Insignia sports tourer Sri towbar

Feb 3, 2008
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We had this Westfalia detachable fitted to our Vauxhall Astra with 13 pin electrics (also from Westfalia). It only takes a few seconds to fit or remove the detachable part, but a thick kneeling mat is useful as you need to get down low to insert or remove the key (not shown in photo). :huh: The plate that the 13 pin connector is fitted to swings down sideways through 90 degrees when required. Some of the plastic rear skirt on the car needed to be cut away to accommodate the bar. The bar was supplied and fitted by a local chain of towbar specialists.

The whole installation was about £500 and the OH can no longer complain about hitting her ankles on in when loading the shopping in the boot. :angry:

The tow bar looks the same as the factory fitted removeable tow bar shown in the car's user handbook.

Edit - we have the vertical detachable.
 
Oct 8, 2006
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Most important with any Insignia estate is to ensure it has the proper Can-Bus connection and the ECO has been told a towbar is fitted.

If you don't, when you stop hitched up with sidelights on and you open the tailgate the caravan sidelights will go off because of the switchover to the second set of sidelights on the rear pillars normally covered by the tailgate.
 
Oct 17, 2010
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WoodlandsCamper said:
We had this Westfalia detachable fitted to our Vauxhall Astra with 13 pin electrics (also from Westfalia). It only takes a few seconds to fit or remove the detachable part, but a thick kneeling mat is useful as you need to get down low to insert or remove the key (not shown in photo). :huh: The plate that the 13 pin connector is fitted to swings down sideways through 90 degrees when required. Some of the plastic rear skirt on the car needed to be cut away to accommodate the bar. The bar was supplied and fitted by a local chain of towbar specialists.

The whole installation was about £500 and the OH can no longer complain about hitting her ankles on in when loading the shopping in the boot. :angry:

The tow bar looks the same as the factory fitted removeable tow bar shown in the car's user handbook.

Edit - we have the vertical detachable.
Same here.. You can buy either dedicated electrics for your Tourer or electrics with a bypass relay. The dedicated set is over twice the cost of the bypass type.
The dedicated electrics are easier to fit they just plug into the fuse box on the left hand side of your boot.
Fitted mine myself. all the mounting points are pre-drill, not that difficult.
Make sure your thick Kneeling pad has a waterproof side.
 
Oct 17, 2010
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http://www.pfjones.co.uk/ Got it this time. These sell westfalia tow bars (and others) at discount prices, just enter your Insignia tourer.
All the instruction you need are supplied, I have a Hatchback. I had to remove the bumper, then the crash/impact bar, this is replaced by the main body of the tow bar (keep safe). you need to cut the bumper a bit but you cannot see it when refitted. No drilling needed anywhere. It may be slightly different for the Tourer, by how much I don't Know.
I bought one with a bypass relay, if you use make sure you get the wiring correct. If you can stretch to the dedicated wiring kit, it just plugs in. Found it not too difficult just take your time and read each sentence twice.
Did it in an afternoon.
P.S. All the fitting instructions can be read on this web site. Westfalia with dedicated electrics 13 pin £363 free post
 
Mar 14, 2005
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Just a quick note here.

Some 'sports' versions of standard car, are not approved for towing, so do check the specification of your car.

Sports versions often have lowered suspension, so if they are approved to tow, the tow bar may be a special version to accommodate the lowered suspension. You must make sure you get the correct version for your car. It is illegal to use the wrong version, and it will invalidate your insurance.
 

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