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Topic: Detachable tow bars (

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Devonatheart

via mobile 03/3/2024 at 11:46am
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Have one or not, to remove or not, is totally up to the individual, so no real big deal. I simply cannot see the point, whatsoever, in towing a car behind a motorhome, but people do. 🤷

But I really cannot believe how anyone can steal a detachable tow ball, I have never heard of one being stolen. Also, what use would it be unless the thief had exactly the same tow bar set up. It is so much easier to steal a fixed one, with a socket and a spanner surely.

blueexpo97

03/3/2024 at 2:34pm
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But a lot more work.

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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.

saxo1

03/3/2024 at 3:13pm
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On other forums there are quite a few reports of detachable tow balls being stolen.
saxo1

Colin21

03/3/2024 at 5:46pm
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To steal a fixed tow-ball you would need to go equipped with large spanners and/or a socket and bar. Fixed tow-balls aren't that expensive to buy, so it would be a lot of hasstle to go through to steal one, and for little gain.

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Colin

Devonatheart

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I have fitted more tow bars and tow balls than care to admit to,13 years in the motor trade as a younger man. Removing a tow ball is extremely easy, but how would you steal a removable tow ball that is locked in place, using a very substantial “ anti theft” set up? Because I would certainly not have a clue, but task me with removing a fixed tow ball……..Probably less than two minutes.

Devonatheart

via mobile 03/3/2024 at 7:34pm
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Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 03/3/2024
But a lot more work.

Very, very little work, and very easy.

Colin21

03/3/2024 at 8:41pm
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Removing a fixed tow-ball is indeed very easy, if you have the appropriate tools. The question is, why would anyone want to? They are quite cheap to buy, and readily available, unlike the removable kind. With those you have to buy the whole tow-bar, as far as I know.

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Colin

ratcatcher

04/3/2024 at 2:14pm
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Ours came new with a retractable towball.
At the press of a release switch in the boot, the ball along with the electrics swings down and is gently pushed up inside the bumper and vice versa
whats not to like?

Colin21

04/3/2024 at 4:57pm
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Quote: Originally posted by ratcatcher on 04/3/2024
Ours came new with a retractable towball.
At the press of a release switch in the boot, the ball along with the electrics swings down and is gently pushed up inside the bumper and vice versa
whats not to like?

Absolutely nothing! It's just a question of whether it's worth paying out all the extra to have one like that fitted to a car that hasn't got a tow-bar already fitted. That is a decision only for the individual concerned. For me personally it most certainly isn't as I have much more important things to spend my very limited money on.

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Colin

ratcatcher

04/3/2024 at 6:03pm
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I would normally agree to all of that but this was the only factory fitted bar that they would fit. It is £200 more than a bog standard after market solid bar and for that I get dedicated wiring that turns off the rear sensors and uprated engine cooling fans
So all in all I am quite happy but I take your point

Flat at

05/3/2024 at 9:32am
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Quote: Originally posted by Colin21 on 03/3/2024
Removing a fixed tow-ball is indeed very easy, if you have the appropriate tools. The question is, why would anyone want to? They are quite cheap to buy, and readily available, unlike the removable kind. With those you have to buy the whole tow-bar, as far as I know.

They could want the caravan which is attached and secured with a hitch lock

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I like children but I can't eat a whole one

SHANTY SINGER

via mobile 05/3/2024 at 11:39am
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Many thanks for all replies on this thread. As I did say on original post I've never had a detachable towbar before as it came with my new secondhand car. It worries me about a towbar that's only attached by 4 ball bearings. Not sure about the strength of it. Ive towing for 25 years and always with a fixed tow bar. I'm getting on to 70 years old so all new stuff to me. I'm sure they are OK but worry about the safety. I've on intertwat and not one failure. Thanks all.

bessie500

05/3/2024 at 1:29pm
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Quote: Originally posted by ratcatcher on 04/3/2024
I would normally agree to all of that but this was the only factory fitted bar that they would fit. It is £200 more than a bog standard after market solid bar and for that I get dedicated wiring that turns off the rear sensors and uprated engine cooling fans
So all in all I am quite happy but I take your point

I've ordered the same towbar on a new volvo, i think its a £1200 optional extra

Bessie

Colin21

05/3/2024 at 4:35pm
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Quote: Originally posted by bessie500 on 05/3/2024

Quote: Originally posted by ratcatcher on 04/3/2024
I would normally agree to all of that but this was the only factory fitted bar that they would fit. It is £200 more than a bog standard after market solid bar and for that I get dedicated wiring that turns off the rear sensors and uprated engine cooling fans
So all in all I am quite happy but I take your point

I've ordered the same towbar on a new volvo, i think its a £1200 optional extra

Bessie

Wow! I've bought good cars for less.

My Volvo V70 was the last car I actually had a towbar fitted to, and I had a fixed one fitted for around £250 all in. It was 10 or 11 years ago though.

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Colin

clbewi

05/3/2024 at 5:40pm
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Just ordered a detachable for my new tow car, £780.00 all in. Had one on our last car, just prefer them.

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Claire and Colin

Devonatheart

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Quote: Originally posted by clbewi on 05/3

……………. just prefer them.

……and that is all that matters! 👍

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