New Ford Galaxy

[Mikey66]

Is anyone aware of a tow bar supplier for the new Galaxy? I thinking of ordering one as my next car but don't want to pay Ford prices!

 

[rob_jax]

Hi,

It's not the tow bar that's expensive, it's the dedicated wiring harness - and don't even think of going cheap with the wiring - it interacts with many of the car's systems.

You should have a wide choice from the major European makers like Bosal, Brink, Westfalia, etc., and home produced bars from Witter and Towsure.

The type approval process means that the after market bars will be dimensionally equivalent to the Ford tow bar (which will probably be from Bosal, Brink or Westfalia anyway), but there will be a difference in quality - primarily in surface coating, rust prevention, etc., between the cheapest and most expensive bars.

Robert

 

[Mikey66]

Robert,

Thank you - to be honest, it's the wiring that scares me most - i was hoping to DIY but i might not bother now - don't want to save a few quid to end up sat on a hard shoulder somewhere in the UK!

 

[rob_jax]

If your car is anything like mine, then there are multiple systems that monitor the rear of the car:

Bulb failure - usually measures resistance or current to detect a failure - DIY wiring can have this system tripping all the time.

Rear fog light - the dedicated harness and car computer should automatically turn the car fog light off whilst you have the caravan attached.

Rear parking sensors - again this is automatically disabled when the caravan is attached (Note below)

Trailer stability program TSP- if your car has this option - whereby the normal car ESP system is automatically modified to provide additional stability / corrective action when towing. Again the wiring harness / computer switch this automatically.

NOTE: Rear parking sensors - if your car has these fitted, then you should plan to fit a detachable or (possibly) a swan neck tow bar. A fixed "flange plate" bar can all to easily interact with the distance sensors.

Robert

 

[onlyme]

Hi Chilli

I have just taken delivery of new Galaxy 140ps diesel. There is a towbar avaiable now made by Westflia but is a swan neck type. Witter are about to release their swan neck version followed by the flanged type late November. I intend waiting for the flanged towbar as I use a straightliner stabliser. Great car big step forward from the previous Galaxy.

 

[BJ]

I have a Brink swan neck detachable on my Galaxy. This was fitted by a local specialist fitter.

With recent ALKO caravan towbars you need a swan neck to give space between the bumper and the towball.

I find the detachable good, as I can remove it in winter (to avoid rust and to stop me hitting my shins).

 

[onlyme]

BJ

Can you tell me the name of your specialist fitter. Do you know how they did the electrics was it a dedicated wiring harness or did the cut into the Ford loom.

John.

 

[Jeff-Pontypridd]

Just picked ours up. This is our fourth Galaxy. It seems bigger and the folding seats are great.

Towbar was factory fitted. Nice not to set off the proximity sensors all the time. It's swan neck, so have lost the ability to add my cycle carrier. Such is life.

125ps 1.8tdi engine seems lively, except in 1st gear. Haven't towed with it yet. Amazing how they can get more output from a smaller engine.

First impression - well pleased.

 

[MartinD]

Just picked ours up. This is our fourth Galaxy. It seems bigger and the folding seats are great.

Towbar was factory fitted. Nice not to set off the proximity sensors all the time. It's swan neck, so have lost the ability to add my cycle carrier. Such is life.

125ps 1.8tdi engine seems lively, except in 1st gear. Haven't towed with it yet. Amazing how they can get more output from a smaller engine.

First impression - well pleased.

Hi, Friends

As you can see from the very knowledgeable replies above (particularly from rob_jax) the wiring of modern cars is extremely complex, and I strongly recommend the use of a professional fitter. Neil Potts, the proprietor of Horsforth Towbars in Leeds is the expert I recommend. It may be drive for you, but the alternativesto a sound towbar dont bear thinking about.

 

[BJ]

BJ

Can you tell me the name of your specialist fitter. Do you know how they did the electrics was it a dedicated wiring harness or did the cut into the Ford loom.

John.

Hi John

Mine was fitted by Copthorne Services in Shrewsbury.

Very happy with the fit.

I believe they adapted the wiring to fit TWIN electrics.