Things you do & don't tow with a tow bar.

[Ben]

I thought some of you lot would be interested in this, it's a Bak Rak which utilises the tow ball only and therefore can be used on both flanged fitted and swan neck type tow bars.

As this unit self supports on the ball, it is not classed as a trailer so you are not limited to 60mph on the motorway and you are also permitted to use the right hand lane.

When fitted, it is completly free from the bodywork of the vehicle.

For further information and specialist advice please visit the Bak Rak website (http://www.bak-rak.com/index.htm)

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/golfmk5gttdi/17082007296.jpg
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/golfmk5gttdi/17082007297-1.jpg
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/golfmk5gttdi/17082007298.jpg
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/golfmk5gttdi/17082007300edit.jpg

Dislcaimers

I have no knowledge as to the clearances to the modern hard top convertible rear flip boot lid (Eos, Megane, pug 307 etc)

I am in no way affiliated with Bak Rak, other that the son of a very satisfied customer and touareg owner:p

I have also pm'd stuart about this company as their site invites associate advertisement etc etc. Currently awaiting a reply from stuart with his thoughts.

[RickT]

I thought some of you lot would be interested in this, it's a Bak Rak which utilises the tow ball only and therefore can be used on both flanged fitted and swan neck type tow bars.

As this unit self supports on the ball, it is not classed as a trailer so you are not limited to 60mph on the motorway and you are also permitted to use the right hand lane.

When fitted, it is completly free from the bodywork of the vehicle.

For further information and specialist advice please visit the Bak Rak website (http://www.bak-rak.com/index.htm)






Dislcaimers

I have no knowledge as to the clearances to the modern hard top convertible rear flip boot lid (Eos, Megane, pug 307 etc)

I am in no way affiliated with Bak Rak, other that the son of a very satisfied customer and touareg owner:p


Looks good, just have to remeber its on when reverse parking!!

RickT

[Ben]

Funny you should mention that rick. Check out their faq and you'll see that someone has asked how thy can cd reminded that gtr there.

it would be interesting to see some images of other members vehicles tow bars in use.

[prolfe]

you seem to have picked up some tall bloke on yours, perhaps it was at the supermarket

he was quite happily putting his shopping in his boot when you came along and reversed into the space. realising you might of hit something you drove off. When you got home you got out of your car and this bloke was just standing there stuck on the back of your Bak Rak

:D

[Ben]

you seem to have picked up some tall bloke on yours, perhaps it was at the supermarket

he was quite happily putting his shopping in his boot when you came along and reversed into the space. realising you might of hit something you drove off. When you got home you got out of your car and this bloke was just standing there stuck on the back of your Bak Rak

:D


Funny,

When dad took the photo i said that someone would comment on that. Glad you didn't let me down.

Its me, I'm simply demonstrating the Rak

[prolfe]

Glad to be of assistance, would of been a shame to let the forum side down.

And, I had sort of guessed it might actually be you.

So it holds quite a weight then :D

[Ben]

yes and no.

the car can take 100kg on the nose weight, the rak is 6kg and i'm between 70 and 80kg Look at www.bak-rak (http://www.bak-rak). co.uk or com and it'll give you ist exact figures. It has ben tested to well over its specified load weight.

The nose weight of dads treg is 140 kg so he can put a bit more on it.

Save to say, if i want a new washing machine this'll carry it. where as i may be struggling to get it in the boot.

[chrisvrscrx]

Nice slippers too.

[Ben]

Thats it now:aargh4:

That was also something i said would get picked up on by the eagle eyed forum members.

I should of put some money on it.:zx11:

I nearly doctored the image to conceal the foot wear.

I was kind of hoping other members to post pics of their VAG vehicle using the tow bar, horse boxes, caravans and other strange uses like the bumper dumper clarkson had in his trip to the north pole.

Yes i'm also due a hair cut. no, my clothes are not hand me downs, yes i am tall 6' 2" actually.

