Using a detachable Tow Bar [CC] 2019
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- Опубліковано 25 кві 2019
- Using a detachable Tow Bar [CC] 2019
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Today we show and discuss our Witter Tow Bar. In this video we show the process in attaching the detachable Tow bar and removal of it.
We are not covering fitting this to the vehicle from new just how after it has been professionally fitted by the dealership how we attach and detach when needed.
I hope this helps if your considering one of these or just wondered how they work.
#caravanning #herewetow #caravancommunity
Thank you so much! I had this fitted today and the fitter did a quick demo and I missed these key points! You are a star!
You are welcome..glad it helped 😊
Thank you. I've had this car for 12 months and today I learn how to attach the towball.
😊👍
Nice one Jules! Had a similar effort on my Disco (which obviously went awol with the car!) and now have an electrically deployed tow ball on the replacement XC60 we now enjoy. Volvo have really sorted the ‘detachable’ brilliantly... 👍🏻 😎 🐍
Great demo always been amazed how these can support the weight of the caravan with a simple locking system.
Best wishes
Jon and Karen
Cheers Jon 👍
Absolute lifesaver, amazing video! After a lot of struggle I found this video! Much love to you!!
Glad it helped you out 😊👍
Thank you so much! We struggled with removing the towbar for a good 15mins before watching your video, and then it took us less than 15 seconds 😂
Oh that’s brilliant 😊👍
I find this so useful - big thank you!
Thank you so much! This is just what I was looking for!
I've had removable tow balls for many years and NEVER leave them in a "charged" state. I think it is safer to release the pressure from the spring and secondly the spring is not being stressed for no reason.
Brilliant fairplay. Great help and well explained. Thanks Scott.
Thank you for watching and glad it helped 😊
That is really nice to be able to attach and detach. Great tutorial and video. Sherry
Thank you Sherry 😊
Love ya. Out in the rain going crazy. Your a life saver
😆😊👍👍
Thanks mate, just what I needed.
Excellent demonstration thanks it helped me straight away
Glad we could help 😊
Good Vid Jules - I have a similar one by Tow Trust on my Rav 4 and operation is exactly same
I always take it off when not towing to save keep banging my shins when loading stuff in the boot 👍🏻
Cheers..same here we found after several bruises 👍
Thank goodness for your video.
Bought a used motorhome had this Witter tow fitted but didn't have a key with it so ordered a spare key, unlocked it removed the towbar and guess what couldn't put it back on as I must unloaded the mechanism as I removed it.
Watched your video and yes easy when you know how 😂😂😂😂.
Once again many thanks.
Fantastic, we are glad it helped!! 😊
2.31 min was for me the explanation to get in working " turn and press " !!!!! , as I bought a near new Motor home with this excellent towbar ....but there was no manual of the detachable tonque .Many thanks from Kiwiland - and covid free Cheers BW
Hello to you over there, 😊 I am glad the demonstration was useful. Enjoy your Motorhome 👍 Jules
Thank you, I was struggling to get mine off( been on for over five years) . I couldn’t remember how to take it off and on again. Great video, many thanks.
You are very welcome 😊
You are a life saver and I will gladly buy you a pint when I meet you in person! :)
🤣👍 Glad it helped
Good vlog jules... a tip for u guys.. if u take ur tow bar off when u put it away de-load it as if it’s fitted on ur car like wot jules did with the pliers.. this way the spring is not left tensioned causing it to wear... a bit like ur caravan blinds in winter... leaving them down tensions the spring then when u open them after winter there loose... hope this tip helps guys 👍🏻👍🏻😎
Thanks for that and thanks for watching too👍
I have one if these on a citroen grande. It fits further under the car than your one. I am disabled and I first have to get on the ground and almost underneath the car to fit it! I would not recommend this type of tow bar on my type of car unless you are really fit! The guy who showed me how to fit it did it in seconds. It takes me a good five mins to sort it and get back up! It makes for great entertainment as it is peppered with scouse expletives!! Never mind once hitched up all is fine! The joys of Caravanning! Pxxxx
Thank you for watching..the joys indeed 😬😂
Thank you!!
