Hi all,
I've been following a couple of threads on here regarding aftermarket towbars, I've taken the plunge and will be fitting my own. I thought I'd document it for others to see in case they want to do it themselves and save a few quid.
For anyone interested, mines a March 2015 2.2 SE Tech without the spare wheel. Please do your own checks to ensure compatibility.
I've gone for the Brink / Thule detachable towbar for £190 from eBay (but comes from this company http://www.hedley-towbars.co.uk). I bought the 13 pin electrics separate as they didn't stock the DS one. That was another eBay one from PF Jones (http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/p.fjones) in Manchester and was £63.99. Both included postage, so a total outlay of £254. I was quoted £484 to have this done at a local garage, so a nice saving that paid for my bike rack (£159, again from pfjones) and plenty of change.
This took me about 5 hours to complete, it's about half and half removing stuff and putting it back. In this time I was busy taking photos and had to nip out to borrow some different sized sockets that I didn't have.
Disclaimer: This is not a substitute for RTFM. Please follow the manufacturer provided instructions first, use this thread as guidance only!
One thing to note that may change your mind on the tow bar is that this Thule one takes away the screw for the towing eye, I believe the Witter does as well. I haven't found a detachable one that keeps the towing eye.
First things first, Unboxing - or in this case unbagging. The whole thing came in this semi shrink wrapped sheet. Inside was the bar itself and another bag of goodies in the 2nd picture.
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First things first, remove any rings... the last thing you want is to scratch the paint while removing / replacing anything. Unpack and check all bits are there, I was missing 2 of the smallest bolts but had some available.
You will need:
• A ratchet socket set (10mm, 15mm, 18mm, 22mm at least)
• Philips + flat screwdriver
• Pliers
• Jigsaw / multitool, masking tape, pencil, tape measure
• Possibly other stuff i have forgotten
Here we go…
Remove the lights. Remove the fuseboard cover on the left and the plastic vent on the right to expose a single white plastic 10mm bolt. Remove this.
The light will stay in place as there is also a clip adjacent to the white nut, use a screwdriver to release the lights. Disconnect the wires and store safely.
Remove the silver under trim, there are 2 10mm bolts underneath that will release it. Give it a wobble and a light pull and it will come away.
Removing the bumper:
Remove the Philips screws exposed behind the lights
By hand, pull the wheel arch trim away to reveal a 10mm bolt, remove it on each side.
Remove 2 screws from each wheel arch. There is little clearance so use pliers with a screwdriver bit.
Remove, two 10mm bolts from beside the exhaust
Remove 6 (I think) bolts from under the silver trim
Check in case I forgot any!!!
10 attachments max..... continuing in the next post...
I've been following a couple of threads on here regarding aftermarket towbars, I've taken the plunge and will be fitting my own. I thought I'd document it for others to see in case they want to do it themselves and save a few quid.
For anyone interested, mines a March 2015 2.2 SE Tech without the spare wheel. Please do your own checks to ensure compatibility.
I've gone for the Brink / Thule detachable towbar for £190 from eBay (but comes from this company http://www.hedley-towbars.co.uk). I bought the 13 pin electrics separate as they didn't stock the DS one. That was another eBay one from PF Jones (http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/p.fjones) in Manchester and was £63.99. Both included postage, so a total outlay of £254. I was quoted £484 to have this done at a local garage, so a nice saving that paid for my bike rack (£159, again from pfjones) and plenty of change.
This took me about 5 hours to complete, it's about half and half removing stuff and putting it back. In this time I was busy taking photos and had to nip out to borrow some different sized sockets that I didn't have.
Disclaimer: This is not a substitute for RTFM. Please follow the manufacturer provided instructions first, use this thread as guidance only!
One thing to note that may change your mind on the tow bar is that this Thule one takes away the screw for the towing eye, I believe the Witter does as well. I haven't found a detachable one that keeps the towing eye.
First things first, Unboxing - or in this case unbagging. The whole thing came in this semi shrink wrapped sheet. Inside was the bar itself and another bag of goodies in the 2nd picture.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First things first, remove any rings... the last thing you want is to scratch the paint while removing / replacing anything. Unpack and check all bits are there, I was missing 2 of the smallest bolts but had some available.
You will need:
• A ratchet socket set (10mm, 15mm, 18mm, 22mm at least)
• Philips + flat screwdriver
• Pliers
• Jigsaw / multitool, masking tape, pencil, tape measure
• Possibly other stuff i have forgotten
Here we go…
Remove the lights. Remove the fuseboard cover on the left and the plastic vent on the right to expose a single white plastic 10mm bolt. Remove this.
The light will stay in place as there is also a clip adjacent to the white nut, use a screwdriver to release the lights. Disconnect the wires and store safely.
Remove the silver under trim, there are 2 10mm bolts underneath that will release it. Give it a wobble and a light pull and it will come away.
Removing the bumper:
Remove the Philips screws exposed behind the lights
By hand, pull the wheel arch trim away to reveal a 10mm bolt, remove it on each side.
Remove 2 screws from each wheel arch. There is little clearance so use pliers with a screwdriver bit.
Remove, two 10mm bolts from beside the exhaust
Remove 6 (I think) bolts from under the silver trim
Check in case I forgot any!!!
10 attachments max..... continuing in the next post...