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Next question is the towbar.

I have a company car Astra 1.7TDi , and was going to get the towbar fitted by the dealer (as a reputable installer - if dealers can be called that), but I am not sure if I am being ripped off.

The Vauxhall website quotes the following (which includes fitting)

Fixed tow bar with 12N electrics - estate   £225
A fixed tow bar designed and engineered specifically for this model so that you can tow in absolute confidence and safety. Includes connections for trailer lights.

Fixed tow bar with 12N/12S electrics - estate   £305
A fixed tow bar designed and engineered specifically for this model so that you can tow in absolute confidence and safety. Includes connections for trailer lights and internal power.

Not quite sure what the difference in 12N and 12 S are, did a search a while ago, but I thought it was related to the wiring, and looked at the Caravanning Club guide, which says most new vans come with both, so would be worth getting a towbar with both.

Is it worth going to somewhere like towsure for a quote?

I want a good system,. but don't want ripping off.

Don't know much about the prices , but i'd go for both sockets , the 12n runs the lights and the 12s runs the fridge , charging ( for caravan battery ) and the reversing lights , have a look here to see what the socket wires supply http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/towbar_electrics.shtml

atb

Wizard

Have a look here for towbars

http://www.tow-trust.co.uk/towbars/prices.asp?LCV=false&HeaderTxt=Passenger%20Vehicle%20Towbars%20Vauxhall/Bedford&ManID=38

atb

Wizard

You can get a Tow Trust towbar (see wizards post above) for £99 on eBay - see

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vauxhall-Astra-Towbar-Kit-FREE-P-P-TowTrust-Tow-Bar_W0QQitemZ4572590487QQcategoryZ10404QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I got my bar for a Peugeot 806 from them. Came next day and was easy enough to fit. Their helpline is very good too!