Towbar install quality of cable routing

[BOOMEL]

Recently had a towbar installed by local person and looking at the underside, I dont feel the quality of the cabling / conduit work is that good (bare cables and connectors, cable ties not cut off). Given that I spent £850 on the install, I am pondering whether to make a complaint and have him tidy this up. What are your thoughts?

Also the towbar is very close to the back of the van, is there anyway that this can be extended so that my bicycle carrier with bikes handles do not touch the back of the motorhome?

Regards,

BOOMEL

 

[chesterfield hooligan]

I personally would try to put the wire's and connection into a plastic bag then seal it with a tie wrap. You can get spacers to move the tow hitch back.

 

[Landy Andy]

I don’t see anything horrendous and would make sure the joints/connections are well sealed, with something like dielectric grease. I wouldn’t seal them in a bag or plastic as they will just sweat, and not be able to dry as not exposed to the air.

As said above you can get tow bar ball extenders, or swan neck tow ball that will move hitch outward.

 

[BOOMEL]

I don’t see anything horrendous and would make sure the joints/connections are well sealed, with something like dielectric grease. I wouldn’t seal them in a bag or plastic as they will just sweat, and not be able to dry as not exposed to the air.

As said above you can get tow bar ball extenders, or swan neck tow ball that will move hitch outward.

Is there any disadvantages to towbar extender? The cables look like they could easily get caught and pull out.

BOOMEL

 

[Landy Andy]

The disadvantage to extending the TB is that you are moving the weight out which isn’t ideal for heavy towing, but won’t matter for carrying bike.

Id just tidy up the cables. Unfortunately that is the UK standard of work these days, and that’s why I do my own stuff. My TB electrical junctions are inside the van to keep them out the way and dry.

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[scotjimland]

Was his name J.Wayne ?

Electrical connections for a tow bar should be inside the van.. not underneath .. that's just lazy.
Where is the bypass relay fitted and there there should be a flasher buzzer.

 

[Landy Andy]

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[BOOMEL]

Was his name J.Wayne ?

Electrical connections for a tow bar should be inside the van.. not underneath .. that's just lazy.
Where is the bypass relay fitted and there there should be a flasher buzzer.

Whats a flasher warning buzzer?

 

[scotjimland]

Whats a flasher warning buzzer?

it buzzes when the trailer or lighting board indicators are working.. if not working it doesn't buzz

 

[Landy Andy]

By regs you need a flashing light on dash, or an audible buzzer for the trailer indicators so you know they are working.

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[BOOMEL]

By regs you need a flashing light on dash, or an audible buzzer for the trailer indicators so you know they are working.

Nope havent got one of those, should I? I only use a towbar for bicycle carrier. What does one look like?

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Have you tried it yet? My T5 van sensed the trailer board was fitted and gave an audible warning when the indicator was used.
A whisker box for the connections might work, waterproof, but drill a tiny hole in one bottom corner to allow breathing.
Mike.

 

[denisejoe]

Didn’t the normal flasher work and a sign appear on the dash did on my freelander

 

[I2C]

By regs you need a flashing light on dash, or an audible buzzer for the trailer indicators so you know they are working.

Don’t have an audible buzzer or flashing light on our dash, was never picked up by an MOT

 

[BOOMEL]

Have you tried it yet? My T5 van sensed the trailer board was fitted and gave an audible warning when the indicator was used.
A whisker box for the connections might work, waterproof, but drill a tiny hole in one bottom corner to allow breathing.
Mike.

I have tried it and the indicators work etc, however there is no audible alarm to indicate this? Should there be anything on my dash to indicate that I have the bicycle carrier fitted?

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[scotjimland]

Don’t have an audible buzzer or flashing light on our dash, was never picked up by an MOT

as it wasn't towing during the test, it wouldn't be in use, so not picked up, but don't think it's an MOT check

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

I have tried it and the indicators work etc, however there is no audible alarm to indicate this? Should there be anything on my dash to indicate that I have the bicycle carrier fitted?

It's trailer board if it's fitted and being used that should be flagged up by the host vehicle, so as you know when it's working.
Mike.

 

[Gaston aires]

I don’t see anything horrendous and would make sure the joints/connections are well sealed, with something like dielectric grease. I wouldn’t seal them in a bag or plastic as they will just sweat, and not be able to dry as not exposed to the air.

As said above you can get tow bar ball extenders, or swan neck tow ball that will move hitch outward.

Personally I don’t like “swan neck” tow balls. Especially if you’re going to use it for bike/scooter racks. Far too weak.
Phil

 

[Lenny HB]

Looking at the cable he has used it's a cheap trailer wiring kit he has used with undersized cables that don't meet the regs.
You can get spacers to space the towball off up to 2" but technically illegal on an approved towbar.

 

[Speve]

Ours is connected via the can bus system so no buzzer but if lights not working we get the usual quick indicator indicating a bulb is out.
never been questioned on service or MOT

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[gus-lopez]

. You can get spacers to move the tow hitch back.

Yes but post 2012 unless the towbar was homologated with them they are not legal

As said above you can get tow bar ball extenders, or swan neck tow ball that will move hitch outward.

& as above unless homologated with additions they are not legal

Is there any disadvantages to towbar extender?

If not homologated to the actual bar they are not legal

You can get spacers to space the towball off up to 2" but technically illegal on an approved towbar.

This ^^^^^^^^

 

[RustyRuss]

If you’re worried about the wiring being exposed to the elements get some self amalgamating tape from the likes of screwfix and wrap it round the wiring. Excellent stuff! I used it as a “get me home” fix on a radiator pipe on a morris minor (don’t ask!) and it “got me home” for 6 years! That was keeping the water IN but you get my drift. Cheers! Russ

 

[the1andonly]

I believe the 12N 12S towbar electrical system is outsde the MOT system but the 13pin is covered and testable. Pin 13 is not typicaly used and was specified in draft regulations as trailer awarness (is trailer attached).

 

[BOOMEL]

Ok the install has come back and said installing via the VLM5 module inside the van will not connect into the CAMBUS and invalidates warranty