I’m looking to buy a lightweight caravan to tow with my BMW 320d. This’ll be ideal 👍🏻👍🏻
Just had a detachable fitted on our new towcar......not Witter but another make beginning with W. Very similar operation.
Nice sim0le vid....even I could understand.....🤪🍺
Should have said Simple...........😳
We have a detachable Westfalia tow bar and love it, really easy to use and when removed stops me from walking into it when getting stuff out of the boot 😂 cheers Martin 🙂
You saved me buddy 😅Thanx for a great video
😆👍
I use the same one on my X3, it works well and takes little effort to put on and take off. The car looks better without so take it off when not towing. I had the opportunity to have a new Disco for a month with a deployable tow bar, which was excellent and it self checked electrics and towball weight, even better. Expensive, yes but worth it.
Great clear help
Glad it helped 😊👍
Easy demonstration, thank you. I’m now locked and loaded!
😂👍
thanks for amazing video
Thank you
Thanks for the video, I just about dislocated my back the first time I tried to get mine to work, after trying the second time I searched and found your video, now I know how to do it, pity that didn't show me at the handover
Glad it helped..😊👍
Thanks for the vid, we found a witter swan neck in the boot of our car when we purchased it. Never really tried it until now. We watched ur vid to help us with how it works.. Only problem is now we cant detach it🤔 😂 it just wont push in or turn at all 💪
Im glad you have tried to find the answer with our video. It might sound daft but make sure you are unlocked it with the key. If you have tried turning the lock then graphite powder could be worth a try in the lock. Sometimes giving it a tap can help free it off. Failing that give Witter/ Westfalia a call, they are helpful and will give you more advice. All the best with it, Jules
Yes I prefer a detachable, saves all the bruises shines. As a matter of interest i only recently discovered a purpose built location to hook the breakaway cable instead of looping it round the towbar.
Yes the brake cable hook is very well hidden underneath..really pleased with our tow bar. 👍
Always leave it in the locked position when not in use so there is no pressure on the springs
Jules! Not sure what happened I'm sure I left a comment earlier but can't see it. Good video, I had a detachable Whitter on an earlier car but never took it off once fitted.
Cheers, I take it off as Karina kept cracking her shins on it and despite the amusement I got from that I decided it was best to take it off😂
Incidentally - completely off topic, sorry, but I did note you visited the Peterborough Showground today for some reason (🤪) and while I did not get there ( we live just off the next exit A1 Southbound!), I did pop into the nearby Aldi and see they have a decent stack of camping/caravanning gear on their weekly specials, including a collapsible buck as it happens... 👍🏻 🤷🏼♂️ 🐍
We will give you a wave as we pass by, we are in the area for a little while so do let us know if you’re free for a brew 👍
Got a very similar one.
It's a bit of a pain to get off, but a lot cheaper than the automatic ones, half the price on our car!
We were pleased with it, good tow bar..🚙
That loking great and clean but I have one question where you have power socket?
The power is underneath too, you just pull it down when you want to hitch up and tow. Its very tidy and all very easy to use.
Hi, this sounds very easy and straight forward. We are looking to purchase a small trailer to house my wife's mobility scooter. Is the towbar universal fit? I ask as we currently own a Kia Sportage. Thank you.
Thank you, if you check the Witter website that should say what vehicles are compatible with this device. Hope that helps. 👍👍
Once it's been on there two years straight, it doesn't come off quiet so easily 😂
What brand would you recommend, looking now at getting one fitted
Witter tow bars are absolutely excellent.. you can either use someone local or there are a few good companies such as Towbar Express and Tow-Trust. I hope you get sorted, thank you for watching 😊
Hi Jules
Did your car have a separate point to attach the break away cable as the Caravan club suggest that you should not attach to a removable tow ball, I am thinking of getting one of these fitted to our Tiguan but so far have not seen any way of attaching the break away.