[Ben]

edited :approve:

I can take a joke tho. normally its off of people who know me. ;)
Maybe you do :confused:

Worried now:1zhelp:

[onzarob]

I do like cars with tow bars, very useful, but your bordering obsessed.


I was kind of hoping other members to post pics of their VAG vehicle using the tow bar, horse boxes, caravans and other strange uses

Whats the next purchase a Sprite 2 birth ;)

thats a cool bike carrier though...good find:beerchug:

[Ben]

Whats the next purchase a Sprite 2 birth ;)



is that some sort of caravan?

if so then i think not.

You can get an awful lot of hotel rooms for the price of a caravan or motor home.

[Eshrules]

Whats the next purchase a Sprite 2 birth ;)


<giggles>

[onzarob]

is that some sort of caravan?

if so then i think not.



Oh don't play the fool now;)

Seriously Ben, this has bee a big project to fit a tow bar, is it because you carry bikes alot :dunno:

[Ben]

Yes it did take ages to get the whole tow bar application sorted. I've access to a small box trailer and dads bak rak, so its mainly for towing small stuff to the tip etc. Can't say that i'll ever tow a caravan or trailer tent as i'm not at that stage of my life (sad).

[onzarob]

I fully understand that, when we bought the wife Citreon, I was over joyed....Just because of the tow hitch, My dad has a trailer that I can borrow and funily enough a 2 birth Sprite caravan:biglaugh:...I've managed to avoid all atempts to palm it of on me.:beerchug:

[Eshrules]

i have to take another test before i can tow any trailers :(

[onzarob]

i have to take another test before i can tow any trailers :(

Why have they changed the rules?

[Ben]

yes, now when you pass your test you can only drive up to 3.5 ton and can't tow.

You now need a test to tow and a test to get to 7.5 ton, then 28 ton ish (LGV2) and a test for arctic (LGV1)

[onzarob]

Well iI'm glad I'm older for a change, the first thing i did when i past my test was pull my dad's trailer around. Very useful.;)

[j3ggo]

I've never found so much to read about towbars, my wife thinks i'm going mad. But looking on here i'm not the only one. Have you seen my towbar? I've shown most people I know. They tell me they are impressed. http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=9482&page=5
Cant wait to get an eriba now! Next project 2nd elecrics.

[Ben]

I've never found so much to read about towbars, my wife thinks i'm going mad. But looking on here i'm not the only one. Have you seen my towbar? I've shown most people I know. They tell me they are impressed. http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=9482&page=5
Cant wait to get an eriba now! Next project 2nd elecrics.

I remember when there was literaly Zero information about towbars on this forum - so i did something about it, and now it's paying off, everyone that has posted usefull information and pics about thier bar has been credited in the tow bar thread and the link in my sig gets updated with the cars it relates to. Now i'm really please that all my hard work is benefiting others. :approve:

[RickT]

I thought some of you lot would be interested in this, it's a Bak Rak which utilises the tow ball only and therefore can be used on both flanged fitted and swan neck type tow bars.

As this unit self supports on the ball, it is not classed as a trailer so you are not limited to 60mph on the motorway and you are also permitted to use the right hand lane.

When fitted, it is completly free from the bodywork of the vehicle.

For further information and specialist advice please visit the Bak Rak website (http://www.bak-rak.com/index.htm)


PIC
PIC
PIC


Dislcaimers

I have no knowledge as to the clearances to the modern hard top convertible rear flip boot lid (Eos, Megane, pug 307 etc)

I am in no way affiliated with Bak Rak, other that the son of a very satisfied customer and touareg owner:p

I have also pm'd stuart about this company as their site invites associate advertisement etc etc. Currently awaiting a reply from stuart with his thoughts.



Maybe not of the towbar here.... but here ismy perfered way of taking the bikes..

My reasons are as follows..

no addtional bike on the rear of the car,
less cost
if i was comparing to a non tow ball bike rack, i would have the added cost of the reg plate and light board..

