Tow bar preparation

[borderbilly]

I have been looking at various vehicles, not a lot with TB fitted, but quite a lot that states in description " Tow bar preparation " just how much prep is done and what will the extra costs be 🤔

 

[otherclive]

I have been looking at various vehicles, not a lot with TB fitted, but quite a lot that states in description " Tow bar preparation " just how much prep is done and what will the extra costs be 🤔

A quite open ended question, but it probably covers the wiring needs and car software, to enable easier electric installation and integration. Mechanically I don’t think it would involve to much other than if the car might require additional cooling. Cost will depend on car. Are you looking at new or preowned and some idea of car make/model would help.

 

[birdman101]

Usually includes connections for road lighting but not wiring for pins 9&10 for ATC and Fridge.

 

[RogerL]

As OC posts, it'll vary considerably - some brands when sold in UK/EU will automatically include "towbar preparation" but the otherwise identical model sold in USA/Canada may not but may need an extra-cost option.

 

[Tobes]

I believe it can mean that the car is supplied with a weight plate that correctly identifies the gross train weight.
When my last car was 1st marketed in the UK, it had not yet been type approved for towing. The initial units shipped had no towable mass on the weight plate, and were thus not allowed to have a tow bar retrofitted for towing.

Later units were shipped after approval was granted, and could be ordered with a tow bar or came with preparation for tow bar.

 

[RogerL]

I believe it can mean that the car is supplied with a weight plate that correctly identifies the gross train weight.
When my last car was 1st marketed in the UK, it had not yet been type approved for towing. The initial units shipped had no towable mass on the weight plate, and were thus not allowed to have a tow bar retrofitted for towing.

Later units were shipped after approval was granted, and could be ordered with a tow bar or came with preparation for tow bar.

A car may have a difference between Maximum Allowable Weight and Gross Train Weight, ie allowed to tow but still need additional cooling or electrics fitting.

 

[birdman101]

I have never ever needed a tow car to need extra cooling in 50+ years of caravanning ,but several makes do need a towbar electrics coding.

 

[Hutch]

I have never ever needed a tow car to need extra cooling in 50+ years of caravanning ,but several makes do need a towbar electrics coding.

Some of the Mercedes, B class needed an oil cooler fitted to the auto transmission for cooling.

 

[otherclive]

I have never ever needed a tow car to need extra cooling in 50+ years of caravanning ,but several makes do need a towbar electrics coding.

Some BMWs required additional cooling for the auto transmissions. Very expensive if fitted after production.

 

[borderbilly]

So basically its plug and play + fitting of towbar.