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Subject Topic: Wobbly Tow Bar
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PersonFlib1
03/8/2017 at 11:32pm
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Hello everyone, sorry this is my first post instead of an introduction but I'm in a bit of a quandary with my towbar and we're going away in a week and we'll need to tow something, so I'd like to get a second opinion on something from people who may know better.
I've recently ordered and fitted a new tow bar. Unfortunately on fitting, we found that the tow ball flange isn't welded quite straight onto the neck of the towbar. The neck then bolts onto the main part of the towbar.
When the tow ball is on the head of it sits off the the nearside of the vehicle by two or three centimetres from centre.
I've asked the shop I bought it from, if they could just swap the part that's not straight but so far they've tried to say it's fine and it's 'just cosmetic' or I can send the whole thing back for a refund (although most if it is fitted). In fact they're being actively difficult about it to be honest.
The bar seems to be a copy of a Witter so thought about getting a replacement for this part but it's £95 just for this little bit.
So, I just wanted to ask, is it worth risking towing with a component that's off centre and could the integrity of it be in question (and would it be an issue for the MOT now)?
And if it's not a great idea to fit it, where might be a good idea to source a replacement bit from or could anyone recommend a decent tow bar retailer?
Thanks for any input you can give.


PersonGrampian91
03/8/2017 at 11:42pm
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Sounds like a piece of junk, return it and get a branded one.


PersonFlib1
04/8/2017 at 12:01am
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Knowing what I do now, I certainly would have done (although this one is supposed to be a fairly 'reputable' brand from a big supplier).
Also it seems a shame to have to remove the already fitted bar and the underseal I put on but I suppose it might be for the best if this is a bit ropey.
I'm a bit worried though, that even if I do send it back, the supplier will be take ages, or be difficult, about refunding me, given their behaviour up to yet.
Would Witter be a decent brand to look at instead?


PersonGrampian91
04/8/2017 at 9:09am
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What brand is it?

Witter, Westfalia, Anker, Towtrust, Brink and a few others. Never had an issue with any of them.

Always fitted properly with no messing.


PersonFlib1
04/8/2017 at 9:16am
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It's from Pfjones and it's their own brand bar.
I thought with them being quite a big company it might go more smoothly.
Never have I been so wrong.
I'll look at a Witter bar then from another company.
I'm guessing the crush spacers in the chassis might prove difficult to get back out?


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Persontango55
04/8/2017 at 10:49am
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You haven't said what make and model of vehicle the towbar was fitted to and there's nothing in your profile to identify this either. However, after looking at their website there are alternative brands but without knowing the above info it is difficult to offer advice. Here is the link below to assist the answers received from all the above posts too.


P F Jones Towbars


PersonFlib1
04/8/2017 at 10:55am
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Sorry, I didn't realise you could put your vehicle in the profile.
It's for a Ford Mondeo mk3 estate. I think I'm going to go for the Witter F104a but just deciding on which company to get it from.
I will never use Pfjones again even if their products were half the price of the competitors.
They're utterly useless, it's rare a company is that bad at resolving problems. Or even replying to simple questions.


PersonFlib1
04/8/2017 at 10:57am
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I've had a look at editing the profile, but there's only the option to change password or email address on the mobile friendly page.


Personcheckley1973
04/8/2017 at 10:59am
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Play them at their own game. Order another one, swap the part you need and then return the 2nd towbar with the wonky weld to them for a full refund. You have 28 days to return anything bought online


Personblueexpo97
04/8/2017 at 11:08am
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Quote: Originally posted by Flib1 on 04/8/2017
I've had a look at editing the profile, but there's only the option to change password or email address on the mobile friendly page.



You need to use a 'real' computer to edit your profile.



-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


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PersonFlib1
04/8/2017 at 11:08am
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Actually that's a fantastic idea Checkley I didn't think of that.
I should have done that straight away. They'll probably be suspicious of it now though and be even more difficult (if that's even possible), or knowing my luck the replacement one will be bent in the other direction 🤔 Particularly as their first message contained the sentence, "When the flange heads go on they are usually welded which gives a slight variation anyway" which is perhaps code for 'they're all a bit wonky' 😁
It's certainly something to think about.


PersonFlib1
04/8/2017 at 11:10am
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Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 04/8/2017
Quote: Originally posted by Flib1 on 04/8/2017
I've had a look at editing the profile, but there's only the option to change password or email address on the mobile friendly page.



You need to use a 'real' computer to edit your profile.




I do remember still having one of those. I think it's coal fired though 😝


PersonDarrenElbrow
04/8/2017 at 1:56pm
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Just get a friend to order another tow bar and then send it back with your faulty part


PersonFlib1
04/8/2017 at 2:07pm
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That is a good idea. One slight drawback is that it requires a friend 😁


Personbirdman101
04/8/2017 at 4:59pm
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Quote: Originally posted by Flib1 on 04/8/2017
That is a good idea. One slight drawback is that it requires a friend 😁


What happens when the second one arrives wonky.Cut your losses and order a decent make such as Witter.I have always fitted my own tow bars for 45 years now and never had a problem with a Witter bar.


PersonGrampian91
04/8/2017 at 10:40pm
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Now you mentioned the car is the towbar fitted into the chassis keyslots properly?

Spacer tubes sitting square?



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