Best Towbar for UK Hatchback

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Philip Jones - 28 Oct 2005 21:07 GMT

I am looking to purchase a detachable towbar (with relevant
accessories) for a UK 2002 Ford Focus 5-Door Hatchback. I am keen that
no cut is required in the rear bumper, so I understand that a
detachable one is preferred. Any recommendations on a suitable towbar
(that will be used only for a trailer) with any fittings that may be
required?

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Neil McDonald - 28 Oct 2005 21:52 GMT

>I am looking to purchase a detachable towbar (with relevant
> accessories) for a UK 2002 Ford Focus 5-Door Hatchback. I am keen that
> no cut is required in the rear bumper, so I understand that a
> detachable one is preferred. Any recommendations on a suitable towbar
> (that will be used only for a trailer) with any fittings that may be
> required?

I have a Witter (non-detachable) towbar on my 2004 Focus - it does not need
any cuts in the bumper. It is fitted by removing the bumper, sliding the
towbar into the now-exposed ends of the chassis rails, bolting it up, and
then refitting the bumper. The bar curves up from under the bumper to the
plate for the towball. Should cost about £200 fitted.

Signature

Neil McDonald

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Andy Lee - 30 Oct 2005 00:39 GMT

>>I am looking to purchase a detachable towbar (with relevant
>> accessories) for a UK 2002 Ford Focus 5-Door Hatchback. I am keen that
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>then refitting the bumper. The bar curves up from under the bumper to the
>plate for the towball. Should cost about £200 fitted.

I will second Neil's comments on the Witter bar and add that this make
does have the best reputation around for towbars. The only detachable
one I looked at was Fords own which was very expensive at around £500
a couple of years ago.

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nixey - 31 Oct 2005 17:56 GMT

I had a TOW sure towbar on my Focus and there was no cut required to
the bumper.

It was a good sturdy bar but soon went rusty. It was the flange type
not the swan neck. With a flange towbar any anti sway stabiliser will
fit, with the detachable ones or swan neck you will be limited to what
stabiliser you can fit.

The only downside of the flange type that I can see is that they
interfere with the reversing sensors, and if you have these fitted then
I would recommend the more expensive detachable type.

I opted for this because it was fairly local to me so I picked it up
from the shop, and I was fairly skint at the time!

Although prices and styles vary I think they all have to be approved
and tested to exceed the manufacturers towing limits.

Nixey

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