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Hi Folks

My camping purchases have now exceeded the roofbox and so it's time for a trailer - therefore I need a towbar (removable type) fitting to my 2005 (old shape) Ford Galaxy. I am thinking of using Towequipe in Nuneaton supply and fit it along with vehicle specific wiring, but I need some advice please as I haven't towed for years:

• Does anyone have experience of Towequipe - are they reputable as my car is still under the Ford warranty and I want a good job doing.
• Towequipe have recommended a Westfalia locking but removable towbar. I have only used Witter in the past - are Westfalia a good brand?
• Please can you explian which electrics option I should go for? I have seen 7 wire, 13 wire, 12 pin etc and am very confused. At the moment I only want to tow a trailer, but may upgrade to a tin tent in a year or two.
• Anything else you can think of?

Thanks

BrummyGit

Hi Brummy

Ive not long bought a Sharan which came with a genuine vw fitted westfalia detachable bar.  I bought it from a friend who'd had two previous ones and swears by the westfalia bar.  ( I assume you know the Galaxy and the Sharan are the same vehicle?)

Ive only used it once to tow a display trailer, but once i sussed how you mount the ball its easy enough.

The only small problem is going to be mounting the bkt for my scott stabiliser.  It should be possibe to use a clamp on bkt, but once this is fitted I doubt the ball will fit in its location in the cubby hole in the boot, which means I'll have to find somewhere else for it, probably the caravan locker, whch means I'll have to remember to go and get it if i want to tow other trailers, which I do quite often.

This isn't a problem if you've a newer van with a hitch stabiliser, but if not I'd suggest you consider a std plate towbar so you can use the normal drop plate mounting for the stabiliser.

Hugh

Hi,

I had a towbar fitted to my wifes' Audi by Towequipe year before last. They came to my house and did a nice job, very neat and I have had no problems with it at all.

You have to have it checked every year to maintain the warranty but they did this FOC when I went to the NEC caravan show last October (They also gave me some tickets at a reduced price)

I would recommend them without hesitation.

Hope this helps

Regards

Steve

Thanks for the advice.

My Galaxy is going in on 20th for the Westfalia to be fitted. Then I just need to buy a trailer.

Yes no problem - I'll post details after it's fitted.

They quoted me £258 for the towbar & vehicle specific electrics inclusive of fitting and VAT.

Towequipe fitted my towbar on Wednesday as planned. I dropped my car off with them on my way to work and they called me around lunchtime to say it was all finished. I picked it up on my way home later that day.

I was dealt with in a friendly and efficient manner by the staff in the office/reception and was very pleased. The only minor thing is that there was nobody available to show me how the removable bar fitted as I turned up minutes before they were due to close at 17:30 and the fitter had already left - but they told me that if I had any difficulties I could pop back at any time, but to call to make sure a suitable person would be available. I certainly can't complain about that, and in fact the instruction book is very clear. Also supplied are a pair of gloves to keep your hands clean when mounting the swan neck to the car.

The fitting looks absolutely fine and without the swan neck installed it is impossible to tell my car has a towbar fitted. I have looked underneath the car and inspected the wiring (I had a vehicle specific kit fitted) and all looks OK to me. The wiring socket pivots down below the bumper when in use, but folds up out of sight when you don't need it - very clever.

The swan neck fits into a socket which is immediately behind the bumber and a fraction higher so it is not visible. To fit simply remove the plastic blank and insert the swan neck with a good push so the lock activates. To remove, simply pull and twist the release knob, lower it from the socket and then replace the blank.

In my Ford Galaxy they also fitted a secure storage bracket in a boot pocket so that the swan neck is securely restrained and can't fly around the passenger compartment in the event of an accident. This really impressed me.

So my verdict on Towequipe and Westfalia is a big thumbs up