How to Hook Up a Tow Bar to a Newer Car
Tow bars are attached to a vehicle's chassis in order to tow a trailer or second vehicle. Hooking up a tow bar onto newer cars is a relatively straightforward procedure so save auto center labor costs and do it yourself. Make sure you have the correct tow bar for your car and all the necessary tools and fittings before undertaking this task.
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Instructions
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Refer to your owner's manual to determine the type of tow bar your car can accommodate, as well as what and how much weight it is capable of towing.
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Locate the mounting holes. Your tow bar will need to be attached to the mounting holes on your vehicle. Vehicles manufactured after September 1998 must have mounting points on the rear chassis. If these are not immediately visible, consult your owner's manual for their location.
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Hook up your tow bar. Attach the tow bar to your car at the mounting points. Use the fittings provided and ensure they are fastened securely with a wrench.
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Wire your tow bar. It is illegal to tow a trailer or second vehicle without connecting the electrical system so the rear lights on the vehicle or trailer being towed reflect those of the towing vehicle. In some cases (depending on the model of your car and tow bar), this may be as simple as wiring the female-end harness on the towing vehicle to the male-end harness on the vehicle being towed. Unfortunately, most newer cars require a vehicle-specific, plug-in electrical kit. Follow the instructions provided with your kit to guide you through the process.
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Tips & Warnings
Safety chains should always be used in conjunction with the primary connection point.
If you do not have the correct tow bar and fittings for your vehicle, you could be putting yourself and other people at risk.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit The breakage. image by FAFANJA from Fotolia.com