Also i perfer the bikes on the roof so i have no limit of view via the rear window..

ALL I have to rembmer is not to go under any of thimg sumpermarkt low height barriers!!! Crash!


http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s13/RickT_album/29082007427.jpg



RickT

[Ben]

J3GGo has sent me some pictures of what he uses his tow bar for

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/golfmk5gttdi/thuleeuroclassic1.jpg
and
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/golfmk5gttdi/thuleeuroclassic.jpg

Thanks Scott

[j3ggo]

I've enjoyed the experience of fitting a tow bar to my golf, I might just buy one for the wifes bora just for the fun of it!!! After all when we get our Hymer Eriba it should give us greater flexibility.

[onzarob]

Ben and Scott, your beginning to worry me, shouldn't you be slamming the car to the floor and fitting 36in wheels:confused::biglaugh:

[Captain Answer]

Last thing towed - horse box, stupid horses you have to go very slow to stop em falling over apparently

[j3ggo]

Fitting alloy wheels, darkening you windows, lowering the suspension, fitting a spoiler, go faster stripes are all very predictable - fitting a towbar is exciting and useful!:1zhelp:

[Ben]

Fitting alloy wheels, darkening you windows, lowering the suspension, fitting a spoiler, go faster stripes are all very predictable - fitting a towbar is exciting and useful!:1zhelp:

Agreed.

http://re3.mm-a11.yimg.com/image/77739919 (http://uk.wrs.yahoo.com/_ylt=AjcdCwIAl0bpMrpF82ihKhVNBQx.;_ylu=X3oDMTBpdDZ uNzZrBHBvcwM5BHNlYwNzcgR2dGlkAw--/SIG=1k6ujsu70/**http%3A//uk.images.search.yahoo.com/search/images/view%3Fback=http%253A%252F%252Fuk.images.search.ya hoo.com%252Fsearch%252Fimages%253Fp%253Dboat%2526f r%253Dyfp-t-501%2526ei%253DUTF-8%26w=500%26h=500%26imgurl=static.flickr.com%252F5 4%252F142849441_9bd6b5be9c_m.jpg%26rurl=http%253A% 252F%252Fwww.flickr.com%252Fphotos%252Fleoncalquin _photos%252F142849441%252F%26size=155.2kB%26name=1 42849441_9bd6b5be9c.jpg%26p=boat%26type=jpeg%26no= 9%26tt=9,084,582%26oid=c403670a0fc235b8%26fusr=Leo n%2BCalquin%26tit=Bote%2B%252F%2BBoat%2B%2528Iquiq ue-Chile%2529%26hurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.flickr.co m%252Fphotos%252Fleoncalquin_photos%252F%26ei=UTF-8%26src=p)

this is my boat - would you care to join me for a row, scott?:D

[prolfe]

this is my boat - would you care to join me for a row, scott?:D

No arguing or indeed rowing

:)

[onzarob]

fitting a towbar is exciting and useful!:1zhelp:

Exciting is a taking it a bit to far, useful definitely. the best thing about my wifes Citroen xsara is the tow hitch;)

PS Nice Punt!!!

[prolfe]

I've enjoyed the experience of fitting a tow bar to my golf, I might just buy one for the wifes bora just for the fun of it!!! After all when we get our Hymer Eriba it should give us greater flexibility.

An old school Cannondale

:)

Thumbshifters and old canti's

Can see where your money didn't go.

[j3ggo]

I bought the Cannondale in 1994 from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany from an American PX Shop AAFES, it was tax free and about half the UK price. Still does me well, brakes are a bit weak and it could do with some shox especially coming down the Wrekin. Nearly killed myself once in the Alps on it, I could actually smell rubber off the tyres caused by a big skid.

[prolfe]

I bought the Cannondale in 1994 from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany from an American PX Shop AAFES, it was tax free and about half the UK price. Still does me well, brakes are a bit weak and it could do with some shox especially coming down the Wrekin. Nearly killed myself once in the Alps on it, I could actually smell rubber off the tyres caused by a big skid.

