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[Auto Addict]

I wonder where I stand if I tried to argue that the towing electrics are 'not fit for purpose'?

[Nick W]

Never towed a caravan with my E Class, but it had the factory folding tow hitch Cost the original owner a few quid... Well into four figures iirc

I saw one for the first time a few weeks ago, looking at it you wouldn't want to get the trailer nose weight to wrong!

And yes, it looked dam over complicated and expensive!

of course it is, it's German. There's no way they would use the American method of removable tow bars: a length of square tube attached to the car, and another that slides into it retained with a pin. They'll tow much heavier loads with that arrangement than we are allowed to.

[Andy B]

..... 
  looking at it you wouldn't want to get the trailer nose weight to wrong!

 .....

You could think that about a detachable bar too .... there doesn't seem to be much holding them in place   

[Andy B]

...... There's no way they would use the American method of removable tow bars: a length of square tube attached to the car, and another that slides into it retained with a pin. They'll tow much heavier loads with that arrangement than we are allowed to.

They look sh1t though 

[Nick W]

...... There's no way they would use the American method of removable tow bars: a length of square tube attached to the car, and another that slides into it retained with a pin. They'll tow much heavier loads with that arrangement than we are allowed to.

They look sh1t though 

not when the registration plate covers them

[Auto Addict]

Just had an informative conversation with Witter Towbars.

The tech guy said the car should have been re-programmed to know that it is towing a caravan.

When I start the car and put my foot on the brake, the eco systems will be cancelled, and the car will operate normally, controlling the fridge relay and charging of the leisure battery.

If it doesn't, then I'm to go back to them as the car will not have been re-programmed correctly.

Thank goodness I used one of their approved fitters.

[YZ250]

Just had an informative conversation with Witter Towbars.

The tech guy said the car should have been re-programmed to know that it is towing a caravan.
.....

Nice one, I knew it was possible. 

[Marks DTM Calib]

..... 
  looking at it you wouldn't want to get the trailer nose weight to wrong!

 .....

You could think that about a detachable bar too .... there doesn't seem to be much holding them in place   

Considerably more support on the bayonet type fitting then the electric item that pivots in the direction (well almost) of where the force is being transmitted through the tow ball. They only have a very minimal type solenoid lock pin from what I could see (god help you if that fails to engage!)

[Doctor Gollum]

..... 
  looking at it you wouldn't want to get the trailer nose weight to wrong!

 .....

You could think that about a detachable bar too .... there doesn't seem to be much holding them in place   

Considerably more support on the bayonet type fitting then the electric item that pivots in the direction (well almost) of where the force is being transmitted through the tow ball. They only have a very minimal type solenoid lock pin from what I could see (god help you if that fails to engage!)

There is a light to tell you, and there's a reassuring clunk as it latches... good for 2100kgs too

Is there any reason why an US spec towbar cannot be used here? Obviously if fitted to a car which is sold in both markets...

[Andy B]

...

Is there any reason why an US spec towbar cannot be used here? Obviously if fitted to a car which is sold in both markets...

Do they use 50 mm balls or are they 2"   

[aaronjb]

Is there any reason why an US spec towbar cannot be used here? Obviously if fitted to a car which is sold in both markets...

I doubt a US bar would be type-approved for use in the EU; so pre-2001 would be fine but not post-2001 (I think that was the date, anyway).

Always wondered what the towing capacity of an old 1950s half-ton would be, fitted with suitable V8..

[henryd]

Is there any reason why an US spec towbar cannot be used here? Obviously if fitted to a car which is sold in both markets...

I doubt a US bar would be type-approved for use in the EU; so pre-2001 would be fine but not post-2001 (I think that was the date, anyway).

Always wondered what the towing capacity of an old 1950s half-ton would be, fitted with suitable V8..

Whatever she'll haul partner

[TheBoy]

(I'll stop short of suggesting a TB-like cull )

Bloody namby pamby liberal type

[Sir Tigger KC]

Just had an informative conversation with Witter Towbars.

The tech guy said the car should have been re-programmed to know that it is towing a caravan.

When I start the car and put my foot on the brake, the eco systems will be cancelled, and the car will operate normally, controlling the fridge relay and charging of the leisure battery.

If it doesn't, then I'm to go back to them as the car will not have been re-programmed correctly.

Thank goodness I used one of their approved fitters.

So apart from turning up at the destination with warm beer, how will you know if the eco systems have been disabled when you hook up the caravan? 

[Auto Addict]

Just had an informative conversation with Witter Towbars.

The tech guy said the car should have been re-programmed to know that it is towing a caravan.

When I start the car and put my foot on the brake, the eco systems will be cancelled, and the car will operate normally, controlling the fridge relay and charging of the leisure battery.

If it doesn't, then I'm to go back to them as the car will not have been re-programmed correctly.

Thank goodness I used one of their approved fitters.

So apart from turning up at the destination with warm beer, how will you know if the eco systems have been disabled when you hook up the caravan?