Towbar wiring - is it safe ?

[Tubthumper]

Hi all,

Going to fit a single 12n socket towbar to my HDI estate, but have been told that Scotchlocking into the lighting loom upsets the BSI ? I've also been told conflicting stories, that it'll work fine !! Any ideas ?

[grasmere59]

I'll check mine but i think it is just scotchlocked on to the loom,remember you will need the indicator buzzer working as i am led to understand that towbars will soon be part of the MOT check.When i wired my BMW towbar i needed to use a bypass relay as it has warnings on the mfd when a bulb is out and thought when i plugged the caravan in there was a lighting fault,i don't know if the 406 is that sensitive.

[Doggy]

406's don't have bulb fail sensing, (less to go wrong and full voltage to the headlight bulbs).

[scotty73]

The buzzer only works when your towing so unless they request you take your caravan to the mot station or they try a trailer board how will they know if the buzzer works or even if theres one fitted?

[Busman]

The buzzer only works when your towing so unless they request you take your caravan to the mot station or they try a trailer board how will they know if the buzzer works or even if theres one fitted?

Because they have a test set of lights.

[grasmere59]

From what i have heard i think they will have a test rig to check the functions of the towbars electrics.

[scotty73]

Ok but surely the buzzer don't come under the mot rules, most tow bars are sold without them so in my eyes aslong as the electrics work then it's not a problem, then again they make the stupid rules up so your probably right.

[grasmere59]

I think it is in the regulations that when a towbar is fitted it must also have a buzzer fitted aswell but don't quote me on that.

[robb]

Hi when I fitted my towbar to my D8 estate I just scotch locked into my wiring loom and have had no problems ,and yes it has to have a buzzer by law

[Tubthumper]

Thanks all, and on balance, I'm guessing it's safe to Scotchlock away !

It's been a law that towbar electrics should have either a buzzer, or a light on the dash to confirm that the indicators on the trailer are working for a few years now, but I've had many cars with bars fitted, and not one had either.

[grasmere59]

My vans got a buzzer fitted and it's somewhere just behind the bulkhead and it perforates your eardrums when you indicate while towing!

[Tubthumper]

Thanks for dropping the roof bars in to me today Brett, much appreciated. I haven't had a chance to have a good look at them yet, but with a bit of luck, I'll be snowed in tomorrow, unable to get to work, leaving me the day to play in the garage

[scotty73]

I should have fun in July when it's MOT time then because the guy who fitted my towbar last month will be the one doing my Mot. (without a buzzer)

[robb]

My vans got a buzzer fitted and it's somewhere just behind the bulkhead and it perforates your eardrums when you indicate while towing!

.......Lol I know what you mean I fitted the bleeper behind the light panel at the back of my car and it was so loud my dog used to howl, when I indicated so I wrapped some insulation tape round it and it is stil audible.