A nice set of V-brakes would soon sort you out

[RickT]

Maybe not of the towbar here.... but here ismy perfered way of taking the bikes..

My reasons are as follows..

no addtional bike on the rear of the car,
less cost
if i was comparing to a non tow ball bike rack, i would have the added cost of the reg plate and light board..

Also i perfer the bikes on the roof so i have no limit of view via the rear window..

ALL I have to rembmer is not to go under any of thimg sumpermarkt low height barriers!!! Crash!


http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s13/RickT_album/29082007427.jpg



RickT



and if you notice.. I have my Cannodale F900 2005 with lefty fork on the roof!! in regards to v-brakes.......im looking for going Hope 6 pots all round!!



Rick

[prolfe]

Gonna start a new thread on this instead of high jacking this one.

Tow bars rule

:)

[bora(ing) nick]

i have to take another test before i can tow any trailers :(


yes, now when you pass your test you can only drive up to 3.5 ton and can't tow.

You now need a test to tow and a test to get to 7.5 ton, then 28 ton ish (LGV2) and a test for arctic (LGV1)

Can anyone shed any more light on this.....

I thought you were ok towing, so long as your combined weight doesn't exceed 3.5 tonne, and the towing vehicle must be heavier than the trailor/caravan/horsebox (if whats being tow'd has an independant breaking system.)

If the "tow'd" is un-braked, it must weigh no more than 650kg fully laden.

Well that was my interpretation of the DVLA's rules anyway, but i'm not sure now.

Nick

[Ben]

Can anyone shed any more light on this.....

I thought you were ok towing, so long as your combined weight doesn't exceed 3.5 tonne, and the towing vehicle must be heavier than the trailor/caravan/horsebox (if whats being tow'd has an independant breaking system.)

If the "tow'd" is un-braked, it must weigh no more than 650kg fully laden.

Well that was my interpretation of the DVLA's rules anyway, but i'm not sure now.

Nick

you could well be right nick.

they have updated certain criteria so who knows

FOUND IT HERE http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/WhatCanYouDriveAndYourObligations/DG_4022547

AND HERE IS THE UPGRADES http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/WhatCanYouDriveAndYourObligations/DG_4022548

[bora(ing) nick]

you could well be right nick.

they have updated certain criteria so who knows

FOUND IT HERE http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/WhatCanYouDriveAndYourObligations/DG_4022547

AND HERE IS THE UPGRADES http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/WhatCanYouDriveAndYourObligations/DG_4022548


Quoted from first link

Motor vehicles with a MAM not exceeding 3500kg having not more than eight passenger seats with a trailer up to 750kg. Combinations of towing vehicles in category B and a trailer, where the MAM of the combination does not exceed 3500kg and the MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen mass of the towing vehicle

So, with class B entitlement, (normal licence) you can tow any thing, so long as it's braked and weighs less than the car (must be less than 3500kg combined), or and unbraked trailor up to 750KG.

So Esh, you can tow a whole host of things :biglaugh:

Nick

[Ben]

Now this is just showing off!

Sorry to put a link up to a lesser manufacturer but hey ho.

http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/vx/microsite/corsa06/index.html

Enter the site, then click the top middle (innovations)
then on the easel, click top right.

[j3ggo]

and if you notice.. I have my Cannodale F900 2005 with lefty fork on the roof!! in regards to v-brakes.......im looking for going Hope 6 pots all round!!



Rick

You get a lot of drag from having those bikes on the roof!

[RickT]

You get a lot of drag from having those bikes on the roof!


I know.. i can tell the differance on some sections of long uphill motorways.. but the speed is not a factor, it more about the fuel... and to be honest it was not really noticable in the pocket.. about 15 miles less over a 150 miles route..

[j3ggo]

onzarob, we are off away in our van again in the morning. Its been one of the best things I ever bought that towbar!