14 replies to this topic

[jaysmini1983]

Hi, 

i have just purchased a half mini trailer which came with the usual box section towbar that bolts to the subframe, problem is my mini has no rear seem or bumper and flush boot so number plate is where tow ball will sit. 

has anyone seen or made a removable tow ball which can keep the main tube attached to the car, then towball added whem required. 

pictures to help see what i mean

 

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[jaysmini1983]

anyone?

[nicklouse]

The problem you have is you need to fit an approved tow bar to the car. And there are very few available.

Something will have to change.

[minifreek1]

I believe its illegal to alter/modify a towbar.

I would like to know the answer to this myself too.

[minifreek1]

Double post

Edited by minifreek1, 19 September 2019 - 05:21 PM.

[nicklouse]

Correct. And home made ones are no longer legal to be fitted. Existing ones are ok.

[jaysmini1983]

Thanks for the replys.

The one above is now in 2 bits so a bit late for that, not sure what to do now. 

im sure there are hundreds/thousands of classic car with homemade towbars. 

[Ethel]

Then I suppose they predate the regulation, or they're illegal.

It does seem odd if you can repair or even make your own car and trailer.

[DeadSquare]

Correct. And home made ones are no longer legal to be fitted. Existing ones are ok.

 

Vunderbar !!

 

I have an existing home made towbar that bolts up through two convenient holes in the bottom of  the rear subframe and clamps round the bumper, so it wouldn't work for jaysmini1983.

 

It predates the regulations, so it's legal ?

 

I take it off, because it is removeable, and it is then no longer legal to be fitted.

Edited by DeadSquare, 20 September 2019 - 08:02 AM.

[elf66]

I would look to pick up a cheap second hand Witter detachable towbar for another make of car that has a vertical socket. The socket assembly and detachable swan neck is fairly common through the range as it bolts onto the main bar assembly. This would tuck up behind the valance out of sight. Obviously you would need to fabricate fixings out of what you already have and maybe use the material from the old bar as well. If your only towing a small trailer and its not noticeably overloaded the chances of getting stopped are virtually non existent. Just be mindful of the extra weight that needs to be stopped and where the loads are imposed if the car hits something. The trailer will keep going and typically bend the boot floor, especially with the type of bar you have shown that bolts to the underside if the wheel well.

[Homersimpson]

Correct. And home made ones are no longer legal to be fitted. Existing ones are ok.

Hi Nick, not doubting this but can you point me in the direction of where this is stated? I was planning to make/modify one for a MK2 Jag.

[Homersimpson]

For the OP if you Google custom towbars there is a place in at Alban's who make all kinds of things. I assume they can test and certify them correctly. Might be worth a try?

[viz139]

I made a frame to take a witter detachable hitch. As above I remove it during the car test so they can't say it has   an illegal towbar. It is attached to the boot floor and under the back seat,   I tow a Puck no problem. Is there any easy way to post pics here?

[jaysmini1983]

The whole underside of my mini looks new, i will make the towbar look old new. 

half mini will get a weight saving session as still on subframe. 

brakes are 8.4" solid's but may upgrade to metro brakes etc.

 

thanks for the input. any picrtures would be great

[viz139]

Managed to load photos.

 

Attached Files

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•  EQX TOW B.jpg   177.84K   3 downloads
•  EQX TOW C.jpg   217.75K   0 downloads