Towbars

lukewhiting · 17 December 2013, 22:38

Getting a towbar fitted to my car so I can finally tow the boat myself! The cheapest quote I have so far is from dolphin trailers in poole (£185) I've tried most of the mobile services and local garages but most are over £200.

Does anybody know of anywhere else in poole that might be cheaper?

simon23 · 17 December 2013, 22:42

Thats not a bad price if it incudes the electrics

Poly · 17 December 2013, 23:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by simon23

Thats not a bad price if it includes the electrics

Yip, I doubt you'll get significantly cheaper I've had 4 fitted over the years on a range of cars and I don't remember any being much less than that, and most a bit more. You can DIY it, but I've always concluded it wasn't worth it for the hassle / confidence in it factor.

Nos4r2 · 18 December 2013, 00:25

Tried Ambrow in Christchurch?

thomas · 18 December 2013, 08:06

I'd go reputable rather than cheap, what you save now you could spend later on sorting out hashed electrics.

Trimix · 18 December 2013, 08:30

I fitted my own, which is not rocket science - but it takes time and you will pay for labour. If you get a cheap quote they will have to cut corners somewhere and end up doing a rushed / shoddy job.

The electrics are fiddly, you can save time by using poor connectors which will fail soon after you have paid for the job.

I paid about £200+ so your quote is pretty cheap. Just ask them how they do the electrics and watch them do it.

SW Boat Transport · 18 December 2013, 08:52

I would echo the comments above. I don't think you will get it done for much less than that unless you do it yourself. I have fitted several towbars in the past. Bolting them on is relatively straightforward, but the electrics on modern vehicles are becoming a complete nightmare. My current towbar I had professionally fitted for just over £200.

Chris Caton · 18 December 2013, 08:54

Luke, what car are you fitting the towbar to, makes a difference to the advice? for instance, if it's a landrover, buy the kit and fit it yourself, but if it's something with cambus wiring and no connection to plu straight into, then pay for the fitting but as previously stated, watch what they do and make sure they use proper connections and not them horrible quick connectors

steco1958 · 18 December 2013, 10:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Caton

Luke, what car are you fitting the towbar to, makes a difference to the advice? for instance, if it's a landrover, buy the kit and fit it yourself, but if it's something with cambus wiring and no connection to plu straight into, then pay for the fitting but as previously stated, watch what they do and make sure they use proper connections and not them horrible quick connectors

Absolutely, +1

I paid over £300 to have mine installed, I have fitted loads myself but at the time, I had none (time that is), so I sat back and allowed someone else to do it.

No regrets on spending the money

Trimix · 18 December 2013, 11:03

There are some jobs that are simple, but turn out to be a right pain to do.

Towbars easily fall into that category.

I fitted my towbar, but crawling about under the van in the dark, getting mud and grit in my eyes. Then taking the bumper off and breaking the daft plastic clips that hold the trim on, then finding the wiring harness plug in was for the wrong year and having to re-order it, then finding the fog light blinked instead of the indicators.

So, sometimes its just easier to pay someone.

Barrowboy · 18 December 2013, 11:43

Pay someone to do it!

Believe me, there is nothing worse than reversing your pride and joy round a corner and down a slipway with the high-pitched reverse gear parking-aid sensor siren going off constantly because you've been unable to work out how to disable it when the trailer's hitched up!

Chris Caton · 18 December 2013, 12:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barrowboy

Pay someone to do it!

Believe me, there is nothing worse than reversing your pride and joy round a corner and down a slipway with the high-pitched reverse gear parking-aid sensor siren going off constantly because you've been unable to work out how to disable it when the trailer's hitched up!

read the instructions Tony, you know it makes sense

peterwhite · 18 December 2013, 13:17

I agree with all of the above comments. Not worth the hassle and don't get it done on the cheap. Especially now that towbars and wiring are now part of an MOT. Could end up with a fail and then have to pay plenty to get it fixed in time for a retest.

Barrowboy · 18 December 2013, 14:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Caton

read the instructions Tony, you know it makes sense

Funny that. Exactly what the Leader of the Opposition said so there was absolutely NO CHANCE of that happening........until I was alone in the man cave a couple of days later!

Chris Caton · 18 December 2013, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barrowboy

Funny that. Exactly what the Leader of the Opposition said so there was absolutely NO CHANCE of that happening........until I was alone in the man cave a couple of days later!

good stuff

davej · 20 December 2013, 23:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by lukewhiting

Getting a towbar fitted to my car so I can finally tow the boat myself! The cheapest quote I have so far is from dolphin trailers in poole (£185) I've tried most of the mobile services and local garages but most are over £200.

Does anybody know of anywhere else in poole that might be cheaper?

Another take is buy the bits from towsure, fit the metal work yourself which maybe very simple and then have a local motor factor do the electrics for you. It maybe significantly cheaper but you need to price it up. My neighbour did just this recently and saved a fair bit of cash, he also painted up the metal work and made sure it was well protected against rusting.

Just a thought
Dave j

A1an · 21 December 2013, 00:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by lukewhiting

Getting a towbar fitted to my car so I can finally tow the boat myself! The cheapest quote I have so far is from dolphin trailers in poole (£185) I've tried most of the mobile services and local garages but most are over £200.

Does anybody know of anywhere else in poole that might be cheaper?

£185 fitted?

Bargain!

I just paid £200 for the metalwork alone.

lukewhiting · 21 December 2013, 00:44

Booked it in with dolphin trailers tommorow morning! Had a chat with the guy and he seemed pretty good.

They've got a great shop in there filled with snipe trailers & all parts plus loads more! Worth a look for anyone on here id say

Poly · 21 December 2013, 10:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by davej

Another take is buy the bits from towsure, fit the metal work yourself which maybe very simple and then have a local motor factor do the electrics for you. It maybe significantly cheaper but you need to price it up. My neighbour did just this recently and saved a fair bit of cash, he also painted up the metal work and made sure it was well protected against rusting.

Just a thought
Dave j

The electrics aren't necessarily the worst bit (although to do it right young luke might need tools he doesn't have). As someone said above the instructions assume you know what you are doing and will say "remove bumper" - which to the uninitiated involves snapping bits off so it never goes back on properly! Many installations also involve cutting a whole in the bumper which is a PITA and not necessarily a job for the beginner.

PeterM · 21 December 2013, 10:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by lukewhiting

Booked it in with dolphin trailers tommorow morning! Had a chat with the guy and he seemed pretty good.

They've got a great shop in there filled with snipe trailers & all parts plus loads more! Worth a look for anyone on here id say

Excellent news! No excuse not to tow to lymington and go to yarmouth for nachos on 5th Jan! :-)