Towbar and LPG

[Boz Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Boz]

Hi, I enquired at some local places about getting a hitch receiver fitted to my 90 series. I already have an LPG tank fitted. I've chosen to go with Hayman Reese as I have heard that the genuine Toyota gooseneck is smaller in diameter? :?

Has anyone fitted a towbar/hitch receiver to a 90 series that already has LPG fitted?

I was told by some places that they won't do the fitting and that Hayman Reese have discontinued making towbars/hitch receivers for Prado's fitted with gas due to design/safety issues. Effectively, bad luck no towbar for you! :cry:

Other places have said that they need to see the car. If there is no impediment to accessing the installation points they are happy to do it (not sure what this means re the above story I've been told :? ) and if there is an access issue they need to get the car to an auto gas place, have the gas disconnected and drop out the tank, fit the towbar then refit the tank and reconnect the gas. This seems like a big job and will raise the $$$ of the overall cost. Anyone been through similar?

I mainly want the hitch receiver so I have a rear recovery point but might do some towing at some stage.

Any advice/war stories would be appreciated. Thanks.

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

Re: Towbar and LPG

Hi Boz,
I don't have LPG on my Prado but knowing how the towbar is fitted I do not believe it would interfere with a LPG Tank at all.

I have the Toyota towbar and it is the same size hitch reciever as the Hayman Reece .

My thoughts are if Hayman Reece won't supply (and I think they will) go with the Toyota one.

Lee

[Boz Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Boz]

Re: Towbar and LPG

Thanks Leethal... I'm feeling more confident at least

I'm taking the Prado to see one of the towbar fitters in the morning to see what they have to say. Will keep all posted in-case my saga is of any use to anyone else that might find themselves in the same predicament.

[Tony&Tracey Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Tony&Tracey]

Re: Towbar and LPG

Hi boz,

just a couple of points here:

1. i have a 2000 prado with factory tow bar. i've had a patrol lpg tank fitted as it has a bigger capacity. when the gas fitter installed it, the towbar was never touched, not moved, not lowered, untouched

2. by the Hayman Reece catalogue, the correct towbar for a non gas vehicle is R1492, the R means that it is a 50mm hitch, L means 40mm or light. however for a prado with gas and they usually mean factory gas (if it was ever available in this model), the "+" means that it is now a deleted line

3. just be carefully when looking at toyota and h/r towbars. in fact whilst they are both 50mm sq hitches, the toyota hitch has a tigher radius on the corners that the h/r, meaning that as you try and slide the hitch in, it will bind on the corners. just be careful

hope this helps a bit

regards Tony