towbar advice

[craig_374357807]

i have just fitted a towbar to my 06 mondeo it was easy to do but i am a bit concerned about leaving the bumper crash bar out is this meant to be left out.......

 

[RogerL]

Many modern cars have a steel or high strength alloy armature (beam) between the plastic bumper and the vehicle structure - this is designed to spread the load during a tail-end impact.

It's not uncommon for towbar instructions to specify discarding of the beam when a towbar is fitted - as the towbar will spread the rear impact load it often replaces the beam.

If your fitting instructions specified bumper beam removal then you've fitted it correctly.

 

[Guest]

You do not mention the make of the towbar. I had a look at the Witter website as they give pictures and fitting instructions of all their models. No mention of leaving anything off the car, so i suggest check with the manufacturer of your towbar.

 

[KeithandSuefromNorwich]

We had a Witter towbar fitted to our Octavia a few months ago, and the fitting depot left the steel beam in the boot for me to take home.

Keith and Sue from Norwich

 

[Lutz]

Fitting an additional structure like a towbar renders the energy absorption properties of the crash bar inoperative anyway, so the instruction to remove the crash bar is not illogical.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

What happens if the owner decides to sell the car and removes the towbar before selling? Where is the crash absorber, is it going to be put back in again for the next owner?

 

[Lutz]

Of course the crash bar should be replaced if the towbar is removed. Also, all holes for the towbar retention bolts must be sealed in order to prevent water ingress and corrosion.

 

[Catsparkey]

Hi

My witter tow bar was fitted and the crash bar removed from my Passat. Since then had a rear end shunt. Towbar took the crunch vehicle repaired and new towbar fitted insurance approved no problem. Still got the factory fit crash bar in shed.