Which Towbar is best for GXL 150?

[krypto]

Thanks, does it need a cutout on the bumper?

[maxjj]

yes. I just fitted one and had a Toyota bar on my previous 150. It bolts on the rails with two bolts each side and then in the middle with 4 bolts.
Its 28kg in total. Its a better bar by far.

[krypto]

I need my towbar replaced fairly urgently and need some help. I've just had a read through this thread and I'm not clear on the design of the new Hayman Reece towbar. Does it mount to the rear and the chassis rails?

[D4D]

Boomer, the Toyota bar design and manufacture was outsourced to the lowest bidder and is an AU only bar. Enjoy your grader blade.

[boomer]

As I understand it the previous part number didn't fit SWB. This part number fits SWB & LWB.

8 bolts in the crossmember, 2 bolts in each chassis rail, no bumper cut required and sits up higher than the OE bar. Why wouldn't you fit the HR bar

Major reason I wouldn't fit the aftermarket bar is the fact that there is a bar available which has been engineered by the vehicle builder. They are the people who know the vehicle best and they didn't take 4 attempts to get it right as HR has done!

[Brains]

Brains is that caused by the holes in the bottom? Mine have surface rust around them already.

I'd say that's what letting water, sand and salt inside the towbar. From memory some of the plastic plugs had come off or were hanging out.

[D4D]

The HR bar is certainly very close to the car allowing little room for a mistake should you back that little too far.

I'd be more concerned if the towbar moved rather than damage to the bumper. Looking at the way the 120 version of the HR bar is welded, it isn't going anywhere.

[bdee]

A potential difference in towbars that would matter to me is any difference between them in the amount horizontal protrusion out the back. Actually in my case I'm concerned that the new HR bar maybe tucked in closer to the car than the Toyota one.

Does anyone know if this is the case?

(The reason it's an issue for me is that I'm looking to tow a T-Van which have a bit of a problem with some of their models not allowing the Prado rear door to open properly even with their longer drawbar. A more tucked in towbar would make the problem even worse I think.)

The HR bar is certainly very close to the car allowing little room for a mistake should you back that little too far. Not sure how it compares to the Toyota Bar but it is certainly a little tight.

Brett

[RaymondE]

A potential difference in towbars that would matter to me is any difference between them in the amount horizontal protrusion out the back. Actually in my case I'm concerned that the new HR bar maybe tucked in closer to the car than the Toyota one.

Does anyone know if this is the case?

(The reason it's an issue for me is that I'm looking to tow a T-Van which have a bit of a problem with some of their models not allowing the Prado rear door to open properly even with their longer drawbar. A more tucked in towbar would make the problem even worse I think.)

[Juergen Braun]

Very interesting thread (appart from last page where there is a bit of deviation from the main topic), seems the type of bar really comes down to personal preference with HR, Wynnum and Toyota being the main contenders, dependent on three main factors:

1) Do you care if you need to cut your bumper (only an issue if you plan to remove towbar down the track)
2) Is bar height critical for 4wd activites (departure angles)
3) How well is the towbar mounted

Given they can all handle 3 Ton, and 5 doors being limited to 2.5 Ton, strength shouldn't be an issue for any of these.

I've opted for genuine Toyota bar, wiring lume and tow ball (picked up today for $600 SE Melbourne) and hope to successfully install tomorrow. Main use is towing trailer and camper van on buitumen.

[boomer]

Hi boomer, I don't think D4D was trying to be offensive.

Car manufacturers regularly produce sub standard parts and accessories. Don't even get me started on GMH, using them as an example of high quality is drawing a long bow.

Hello Krypto Fair enough but a personal insult was a strange way to follow on a topic. Agree about GMH. I really only mentioned them and Ford as they also out source many parts. From my experience with a number of Prados, anything with Toyota on it is well designed and made. Brains any metal bar will rust if it is mistreated. Wonder if the 4 grommets on their bars were in place and whether they were getting salt water inside the bar?

[Hutch]

Brains is that caused by the holes in the bottom? Mine have surface rust around them already.

[Brains]

Some of my mates have installed Kaymar rear bars on their 150's and have removed their Toyota towbars to find them rusting out from inside.

So glad I went with my Wynnum Towbar.

[krypto]

What an odd response D4D! I guess you have nothing worthwhile to add to the thread. Do you not understand the process the car companies use to produce cars? Did you think that Toyota, Ford, GMH make all the parts?

Hi boomer, I don't think D4D was trying to be offensive.

Car manufacturers regularly produce sub standard parts and accessories. Don't even get me started on GMH, using them as an example of high quality is drawing a long bow.

[boomer]

Boomer what ever you're smoking, can I have some?

What an odd response D4D! I guess you have nothing worthwhile to add to the thread. Do you not understand the process the car companies use to produce cars? Did you think that Toyota, Ford, GMH make all the parts?