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Subject Topic: Can I detach a fixed swan neck? Post Reply Post New Topic
Personhstraf
18/2/2014 at 10:49pm
 Location: France
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Hello,

I am trying to figure out if I should get a "fixed" swan neck or a "detachable" swan neck.

The difference in price is about 150 pounds, which is quite a lot for me because I will only be towing once per year. (So the towbar will not be regularly used, and the majority of time I do not want it to be attached.)

From what I can see in the installation instructions, there are two bolts that attach the "swan neck" part to the main part that is permanently fixed to the car. So when I want to remove the "swan neck" part, could I not simply remove those two bolts? (And then re-attach them once per year when I need to use the towbar?)

Here is a link to the install instructions for the towbar I am considering to buy:

http://www.jyautoparts.co.uk/instructions/brink/446900.pdf

The diagram on page three (sorry, it is upside down) shows the two bolts (labeled as "M12" type) that connect the swan neck hitch part to the main part. It looks like it is "detachable" with those two bolts?

Is there some reason I am not understanding why "detaching" the swan neck as I described would be a bad idea or not possible? I don't want to spend an extra 150 pounds for a true detachable towbar if it isn't necessary and I only need it once per year.

Thanks!



Post last edited on 18/02/2014 23:08:06

Post last edited on 18/02/2014 23:18:51


Personmichell8
18/2/2014 at 11:25pm
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Yes you could detatch the swan neck part but you would need to leave lighting socket bracket attatched with front bolt.


PersonGrampian91
19/2/2014 at 12:11am
 Location: Midlands
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Dont forget to replace the fixings each time you refit it.

You dont want it to come off.

Locking washers or nyloc nuts should not be reused.


PersonRob and Tina
19/2/2014 at 9:25am
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
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Why can't you leave it attached all year round? Most tow balls are unused most of the year.

Rob


Personhstraf
19/2/2014 at 10:58am
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Because we only need to use it once per year, and my wife doesn't enjoy hitting her shins every time she accesses the trunk of the car. :)


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PersonRob and Tina
19/2/2014 at 11:10am
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit:  Swift Major 4SB View Rob and Tina's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob and Tina Reply   Quote Rob and Tina Quote  
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We've just got a new car and had a fixed ball fitted as it was so much cheaper. I was worried about bashing my shins and getting greasy marks on my trousers but somehow I have managed to avoid the problem, even loading and unloading a months supermarket shopping was achieved without the bruises I remember getting in the past.

As long as you use new nuts and washers each time and can torque the bolts up tight enough I don't see why you can't remove the ball when not needed. Just remember where you left the ball for safe keeping.

Rob


PersonMiserly
19/2/2014 at 4:38pm
 Location: Stockport
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Quote: Originally posted by hstraf on 19/2/2014
Because we only need to use it once per year, and my wife doesn't enjoy hitting her shins every time she accesses the trunk of the car. :)

Been there!

-------------
Silence is golden
Duct tape is silver



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