Visiting a breakers - tow bar?

[biosurf]

I'm probably visiting a breakers on bank hol Monday who say they have a Surf with a tow bar on it that I can have for £65 (the tow bar not the Surf).

I don't want to tow anything at the moment but thought it can't hurt to have one on to use as a stronger recovery point in the future. Of course if it hangs down too far and will just act like a plough I'll leave it.

question is.. is there any way I can judge how sturdy the bar is or whether its rated as I guess if its used for recovery it needs to put up with many tons of strain? They reckon they are easy to get off one vehicle and on another but I thought they were often welded on?

Any thoughts on removal re-fitting and is a tow bar really more trouble than its worth off road?

thanks

[BUSHWHACKER]

You can buy them cheaper than that brand new, on-line! (without the electrics though)

I'll see if I can find the link........

They're bolted on by the way.

[BUSHWHACKER]

The Ebay link shows invalid item now, but the guys number is in this thread....


http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/forums/sh...ow+bars&page=4

[biosurf]

thanks

Thanking you kindly Mr Whacker!
From looking at some of the other threads on here it seems that some have had problems fitting them themselves, or have I got that wrong? I was just thinking one already on a Surf might be easier just to slip on?

Also are they a real pain offroad?

cheers

[BUSHWHACKER]

Thanking you kindly Mr Whacker!
From looking at some of the other threads on here it seems that some have had problems fitting them themselves, or have I got that wrong? I was just thinking one already on a Surf might be easier just to slip on?

Also are they a real pain offroad?

cheers

They're only a problem when the tow ball is fitted, the truck has a saggy arse, and steep inclines are negotiated.
The bars in the above thread have virtually no overhang so they should be OK. I agree though, a lot less hassle if the bar has already been fitted to a Surf.


p.s. I don't have a tow-bar....yet.

[biosurf]

tow bars

Hmmm... tempting then... amongst all the other tempting add ons!

Is there any way of judging their general sturdiness by looking?

[Philip]

Parts

If the breakers happen to have a 3rd gen for breaking can you let me know. I'm in West London and looking for rear wind deflectors and rear offside corner bumper etc.
Thanks Philip 07966 903923

[LURCH]

p.s. I don't have a tow-bar....yet.

You will probably need a wheelie bar though Vince..............

[KERRSURF]

You don't need a tow bar as a recovery point, the holes welded to chassis are more than adequate. A couple of 8mt 7t strops will be fine with 2 D shackles.

[biosurf]

tow bar or not tow bar

Phillip: if I do go I'll look out for you and let you know if they have.

Kerrsurf: I have just got myself an 8m strop to use as a bridle with 4.75 ton bow shackles with a 4.5 meter nylon rope to attach to it which means it pulls pretty straight. so maybe I will stick with that.

Cheers all

[POPEYE]

Hi mate, i got one of those cheap bars that Vince linked to, for the money their very good/strong, you will need to drill a couple of holes tho as i'm sure they were made for the pick up which must be slightly different from the surf.
it aint no big deal tho, if i can fit it anyone can, ya dont get electric's or the ball hitch but looking at the difference in price there a good deal, a chinese "job lot" i think so he may not do em anymore,

[biosurf]

Breakers

Phillip- just to let you know they only had a 2nd Gen that had been pretty well stripped already and never had had a towbar anyway.