Newbie - Citroen C5 aircross hybrid Tow bar

[MarkieMark]

Hi All
We are newbies and need to get a tow bar for our 2024 C5 hybrid (plug in). Seem be lots of choice for non hybrid. Any recommendations to get one supplied and fitted for hybrid model? We are in Oxfordshire.
Caravan is Elddis Avante 2018 2berth.
Many thanks

 

[otherclive]

I’ve used Witter via their authorised fitting service. Also had a Brink too. Make sure you have a car specific harness rather than generic, and ask if fitter can do any recoding too. Also tell fitter you will be towing caravan and require supply to a caravan fridge.

Stating the obvious but make sure your car towing specification is specified to tow your caravan weight. Not all modern hybrids have a good towing spec. Mines only 800 kg for a 2,5 litre hybrid not PHEV though.

 

[Beachball]

Might be best to give Towbar express a try they will suggest what you can have
https://www.towbarexpress.co.uk

 

[Woodentop]

Now this may sound stupid, but have you checked that the vehicle is homologated to tow? Find the vehicle label - usually on a B-pillar (the central pillar on either side) - and make sure it has four lines of text - the top two will be plain numbers, the lower two will be preceded by 1 and 2. 1 and 2 are the axle maximum loads front and rear respectively, and the other two are the Gross Vehicle Weight and the Gross Train Weight. Subtract the smaller number from the bigger number and you have the maximum trailer weight. If there is only one number then the vehicle is not homologated to tow and it is an offence to do so.
Also check what the manufacturer specifies as the maximum towable weight if it is homologated - battery vehicles are significantly heavier, often 50% or more, and exceeding that weight could damage the chassis.
Finally also check the maximum weight the vehicle can take on the ball and make sure that you can balance the (loaded) caravan so that you are a bit under that limit.

Good luck.

 

[otherclive]

Now this may sound stupid, but have you checked that the vehicle is homologated to tow? Find the vehicle label - usually on a B-pillar (the central pillar on either side) - and make sure it has four lines of text - the top two will be plain numbers, the lower two will be preceded by 1 and 2. 1 and 2 are the axle maximum loads front and rear respectively, and the other two are the Gross Vehicle Weight and the Gross Train Weight. Subtract the smaller number from the bigger number and you have the maximum trailer weight. If there is only one number then the vehicle is not homologated to tow and it is an offence to do so.
Also check what the manufacturer specifies as the maximum towable weight if it is homologated - battery vehicles are significantly heavier, often 50% or more, and exceeding that weight could damage the chassis.
Finally also check the maximum weight the vehicle can take on the ball and make sure that you can balance the (loaded) caravan so that you are a bit under that limit.

Good luck.

Never had a car with weight details on the B pillar that’s normally tyre pressures for normal and loaded conditions. The weight plates have always been in the engine compartment.

 

[RogerL]

Never had a car with weight details on the B pillar that’s normally tyre pressures for normal and loaded conditions. The weight plates have always been in the engine compartment.

My VW's VIN plate, with type approval and weights is on the driver's B-pillar along with the tyre pressure sticker and a couple of other warnings.

 

[otherclive]

My VW's VIN plate, with type approval and weights is on the driver's B-pillar along with the tyre pressure sticker and a couple of other warnings.

Even my Skoda's plate was in the bonnet. So I guess I've just not been lucky enough to find one on the B pillar. But it saves my back though

 

[birdman101]

Specs show caravan 1461 kg mtplm and car 1300 kg limit

 

[RogerL]

Specs show caravan 1461 kg mtplm and car 1300 kg limit

Oh dear!

 

[Hutch]

Never had a car with weight details on the B pillar that’s normally tyre pressures for normal and loaded conditions. The weight plates have always been in the engine compartment.

2014 SantaFe, weights on left B pillar, tyre sizes and pressures on the right B pillar. Seems nothing is standard.

 

[otherclive]

Oh dear!

Time for a substantial rethink. Good the OP has had it brought to his notice early otherwise could have been a difficult situation.

 

[borderbilly]

I wouldnt bother too much about a supply to the fridge.

 

[Beachball]

Look at another caravan that suits your car .

 

[ProfJohnL]

Specs show caravan 1461 kg mtplm and car 1300 kg limit

Where did you get the caravan specs from? I have found information which gives the 2018 Avanti 462 with an MTPLM of 1249Kg , and that sits within the 1300kg towed weight limit.

 

[Hutch]

Looks like lots of different information.

 

[borderbilly]

Looks like lots of different information.
View attachment 8556

AI generated, never trust a robot.

 

[trevormonty]

On paper C5 looks like good match for towing <1300kg caravan. Car empty weight is 1700kg. Petrol engine has plenty of power and lowdown torque before adding electric assist.

Just have to be careful with towbar down mass limit of 65kg, but shouldn't be problem.

Couldn't find anything about 230VAC outlet which would allow you to power caravan from car. Option on some PHEV eg Outlander.

 

[Beachball]

Where did you get the caravan specs from? I have found information which gives the 2018 Avanti 462 with an MTPLM of 1249Kg , and that sits within the 1300kg towed weight limit.

if it this it a great match .🙏

 

[Mr Plodd]

Never had a car with weight details on the B pillar that’s normally tyre pressures for normal and loaded conditions. The weight plates have always been in the engine compartment.

I have had many cars of many years, the VIN plate has been on the B pillar of tge vast majority if not all, and certainly there for tghe last vehicles over about 16 years.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Different manufacturers may place the data plate in different places, do we need to be discussing each model in detail?