Genuine Tow Bar ~ Is it strong enough?

[Shaker Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Shaker]

I am a bit concerned at some reports of genuine tow bars failing in the receiver, which also renders the safety chains useless.
Is this an isolated case or are they suspect?
Having just ordered a new Vista RV, the last thing I want to see, is it overtaking me down a hill!

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Re: Genuine Tow Bar ~ Is it strong enough?

The only failures I have found have all been when a weight distribution hitch has been used. The manual states to use the OE hitch only. I would also check the towbar nuts are tight every so often.

[Burgie Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Burgie]

Re: Genuine Tow Bar ~ Is it strong enough?

I have a major concern with the genuineToyota towbar. After checking for the two towbar attaching bolts underneath the vehicle, I found one bolt was missing.
After further investigation I found that the high tensile bolt had actually sheared off. I have my Prado booked in next week to fix the problem. I contacted three other mates who all have the same model Prados to get them to check the bolts on their towbars and their checks are as follows:
Prado A - 1 bolt sheared off (mine)
Prado B - 2 bolts loose, hanging down
Prado C - 2 bolts loose
Prado D - 1 bolt, the head broken off
All these vehicles tow caravans and are all well under the recommended towball weight

I wanted to add a photo here but can't find out how to do it. If anyone can help this would be appreciated
Burgie

[Matty80 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Matty80]

Re: Genuine Tow Bar ~ Is it strong enough?

I have a major concern with the genuineToyota towbar. After checking for the two towbar attaching bolts underneath the vehicle, I found one bolt was missing.
After further investigation I found that the high tensile bolt had actually sheared off. I have my Prado booked in next week to fix the problem. I contacted three other mates who all have the same model Prados to get them to check the bolts on their towbars and their checks are as follows:
Prado A - 1 bolt sheared off (mine)
Prado B - 2 bolts loose, hanging down
Prado C - 2 bolts loose
Prado D - 1 bolt, the head broken off
All these vehicles tow caravans and are all well under the recommended towball weight

I wanted to add a photo here but can't find out how to do it. If anyone can help this would be appreciated
Burgie

Will be checking mine when i get home, with info like that...

[ntp Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close ntp]

Re: Genuine Tow Bar ~ Is it strong enough?

I wanted to add a photo here but can't find out how to do it. If anyone can help this would be appreciatedBurgie

:arrow: TRY: HOW TO POST PICTURES or email me and I will do it for you.

[Burgie Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Burgie]

Re: Genuine Tow Bar ~ Is it strong enough?

Thanks ntpryce
I have followed your link
Pic of my towbar underneath
http://postimage.org/image/18a5tq2v8/

Someone didnt select the 2nd link as shown in the post pics instrutions. <admin>

[Shaker Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Shaker]

Re: Genuine Tow Bar ~ Is it strong enough?

I have a major concern with the genuineToyota towbar. After checking for the two towbar attaching bolts underneath the vehicle, I found one bolt was missing.
After further investigation I found that the high tensile bolt had actually sheared off. I have my Prado booked in next week to fix the problem. I contacted three other mates who all have the same model Prados to get them to check the bolts on their towbars and their checks are as follows:
Prado A - 1 bolt sheared off (mine)
Prado B - 2 bolts loose, hanging down
Prado C - 2 bolts loose
Prado D - 1 bolt, the head broken off
All these vehicles tow caravans and are all well under the recommended towball weight

I wanted to add a photo here but can't find out how to do it. If anyone can help this would be appreciated
Burgie

This is a whole new issue, I was referring to the failure of the receiver socket, which breaks away complete with the safety chain attachment points.
Toyota plead total ignorance to the issue of course!

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Re: Genuine Tow Bar ~ Is it strong enough?

I was referring to the failure of the receiver socket, which breaks away complete with the safety chain attachment points.
Toyota plead total ignorance to the issue of course!

Of course they would as there hasn't been a failure with the Toyota hitch used as per the instructions.

[PradOz Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close PradOz]

Re: Genuine Tow Bar ~ Is it strong enough?

D4D - which manual are you referring to? Is it the Toyota Prado Manual, or a manual that cam with the towbar? Whichever one, please post page number details and even better would be a photo showing this recommendation by Toyota to not use the weight dist bars unless OEM. I am very keen to read further on this so would appreciate a reply post or a PM to me, many thanks Mick

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Re: Genuine Tow Bar ~ Is it strong enough?

From memory there was a book with the towbar. There is also a sticker on the hitch itself which states that hitch should only be used with that towbar. To fit a WDH you need to fit a different hitch. It's the same as Kaymar and ARB state with their rear/tow bars, you must use their hitch

[Shaker Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Shaker]

Re: Genuine Tow Bar ~ Is it strong enough?

Unusu to get rules with tow bars, are there any other rules that we should be aware of? Are you allowed to use other tongues?

[John Member Find all posts View Profile Close John]

Re: Genuine Tow Bar ~ Is it strong enough?

I have the factory towbar, and towed a 1900kg van for about 2 years. From memory the ball weight was around 200kg. I used (and still have) the HR 550lb WDH, with no problems whatsoever (on or off road). However, I always removed the bars for off-road use whenever negotiating undulating terrain.

I also run Polyairs at around 18psi.

My bar is in fine condition and I had no fasteners come loose during the time we had the van.

One thing I noticed with the HR is that the hole for the pin leaves the head assembly sticking out several cm (which would create an additional levering moment). If we decide to get another van I'm going to have another hole drilled for the pin so that the head is almost flush with the receiver.