Yes there is an eyelet under the Rexton. Never attach it to the tow ball on a detachable in case the worst happens and it becomes detached 👍 Jules
Thanks again Jules. I will have investigate further. Safe travels.
Good video, does it need any maintenance mate 🍺
Thanks for commenting, it should not require maintenance and we use it a lot with touring all the time. Pleased with the detachable after having fixed on our previous cars.
It sure would be nice to have a video on installing one of these.........hint, hint...............!
I was contacted about filming an installation by Towbar Express funnily enough 🤷🏼♀️
Can you tell me about your awning please, ie make and model? Just bought a new Isonzo and getting mixed advice re awnings. Thanks
Morning Bill…depends on your budget but personally its Vango for us. Excellent product for the money and fit the Isonzo very well. There are several reviews on our channel. We did do an awning vlog last year that goes in to more detail of awnings. If you get stuck email me at herewetow@yahoo.com 😊 Enjoy your Isonzo.. Karina
Please can you help, I am looking at a detachable towbar. However, I do not know which would be suitable horizontal or vertical like your video. Thanks in advance.
I would see which models of detachable tow bar are recommended for your tow car, that might narrow down your choice. Then speak with the fitter, if you’re getting it done professionally. They have plenty of experience, we found this style worked very well and would stay with this. Hopefully you can get a tow bar sorted for your car soon. 👍 Jules
I had one of these fitted to my car. First use I locked it with the key and then when I went to remove it it wouldn’t unlock no matter what I tried. I took it back to the fitter and he had to dismantle it. A part inside the knob was broken so he replaced it and told me not to bother locking with the key as it is so easy to remove the knob anyway, there is just a sticker over a central screw that you can undo and remove without the key.
Thank you for that information 👍
So, I have just purchased a Subaru Forester with a Subaru detachable tow bar. I have no idea how to take the neck off. Key in, turn so I can depress the plastic knob move clockwise until RED and then it just comes away ? Do I need to hammer any pin out ? Thanks all.
It should just come away at that point David as red means it is disengaged. Is it a pre owned vehicle? It may be that it was just seized up if it hasnt been removed in some time. Sometimes it can take a bit of a wiggle but if it remains locked on then contact the manufacturer for their advice. I hope you get it sorted out. Jules
Hi
Any advice please I am looking a tow bar for my new x trail tekna plus 2022/223 cannot fine anywhere.
Thanks!
Morning, have you tried Towbar Express or Tow Trust. They are both big tow car companies and should be able to help you. 😊
can you recommend a bike carrier for this swan neck or do I need an adaptor for flange fitting?
We have this one and its excellent... ua-cam.com/video/83kpNKTfcG0/v-deo.html 😊
@@HereWeTow thanks, and this fits swan neck ball? I'm having trouble finding compatibility
Yes, the swan neck in the first video is our tow bar and the video of the carrier is it being used on our detachable swan neck. 😊
Thanks for the swift response, will definitely be subscribing
I have exactly the same towbar, but I hear conflicting views on how to attach the breakaway cable as there is no point to attach it to other than looking it over the towbar ant clipping it to itself. How do you attach the breakaway cable on yours?
Underneath their is an eyelet on the tow bar itself, you have to get right down to see it. I presume yours will have it but I don’t know for sure, you dont want to attach the breakaway to the detachable towbar as if the worst happens and it detaches from the car it wont activate. I would like to say that I have not heard of a correctly fitted Witter detachable ever doing this though. If you want more information email me at herewetow@yahoo.com and I can send you a photo. Thanks Paul 😊 Jules
@@HereWeTow Thanks Jules. Have sent you an email with a photo of what I see on mine.
How do the electrics work if you're towing a caravan?
Hi Katie, the towbar is fitted with a 13 pin electric socket. The caravan has an electric cable that plugs in to it whilst towing. This powers the rear lights of the caravan and in most cases the fridge. Some euro 6 Diesel engines won’t power a larger fridge. Some older cars and caravans may have a 7pin but 13 is what is used mostly these days. I hope that helps. Karina
Does all cars have that part connected that the tow ball connects two..?
