tow bars

[scot_374309176]

can anyone help when does a tow bar need replacing i no that the tow bar is open to water and grit and salt in winter time does it have any affect on the bolts that are hollding the bar to the car any advice

 

[Lutz]

If the towbar and its fastening elements (bolts) are properly protected (usually by zinc plating or paint), they should last the lifetime of the vehicle. However, substandard components which are obviously badly corroded, (not just surface rust of the towball caused by wear by the caravan coupling), might require a rethink.

 

[TonyAsh]

When I purchased my VW Transporter Campervan in 2001 I had a towbar fitted by the conversion company. I was disappointed to find the the towbar was fitted to the vehicle in it's primer stage of paint and rusted very quickly.

I have repeatedly painted the visible areas with Hammerite but find the the towbar is very badly pitted with rust - although I know this is only surface rust and is not detremental to the safety of the towing.

At the end of the season I intend to take it off, have it shotblasted and possibly powder coated, i will replace all the nuts and bolts which are also very badly rusted.

it's a pity because the state of the towbar really spoils the look of the vehicle.

 

[Lutz]

Actually, it's the primer that provides the corrosion protection, not the final coat of paint that goes on top. The top coat only gives the component its colour.

Therefore, a properly primered part shouldn't rust, either.

 

[mastermac]

lutz

must correct primer is the prep coat for the top coat.

the top coat is the protection coat from weather and elements etc.

dave

 

[Lutz]

Not quite, the primer provides the corrosion protection, but it is relatively soft and therefore vulnerable to mechanical wear and chipping damage. The top coat is cosmetic and harder. It acts as a shield to prevent the corrosion protection underneath from being damaged.

Therefore, a part which is never subjected to knocks or wear is sufficiently protected against corrosion by a primer.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Just following Lutz's point, look at the steel work that goes into any building, it is only coated with the red soft protection. It is only topcoat painted for appearances where it is visible.

 

[mastermac]

john l

the paint you are talkin about is red oxide this is a primer which is designed not to need a topcoat. am sitting here looking 2 window r s j,s painted with the same and no rust showing it,s so called as it stops the oxiditation of metal when in contact with moisture previously called red lead

lutz

when talking about motor vehicle primer i obviously thought you were refering to car paint. you prime a fresh piece of metal with normal car primer put it outside 2 days eh presto rust.

 

[scot_374309176]

If the towbar and its fastening elements (bolts) are properly protected (usually by zinc plating or paint), they should last the lifetime of the vehicle. However, substandard components which are obviously badly corroded, (not just surface rust of the towball caused by wear by the caravan coupling), might require a rethink.

thanks for that lutz i wasnt very sure the braket that is fitted to the car is a little rusty maybe give it a coat of some metal paint dont want the caravan falling off