Front mounted towbar for 1997 TZ?

[97TZ Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close 97TZ]

Hi

I have done a search, but nothing has come up re front mounted towbars. I have a 5m boat that is difficult to manouver into the parking space at home due to lack of turning space and a slight downhill gradient which makes it a real hassle to move single handedly once unhitched from the Prado. A front mounted towbar certainly would make life easier and mean that the boat gets more use.

Just wondering if anyone here has added a front mounted tow bar to their Prado?

BestBars here in NZ have said they don't manufacture them and that I may need to go and see an engineer. They also mentioned the airbags may pose a problem.

Thanks

[xlr8_87 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close xlr8_87]

Re: Front mounted towbar for 1997 TZ?

Haven't heard of any over here.

You could always go to a custom bar maker and I'm sure they'd be able to knock something up for you?

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

Re: Front mounted towbar for 1997 TZ?

Hi 97TZ,

Being from the automotive accessory industry for close to 30 years, i have over the years had fitted a number of towbars. whilst i havent had to fit any front bars, you may want to enquire with your local Hayman Reese towbar agent. there is a universal truck towbar that has the standard type square hitch receiver mounted to a square section crossbar. but also in the kit are 2 end mount mounts. these plates are designed slide along the crossbar to the varying width of many different chassis widths and when at the right width, it is just welded to fix solid. this may be an avenue for you.

re the airbags, over here it is up to an engineer to approve the install, i'm not sure about the rules over there

regards Tony

[97TZ Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close 97TZ]

Re: Front mounted towbar for 1997 TZ?

Thanks for the replies guys.

Have been contacted by a guy through a fishing forum I use. He's local and made his own custom front tow bar. I have also been told of a local towbar company who custom make front bars. Going to make life a lot easier once I get something sorted.

Cheers

[blackdoggriffon1976 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close blackdoggriffon1976]

Re: Front mounted towbar for 1997 TZ?

Giv e these guys a go. http://www.watling-towbars.co.uk/index.html I found them whilst investigating one for myself. They actually list one specifically for the 90/95 series.