No, that bar underneath is part of the tow bar kit and is bolted on to the chassis. It is not already attached to cars, like the electric socket, it all comes when fitted. I hope that answers your question 😊🚙
@@HereWeTow ...yes much appreciated ty.
Where does your safety chain go between the van and the car?
The breakaway cable hooks on an eyelet underneath on the tow bar. Never wrap it around the towball on a detachable in case the worst happens and the towball detaches. Thanks for watching 👍
Have you had any issues getting it off after a few years? I cannot get mine to “click” so will not release
We had ours 3 years and had no issues in that time so sorry can’t help. I hope you get it fixed..
Where can i get one?
The entire video and all I needed was the 4 seconds on how to engage it and visually watching I didn’t realise you have to turn and press or it won’t engage, make more a point of it as in hindsight you said press that in but visually you were turning as you said it and i found it is turn and then very slight press
Like everything in life..the last 4 seconds are often the most important 🤷🏼♀️ Have a great weekend…Karina 😊
Hi so will this be compatible with a Thule velocompact? Cycle carrier . I ask as my Thule velocompact is not stable on this but fixes easily and correctly to my brother's fixed flange towbar
I dont see why it wouldn’t be stable on this tow ball but I have only used the Witter Westfalia bike carrier. I have done a vlog of that so you can see how it compares to the Thule. Sorry I cannot give you a definitive answer on that. Karina 😊
@@HereWeTow thank you . My towbar points a smidgen done which means that the carrier points down . Ill ring witter Monday thank you for your help.
Nice one joules think I would rather leave tow bar on as if anyone goes into the back of u it will get less damage on your car and more damage on the other car .kev
Thanks Kev, like your thinking..not sure Karina and her shins would be in agreement if I suggested that one though 😂
I've just had a Witter towbar fitted to my MG HS, however they have actually cut a big section in the bumper. Is this normal? They have also left the electric plug covered by the bumper so it is currently unusable!!
I hope you got this sorted out..
Hi,, very helpful video, thank you,
Please can someone help me .?
I have a witter detachable tow bar Neck ZTDF-3002.
Will this for a Audi Q5 2017.?
You would be best calling Towbar Express or Witter themselves and they can make sure you get the right information about your Audi. I hope you get it sorted.
Is there a blanking plug to fit after removing the tow bar????
Yes there is Steve 😊
@@HereWeTow any idea where I can obtain one?
How do you fit the part on the car ??
The tow bar is attached to the car underneath and thats what the tow ball attaches too. It all comes together.
What about the tow bar electrics for a trailer board? I didn’t see any.
If you mean the 13 pin socket it folds underneath and you just flick it down and plug in. I hope that helps and answers your question.
@@HereWeTow it does, thanks, a very neat system :)
Can this be attached to a 2018 Dodge Journey
You would have to check the Witter Westfalia website but this is very much a universal towbar and certainly one of the best around. Thanks, Karina and Jules
I can't get mine fitted - i've got the main pin retracted right back and the small pin has popped out, but when i push the tow bar into it's housing it doesnt pop or anything to lock it ?? any advice?
Is it a new one Chris as I think there has been a recall on the new ones. Other than that it can sometimes take a bit of force to push it in and back but it should fix itself quite easily. If you’re doing everything I do in the video then you are doing it right and it might be faulty. Be firm with it. If you still cannot work it contact the supplier or the manufacturer directly. I hope you get it working. Jules
@@HereWeTow its been on the car a while. Removed it now it won't go back on. Somebody suggested using a hammer to hit it down. It's as if the pin isn't being pushed in
In that case I would soak it for a while in WD40, resin free grease or oil, as it may well be seized. Hitting it with a hammer would not be something I would do but who knows. In the lock only use graphite powder, dont get oil in the lock.Westfalia-Witter website is a good place to visit if it is one of theirs. I hope you get it working, sounds like it’s seized up inside so hopefully a bit of lubricant will help. Jules
Will it fit a 2005 focus
If Witter Westfalia make one for that make and model then yes. You would be best visiting their website to check compatible models. Karina 😊
Does this work for a 2016 Honda Civic sedan ?
