{"id":2358,"date":"2020-03-13T09:05:33","date_gmt":"2020-03-13T08:05:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autopartspro.co.uk\/tips-advice\/?p=2358"},"modified":"2020-03-13T09:09:50","modified_gmt":"2020-03-13T08:09:50","slug":"towbar-wiring-kit-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autopartspro.co.uk\/tips-advice\/towbar-wiring-kit-guide-2358","title":{"rendered":"Retrofitting a towbar with wiring kit – guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Not all cars have a towbar ex-works, either because this was not considered when ordering the car or the original owner did not require one. Now you consider retrofitting a towbar. But what to look for? This guide provides you with an overview of the technology and conditions for towing a trailer.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Requirements for installing a towbar<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"RequirementsA towbar is a practical item<\/strong><\/em>. Yet, technology has advanced considerably for trailer couplings as well. Over the last few years, onboard wiring has made a quantum leap and the legal requirements for driving a car with trailer have become stricter.<\/p>\n

This article describes the following topic areas with respect to retrofitting a towbar with wiring kit:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n

1. The right driving licence for towing a trailer in traffic<\/a>
\n2. Different versions of trailer couplings<\/a>
\n3. Additional technical requirements for the wiring kit<\/a>
\n4. DIY installation of a towbar with wiring kit<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

1. The right driving licence for towing a trailer: what applies in the UK<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"drivingA full driving licence category B allows you to drive a car or van up to 3.500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM if you passed your driving test on or after 1 January 1997<\/em>. Alternatively, you are allowed to tow a trailer over 750kg MAM<\/em> as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3.500 kg<\/em>.<\/p>\n

If you want to tow heavier combinations, be sure to follow the steps as described on the www.gov.uk website<\/a> with respect to towing a trailer. You can apply for a provisional licence for a medium-sized lorry and a trailer. After passing the lorry test, you can take the driving test for a C1 + E driving licence<\/em>. Prior to buying and installing a trailer coupling, check your driving licence with regard to the trailer you want to tow and if necessary make an application for the required licence.<\/p>\n

Be advised that a general full driving licence is adequately sufficient for bicycle carriers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"buy<\/a><\/p>\n

Towbar \u2022 Top Choice<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

available up from \u00a3 100<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Order now<\/a> \u21d2<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<\/table>\n

2. The different versions of towbars<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"TheA critical size reference for trailer couplings is the maximum permissible load, i.e. the load weighing on the trailer coupling. Both trailers and vehicles<\/strong> have a permissible load.
\n\"maximumThe maximum permissible load for the car<\/strong><\/em> is generally mentioned in the vehicle registration, provided the car was equipped with a towbar by the manufacturer<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n

2.1 Matching the permissible load for car and towbar<\/strong><\/h4>\n

There are exceptions:<\/strong> several luxury models, racing cars and hybrid cars (electric engine combined with a combustion engine)<\/em>.
\n\"towbar<\/p>\n