine has a black swan neck with chrome locking mechanism. No. on swan neck is 1953A (MGV) The design of the locking mechanism is slightly different from the one shown but the rest is the same. As cannot be seen. except from below.

[black olive]

thanks for the useful info. I will look into the ebay ones, they seem a very good price !!

[GreyGhost]

thanks for the useful info. I will look into the ebay ones, they seem a very good price !!

Mention the club if you speak.

Nick Daldry
E Car Parts
28 Tyne Road
Sandy
Beds
SG19 1SA
01767 682100 / 900
0797 - 028 2656
fax 0176 - 768 2200
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/E-CAR-PARTS-LTD

[Lovel]

The OEM version does not look anything like that, it is angled and cannot be seen from behind unless you kneel down to it. Fitting neck seems to be similar. I'll see if I can find pics.

What we have highlighted here is the difference between Tourer and Saloon models. The saloon towbar being for the first model designed, and may been more of an integrated design when money at MGR was a plenty. The Tourer design coming later in model life and into Project Drive days was probably less of an integrated design by the looks of things. The saloon version looking so much better.
:pillow:

[Tootall]

Just got a reply from E Car Parts stating The tow bar listed does fit the MGZTT also, although the part number is different we have sold many to drivers of the tourer/estate version with out any problem.

What do the 'experts' think are the Saloon/Tourer towbars the same :confused:.

[GreyGhost]

Just got a reply from E Car Parts stating

What do the 'experts' think are the Saloon/Tourer towbars the same :confused:.

I know the lads at ECP and they would not pull a fast one, having said that I was convinced the fittings are different between the two.

I have not fitted mine yet, I've only had it for 18 months. If you want to be absolutely sure you are welcome to truck up to North London and have a butchers. Or I can post a detailed pic of the device and instructions for fitting.

[davehockley]

The towbars from XPart have different part numbers for the saloon and the tourer, but I don't know if it's the same make bar as the one you're talking about.

[Lovel]

I know the lads at ECP and they would not pull a fast one, having said that I was convinced the fittings are different between the two.

I have not fitted mine yet, I've only had it for 18 months. If you want to be absolutely sure you are welcome to truck up to North London and have a butchers. Or I can post a detailed pic of the device and instructions for fitting.

Gets more interesting, and especially at the rates from ECP for the saloon towbar.
The Tourer has a longer overhang than the saloon by 1.70". I don't know where the extra overhang comes from. It may be just the rear bumper on the tourer sticks out more?
You would think that in mass production the manufacturer would keep the same boot floor in both models for cost and simplicity.

Maybe the saloon bar would fit the tourer, but the rear bumper to ball hitch clearance will be reduced by 1.70" which is still possibly useable depending upon which type of head you are hooking onto the ball hitch.

[MikeJohn]

I looked atthe ECP bar but was convinced from a number of places that the saloon and Tourer had different fittings. So fitted a "genuine" detachable from Xpart. This came in non-descript brown box with a mixture of MGR and Brink paperwork. Clearly made by Brink, and easy to fit. Looks exactly as the first set of pics in this thread.

I "think" the tourer has 3 bolts per side rail fixeing, and the saloon only two, but that is only from perusing all the different manufacturers installation instuctions.

Genuine MGR electrics very worthwhile, everything works right - bulb failure even extends to sidelights on trailer, and no grotty beeping, just a little van picture onthe dash if a bulb fails.

BTW - any ideas what to do with the lovely ally box section that was behind the bumper? Shame to scrap it but not sure I will ever take the towbar off again.

[Spôôk]

The short story is that the Tourer towing kit differs from the Saloon version as can be seen from the fitting instructions:

http://vifa-as.dk/R75/MGR Tourer Towing kit.pdf illustration 21
and
http://vifa-as.dk/R75/MGR Saloon Towing kit.pdf illustration 13

Whether you can live with the shorter distance between the bumper and towhead if you fit the saloon towbar to the tourer is a different story (personally I would not venture into that).

[Lovel]

Would still like to know where the Tourer rear overhang is 1.70" longer compared to the Saloon. Is it just the relative distance between bumper?

[Keith]

I looked atthe ECP bar but was convinced from a number of places that the saloon and Tourer had different fittings. So fitted a "genuine" detachable from Xpart. This came in non-descript brown box with a mixture of MGR and Brink paperwork. Clearly made by Brink, and easy to fit. Looks exactly as the first set of pics in this thread.

I "think" the tourer has 3 bolts per side rail fixeing, and the saloon only two, but that is only from perusing all the different manufacturers installation instuctions.

Genuine MGR electrics very worthwhile, everything works right - bulb failure even extends to sidelights on trailer, and no grotty beeping, just a little van picture onthe dash if a bulb fails.

BTW - any ideas what to do with the lovely ally box section that was behind the bumper? Shame to scrap it but not sure I will ever take the towbar off again.

