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What sort of Towbar?
Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2013 10:12 am
by Skram
Hey guys
I'm looking at towbars for my 2008 OB and was wondering if there is any pro's or cons with the different sorts of towbars eg: should I go genuine or non genuine.
Has anyone had any good or bad experiences?
Cheers
Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2013 11:36 am
by El_Freddo
I don't think there's really a difference. You'll probably find that Hayman Reece make the genuine bars that are labelled a genuine subaru item. So you might find that they're the same.
Really look at wether you want a bolt on tongue or the 50mm slide and pin type hitch. The 50mm slide and pin hitch is generally rated for a larger towing capacity, but it's especially good for removing the tow hitch when it's not in use - this gets rid of that terrible experience of hitting one's shin on it from time to time...
I'd say make sure you buy from a reputable aftermarket provider such as HReece, TJM etc...
Cheers
Bennie
Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2013 12:38 pm
by dfoyl
A cheap option is to look at wreckers for a towbar, eg.
http://www.thewreckers.com.au/car-details.asp?g=SUBARU FORESTER 2008 from WHOLESALE CAR PARTS&keyword=SUBARU FORESTER&record=173308&make=SUBARU&id=2782&year=2008&model=FORESTER
I bought a complete towbar+ball set for a Mitsubishi Challenger for under $200 a few years back from a wreckers, compared to $500 new. As long as the car hasn't been rear-ended and wasn't towing when the car was damaged there's very little risk.
Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 10:29 pm
by El_Freddo
dfoyl wrote:I bought a complete towbar+ball set for a Mitsubishi Challenger for under $200 a few years back from a wreckers, compared to $500 new. As long as the car hasn't been rear-ended and wasn't towing when the car was damaged there's very little risk.
Agreed!
I purchased my towbar second hand from ebay, even got the little threaded plates from inside the chassis rails to add to the system - it made the install to my subaru very very easy!
I purchased a tow bar from a wrecker's L series for a mate on the forum, it was basically a bolt on application and again, an easy install.
More recently my wife and I purchased a second hand heavy duty tow bar by Hayman Reece (genuine factory fit) for her VT commodore - it allows me to move my "spare" subi's when ever we move, and the VT does it relatively effortlessly
Really, if it's not home made and it's straight you'll be on the money! If it's been rear ended walk away, there will be other units come up for sale.
Cheers
Bennie