Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravans and Caravanning
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: mondeo tow bar Post Reply Post New Topic
13/1/2011 at 4:05pm
 Location: newcastle under lyme
 Outfit: swift challenger 480
View john12748's Profile View Profile   Reply to john12748 Reply   Quote john12748 Quote  
Joined: 16/4/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   23

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

i want to fit a tow bar to a mondeo zetec 2.0tdi.i am receiving conflicting information so help please if you are able.i am told i need a wiring loom kit and a software download in addition to the tow bar and electrics.one person has suggested a bypass relay for the lights?.any suggestions?and how do i stand re my insurance if i have the bypass relay fitted.HAPPY CARAVANNING


13/1/2011 at 4:29pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Surfer01's Profile View Profile   Reply to Surfer01 Reply   Quote Surfer01 Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2451

Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I had a towbar fitted to my 2010 Mondeo 2.0 diesel by a fitter but not aware that a software download was required. Cost fitted with single 13 pin socket was about £245.
Either way you need to notify your insurance of the towbar as some consider it a modifciation.


Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

13/1/2011 at 4:38pm
 Location: DURHAM
 Outfit: Mondeo TItanium 140 Avondale Mayfly 25
View Vectratot's Profile View Profile   Reply to Vectratot Reply   Quote Vectratot Quote  
Joined: 21/3/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2526

Site Reviews Total: 8
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

John12748, what year is you Mondeo? as I have a towbar for the 2001 model onwards till they changed the shape not sure of the change year. I`m also in Tyne & Wear


13/1/2011 at 5:37pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Opensauce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Opensauce Reply   Quote Opensauce Quote  
Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4530

Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

The bypass relay is a cheaper option than buying the dedicated loom which can cost over £100 & need configuring at main dealer. However with a late model car the dedicated loom is to be preferred.

If you car is still within warranty use a main dealer approved fitter otherwise any probs caused by towbar fitment will not be covered. All comprehensive insurance covers you for third party risks while towing. Towbar fitment is not classed as a modification, not by Saga, anyway.


13/1/2011 at 10:55pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: http: www.arcsystems.biz
View arc systems's Profile View Profile   Reply to arc systems Reply   Quote arc systems Quote  
Joined: 02/12/2003

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4373

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

My 55 model has not got a Ford wiring loom, nor as I found is it a good idea?
Basically Fords 12S 12v battery/fridge supply wire is not up to the job, you want a beefy 25Amp cable direct from the battery and relays in the boot.

Any software alterations as far as I know is limited to telling the ECU there is a van on the back if you have reversing sensors, that maybe you can put up with?, but far more important if you have stability control?


Advertisement



14/1/2011 at 9:14am
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Surfer01's Profile View Profile   Reply to Surfer01 Reply   Quote Surfer01 Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2451

Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 13/1/2011
The bypass relay is a cheaper option than buying the dedicated loom which can cost over £100 & need configuring at main dealer. However with a late model car the dedicated loom is to be preferred.

If you car is still within warranty use a main dealer approved fitter otherwise any probs caused by towbar fitment will not be covered. All comprehensive insurance covers you for third party risks while towing. Towbar fitment is not classed as a modification, not by Saga, anyway.


Ford main dealer quoted us in excess of £500 for a towbar1 Even the salesman thought it was way over the top. How do you tell whether you have a dedicated loom or a by pass fitted and why would a dedicated loom be better than the by pass?


14/1/2011 at 9:47am
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Opensauce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Opensauce Reply   Quote Opensauce Quote  
Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4530

Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

If you have the towbar fitted at Ford main dealer it will be Ford supplied swan neck & 13pin dedicated loom. It will be covered by warranty. Job done. Unfortunately they have fixed prices for jobs which are way over the top. If your car is new it might still be your best option.

If you car is within the 3yr warranty you need to have the towbar fitted by a main dealer or a fitter approved by them to avoid warranty issues concerned with towbar/electrics. There are arguments for & against bothering to fit dedicated looms. I would say if car is less than 3yrs old fit the proper loom. Older than that, your choice if you want to cut costs.


14/1/2011 at 10:03am
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Surfer01's Profile View Profile   Reply to Surfer01 Reply   Quote Surfer01 Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2451

Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 14/1/2011
If you have the towbar fitted at Ford main dealer it will be Ford supplied swan neck & 13pin dedicated loom. It will be covered by warranty. Job done. Unfortunately they have fixed prices for jobs which are way over the top. If your car is new it might still be your best option.

If you car is within the 3yr warranty you need to have the towbar fitted by a main dealer or a fitter approved by them to avoid warranty issues concerned with towbar/electrics. There are arguments for & against bothering to fit dedicated looms. I would say if car is less than 3yrs old fit the proper loom. Older than that, your choice if you want to cut costs.

The car is 3 months old and we did inquire whether there would be any issues if fitted with towbar by an outside professional company. No issue as long as they were a recognised company. This saved us just over £250!
We are having other issues with the car but not related to the towbar.


14/1/2011 at 8:39pm
 Location: newcastle under lyme
 Outfit: swift challenger 480
View john12748's Profile View Profile   Reply to john12748 Reply   Quote john12748 Quote  
Joined: 16/4/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   23

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Thanks for your replies.Alittle more info i have learnt,thewiring loom and software download helps the engine to output the correct bhp for towing and alerts the esp when a drift or snake starts.also the correct bhp stops turbo blow when towing long distances.i am by no means an expert on this topic it is only what i have been told whilst considering which towbar to fit.be warned.


15/1/2011 at 8:41am
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Opensauce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Opensauce Reply   Quote Opensauce Quote  
Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4530

Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

The 'extras' only come with the dedicated loom. Its fair to say tho, that we have been towing caravans for decades safely enough without all these electronic 'towing aids'.


Advertisement



15/1/2011 at 11:17am
 Location: Spennymoor Co. Durham
 Outfit: 2010Challenger 540 Mondeo 140 Zetec
View JimC's Profile View Profile   Reply to JimC Reply   Quote JimC Quote  
Joined: 08/10/2002

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   585

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I have owned a 55 reg Zetec Tdci 130 for almost 3 years and I went to an independant towbar fitter who used a Witter on my car with twin electrics. I've towed to France and had no problems with power, it's pulled like a dream every trip.

         Jim




In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














5355 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder