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[TheBoy]

Having been towed in both TD and V6 Omegas, the TD felt heavier. Probably due to the weight of lump.

Obviously, as we're used to power steering now, its not a pleasant experience at low speeds, but as DTM says, doable

[Nick W]

I had one of those I think they should be banned.steering is very difficult and I wonder what damage it does to the towed car.

Rigid poles are safer than ropes, and easier for both the tower and towee. This is why it is the only legal means of towing a car on the motorway. That said, many of the poles sold for this use are so flimsy that they are unfit for purpose.


As for damage to either car, the biggest cause is the manufacturer's use of screw-in 'tow eyes' that are not actually meant for that job.

[TheBoy]

Rigid poles are safer than ropes, and easier for both the tower and towee.

Absolutely agree

As for damage to either car, the biggest cause is the manufacturer's use of screw-in 'tow eyes' that are not actually meant for that job.

Can you elaborate please?

[Andy H]

I had one of those I think they should be banned.steering is very difficult and I wonder what damage it does to the towed car.

Rigid poles are safer than ropes, and easier for both the tower and towee. This is why it is the only legal means of towing a car on the motorway. That said, many of the poles sold for this use are so flimsy that they are unfit for purpose.


As for damage to either car, the biggest cause is the manufacturer's use of screw-in 'tow eyes' that are not actually meant for that job.

The damage occurs when the towing vehicle gets out of line. First the pole contacts bodywork and bends the eye, then the towing vehicle brakes and the towed vehicle goes for an overtake and wraps the pole round both bumpers.
It doesn't help that the bar goes from a towbar in the centre of the towing vehicle to an (off centre) eye in the chassis leg of the towed vehicle.

[Nick W]

Rigid poles are safer than ropes, and easier for both the tower and towee.

Absolutely agree

As for damage to either car, the biggest cause is the manufacturer's use of screw-in 'tow eyes' that are not actually meant for that job.

Can you elaborate please?

Go and look at the 'towing eye' in the boot of your Zafira, paying particular attention to the length and quality of the threads.. Then examine what it screws into, paying particular attention to the length and quality of the threads. And the fact that it's offset in the car.


Then come back and I'll answer any further questions you might have.

[TheBoy]

Go and look at the 'towing eye' in the boot of your Zafira, paying particular attention to the length and quality of the threads.. Then examine what it screws into, paying particular attention to the length and quality of the threads. And the fact that it's offset in the car.

Not sure I know where it is, or if its still there

I'd made an assumption that it would be similar to Omega, which has proved adequate in my experience - although mechanical sympathy has always ensured that sudden shocks are reduced as much as possible.

[Shackeng]

just wondering if the new pump fixed this in the end.  if so is the oof conclusion that a pump failure will always/sometimes result in total immobilisation of the car? 

useful to know - i had always assumed before it would just be like switching the engine off while moving - still steering and braking but both much stiffer. might be worth carrying a spare pump.

Sorry for the delay MM, yes the new pump restored full power steering. So to recap, steering was fine when parked up. 1 hour later, steering solid, though at F1 revs, the slightest assistance was felt. New OE pump, £120 from Steering Components fitted, now all good.