You can search for your vehicle on the Witter website to see if it’s compatible www.witter-towbars.co.uk/
I Brought a car with one of these on but i need a key isit possible to get one
Morning Geoff, yes you can. You need to try find the make of the towbar, if its Witter then thats easy. Next there should be a number somewhere on it. Go online and search “ replacement key for detachable tow bar”.you should be able to get a key for about £5. I hope this helps. If the key barrel is stiff then graphite powder is best for locks, not wd40. I hope you get it sorted. 😊👍
I got 1 with my zafira and it wont click when i turn the blue thing so it wont in gage can u help
Hi Big Rogers, sounds like the spring mechanism isn’t working as it should load the locking pin and click when it’s unlocked. Depending on the make I would contact them for advice, it may be a quick fix. All the best sorting it out.
@@HereWeTow i have no key so im wondering if it can be locked off the car it turns around to the green but no further
Can you put these on cars
Yes they are suitable for cars as well as SUV’s. You just need the one approved for your vehicle, the Witter website should help you out. 👍
Can it fit any car
The Witter tow bar will fit most cars, if you visit the website you can check out your car www.witter-towbars.co.uk
We have a Westfalia fitted to the Range Rover Jules. Only a previous owner had put paint on it so Westfalia suggested not removing it. So it remains in situ. When we had a minor shunt up the rear, I was not worried as I thought the tow bar would save a lot. How the lady missed the tow bar I will never know 😂😂
Thanks for watching John..glad your tow bar was not harmed 👍
My witter tow bar has hinged electrics and it snapped after the first use. Very flimsy plastic.
That is really poor.. I hope they fixed that for you. Must say ours withstood a lot of use but you have had a disappointing experience there 🙁 Karina
I see you have taken the paint off the toe ball. Is it advisable to do this?
Yes, if you have an Alko hitch you must take off the paint or you will damage the pads in the hitch. We do have a video on how to take the paint off from when we bought the car 🚗😊 Karina
I bought a car with one fitted can't get the key to go into the lock. If life was that simple.
Presuming the key is the right one (you never know when you haven’t had it from new) I would try graphite powder to see if it has rusted or jammed. Failing that contact Witter/Westfalia directly. They are very helpful and should be able to assist. I hope you get it working, Karina and Jules
To fiddley get an electric.
Where is the electrics plug ?
The electric is to the left of the tow bar, underneath the car. You pull it down when needed. Different cars have different electric fixings. Some are more visible and fixed.
@@HereWeTow thanks for quick reply , I'm getting one fitted to my C5 Aircross and was wondering where it went .
No problem, you should also find somewhere to hook your breakaway cable underneath too, a small eyelet. You have to get right down to find it. 👍
@@HereWeTow Hi. As a Driving Instructor I'm meeting many customers who have detachable tow bars. Upon discussing the break-away cable on their caravan and its purpose, I'm then struggling to find somewhere suitable to attach it to the car. I've resorted to laying on the ground to look behind bumpers but still no joy. Looping the break-away cable around the detachable swan neck appears to be the only solution. A pointless solution but the only one.
I'm trying to get answers from the main tow bar manufacturers but wondered if you'd encountered this and what your thoughts/ suggestions are?
Hi Fliss, yes I totally agree, it should not be looped over the tow ball as it is detachable. The ones I have come across have an eyelet underneath. If they dont then how can that be safe? This could be a safety point to follow up on once life gets back to normal. Thanks, Jules
I can't see the point of these at all, I've got one, my car came fitted with it, I attached it as soon as I bought the car and I've never taken it off
TOWBAR GOOD JUST DONT BUY A SANGYONG YOU CANT GET SPARES ANY PLACE IN BRITAIN OR EUROPE
This is just a terrible tow bar. I got this with my car and I am extremely unhappy. There are much better mechanisms available,
Sorry you are disappointed with yours, I have been pleased with ours after 15,000 miles of towing. 😔