I agree I have the non detachable genuine MGR version courtesy of an absolute bargain price from SMC-Trading.

It came as a fully comprehensive kit including a proper twin electric harness that does clever stuff like disable the parking sensors when reversing whilst towing which is often over looked by third party systems

As for the alloy cross member keep it to refit one day. My Towbar will be removed at selling time and sold on separately as oddly enough people still seem to mark car prices down if fitted with a Towbar. They are I guess assuming gearbox and clutch have been abused

[Keith]

As an aside although removable ones are obviously more pleasing to the eye, I have twice been gently bumped with Tow Bars fitted

I ended up without any damage to the expensive and obvious bits the painted bumper lights etc at all despite a huge V shaped dent in the offending motorists vehicles

Obviously the impact is being passed to the chassis but in minor shunts give me the additional protection of a Tow bar any day

[black olive]

Just ordered one- well pleased.
Just to let anyone thinking of buying one know- he has about 6 left, and is only getting one more batch- so be quick !!!

Now for the electrics, and the caravan- doing this in instalments !!

[Countach]

As an aside although removable ones are obviously more pleasing to the eye, I have twice been gently bumped with Tow Bars fitted

I ended up without any damage to the expensive and obvious bits the painted bumper lights etc at all despite a huge V shaped dent in the offending motorists vehicles

Obviously the impact is being passed to the chassis but in minor shunts give me the additional protection of a Tow bar any day

:wss: :wss: In london was rear ended by white van man, nearly fainted when I heard "sorry mate,all my fault", looked at my car: couldn't see where the impact had occurred.
You guessed it, the towball took the impact without showing a scratch.
and white van man?
1st thought:he'd only need a number plate and a grille..
2nd thought:whats that puddle of (steaming) liquid on the floor?
I drove off glad I hadn't got a 'detachable'

[Lates]

Our 600 has a "parking aid" bolted to the back of the car for one reason really and no you dont want to see my Mrs try and reverse park. :D

It has also saved the rear bumper from being mullered on 3 occasions so not pretty to look at but very effective.

[Countach]

Anybody know how much the MGR electrics should cost??
Fed-up with the parking sensors screaming when I reverse upto the trailer or onto the drive with trailer still attached...

[ColinB]

Anybody know how much the MGR electrics should cost??
Fed-up with the parking sensors screaming when I reverse upto the trailer or onto the drive with trailer still attached...

You would need this

http://www.mgroveraccessories.com/shop/143_301_1/mg/mg_zt-t/touring/towing_electric_kit/index.html

and this

http://www.mgroveraccessories.com/shop/143_471_1/mg/mg_zt-t/touring/towbar_electrics_link_lead/index.html

About £115

[black olive]

Got my towing bracket today- Im very impressed with the quality if it- instructions ( or lack of) leave a bit to be desired- it's all just pictures.

need to keep my eyes open for an electrics kit now ( or just pay the dealer price 1 )and then I can fit everything when the weather gets a bit better

[Simon]

moodybluezt you have a PM :)

[black olive]

Top Man Simon !!:)

[steveseeney]

I have a caravan with an ALKO stabiliser hitch coupling, on my previous car with a flange type towbar I had to fit an extended neck ball hitch to give extra clearance from the bumper for the larger couipling head. Although I have kept it I could not use it with this type of towbar, does anybody know if there is sufficient clearance for this type of hitch?

[rover]

I have the Witter Detachable & the van has the Alko Stabilizer Hitch;plenty of room to hitch without a problem.
I cannot speak for MGR,Brink etc. but I would be surprised if they would present a problem.You need a dimension from front of fitted towball to bumper for the particular make you are interested in.

[Mel75]

I also have the witter Detachable & Alko Stabilizer as stated by rover there is plenty of room to hitch, although its not as concealed as some I find it easier to push the plugs in, the Grey power plug needs to go in perfectly square if not the splay on the center pin gets sq eased in, witch causes a loose contact and then the plug over heats and melts, I have had this happen.

Mel75

[Simon]

moodybluezt - Did you get the one on eBay?

[jaffo]

thanks everyone.will be having the witter detachable fitted on friday(and the windows tinted on tuesday!)

[jaffo]

excellent detachable witter towbar fitted at lichfield.tows like a dream.thanks everyone again.

[JohnDotCom]

Only just saw this thread but can say that the MGR Detachable TowBar & Electrics are great, not visible and no cutting of rear Bumper as has been sugested. THis is on a 2005 FaceLift Tourer.

[Countach]

AS I already have tin electrics fitted, is there anyway I can disable the parking sensors? at least when I'm towing? I can (Just) live with the audible buzzer when I indicate but not the constant howl from the PDC when I'm reversing onto the drive after a long trip home...
Oh & I don't want to pay £125 to get the OE set.... I'm sure a switch in the right wire would do the job (If ANONE knows which wire.....)
Cheers
Jonathan
PS Don't suppose the buzzer can be silenced??