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Subject Topic: Retractable Towbar Irritation
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PersonDave11
24/1/2017 at 10:43pm
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I have an electric retractable towball which at the time of ordering with the car, felt would save me messing about with the plastic trim bumper covers that I had before on my previous car which had a removable tow bar.
Although quick and efficient the problem that I have is that the ball keeps getting tarnished with a light coating of rust and dirt where it folds away under the bumper which means it needs thorough cleaning each use.
I asked BMW if they had a cover for the ball but they don't have anything available as a part. I don't want to fit a normal tow ball cover as the towbar retracts sideways and parks. The probability is dirt and water would lay in the normal push on cover and make things worse?
Grease would of course keep the ball shiny and clean, but then I would have to spend time cleaning it all off before use with brake cleaner otherwise it would contaminate the stabiliser pads?
Has anyone else come up with an idea on how to keep retractable tow balls clean ?


Personforty-two
24/1/2017 at 10:53pm
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Small sandwich bag and an elastic band sounds ideal for your needs


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Personmdb123
25/1/2017 at 7:21am
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Hi Dave11

I have the same issue with my X3 tow bar, i use brake cleaner to clean the ball before hitching everytime, the sandwich bag is an idea and will give it a try. On the Mercedes fold away version they have a snug fit protective cap, then again BMW just dont get towing thats why there is so much confusion about the wiring of all the pins.


Personblueexpo97
25/1/2017 at 12:42pm
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Quote: Originally posted by forty-two on 24/1/2017
Small sandwich bag and an elastic band sounds ideal for your needs



I would go for this option if you don't want to fit a tow ball cover.
Tow ball covers are quite tight, especially the Alko golf ball style, so I can't see grime getting in there.
Also keep a piece of fine emery handy.

-------------
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Personmarg6
25/1/2017 at 1:05pm
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whatabout a couple of gynie gloves? then you also have the advantage of being able to keep your hands clean at the same time


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PersonDave11
25/1/2017 at 2:14pm
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Some good ideas there to try thanks all, mdb123 you mention Mercedes do a tight fit cap for retract towbars. May give the local Mercedes dealer parts department a visit and see if I can buy one ?
As the towball is the same size it should fit?


Personcolinlob
25/1/2017 at 6:05pm
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An old tennis ball?


Personmdb123
25/1/2017 at 6:28pm
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Hi Dave11 my dad had a ML a couple if years ago which had one of these elasticated type caps on so i'm sure Merc will be able to help. I note the BMW ball retracts into a tight space in the bumper so the use of tennis balls etc probally wouldnt work.

My dad has swapped his ML for a GLC but he doesnt tow anymore so he didnt specify a towbar.

Hope your local Merc dealer can help.

Regards

Matt


Personcheckley1973
25/1/2017 at 10:44pm
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Without wanting to sound rude. Best thing is an extra safe condom. Tight and hard wearing ....


PersonRay Clayton
26/1/2017 at 6:28pm
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Trust Checkley to come out with that one



-------------
Cheers
Ray

Discovery 4 & Bailey Barcelona 4







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Personforty-two
26/1/2017 at 9:12pm
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Better than the featherlite variety, I doubt it would withstand more than one motion of retraction...


PersonRatherbeinapplecros
27/1/2017 at 1:26pm
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Gives new meaning to the ins and outs of retracting towballs lol


Personchrisn7
27/1/2017 at 1:39pm
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Quote: Originally posted by checkley1973 on 25/1/2017
Without wanting to sound rude. Best thing is an extra safe condom. Tight and hard wearing ....


Small, Medium or Large?


Personkpnuts81
27/1/2017 at 2:09pm
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Ribbed?


woodman2
27/1/2017 at 5:52pm
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Cling Film.


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27/1/2017 at 11:03pm
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Enclosing the towball in anything at all will almost certainly result in corrosion as it is very difficult to seal against water ingress in such as exposed location.

Mine is a removable so no issue, but for this type, I would spray with WD40, then wipe clean with meths or brake cleaner before use.



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