C5x7 towbar fitting

[Stickyfinger]

Fitting the tow bar that I have had in the garage for a while.....it seems I have to get a car "OoopNorff" soon so this seemed the best thing (and a job done)
Bumper off....(cheers vab for the files)



waxoiled and new bar fitted


OK....now the wires...

?? Do I need another device to switch off the reversing sensors ?

http://www.rydertowing.co.uk/downloads/ ... ctions.pdf

Is there any point in this relay (NOT a caravanner ? why on a trailer ?)
http://www.towingelectrics.com/relays_caravan.php

[lexi]

I only put the smart box on the Vel. Like you, it was a basic trailer I was towing.
That was CAN BUS too.

[Stickyfinger]

What about your parking sensors ?

[lexi]

They were impeded by the towbar and the signals went silly!
I think it depends on the shape of towbar. My towbar was one where the bumper had to be cut. ie a very basic cheap one.
Some towbars are more forgiving of course, like OE ones probably.

[vborovic]

Oh, the horror ... oh, the agony ... ... don't worry, hopefully I'll be doing the same to my car next year ... ... as for the parking sensors and the tow bar, the "genuine" kit, and some aftermarket ones as well, get linked to the BSI (of course, telecoding is involved) in a way that when the trailer gets connected (not only mechanically, but the socket must be plugged in as well), the car automatically uses the tow-bar mode (BSR I believe, or something like that) ... the reverse sensors get deactivated, and the ABS/ESP behave differently, since the car is now a 2-piece object ... that's why the "genuine" kits are usually pricier (I believe around 250 € for the Citroen part) ... what the actual difference is (why the cheaper ones don't talk with the BSI like the more expensive ones) I never managed to figure out ...

[Stickyfinger]

believe around 250 € for the Citroen part

yep, seen that now and b0ll0cks to it as well ....that is nearly 1/2 a 2nd hand Xantia for some wires and a board/relay.

I will not often tow so when not, I will remove the swan neck/flange if it is picked up by the sensors.

[vborovic]

True, but that's 1/100 of a new X7 ... ... what a perspective, eh ...

[addo]

I have become sold on the benefits of on-board computers that accommodate the "train" of tow vehicle and trailing mass.

Hindsight isn't worth a cracker in my world.

[Sloppysod]

Just a few points to pickup on,
1, The OEM system turns the reversing sensors of by a small optical switch which is triggered when the plug is pushed into the socket, very crude, but effective.
2, I looked at other systems and very few turn off the reversing sensors and tell the car that a trailer is attached, thus changing the ESP and ABS accordingly.
3, I chose the OEM setup so the car knows that my cycle rack is on the back, because if you watch a towbar mounted rack on the back of a car it sways allover the place.
4, lastly - how did you unclip the rear bumper? As I was not brave enough so I fitted my bracket by only removing the lower valance, fiddly but doable.


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[Stickyfinger]

As I will tow rarely ( I have an estate car after all) I do not see that the sensors being an auto off feature will be to much of a problem so am OK without that feature. All "other" times I will remove the swan-neck from the main bracket as a tow bar will get in the way of loading heavy radiators.

Again, I understand the added benefit of the system linked to the ESP/ALB, but again the "once or twice" a year "risk" (touch wood) is OK by me. IF I decide to use it more by using a trailer for deliveries then I can update the interface.

The bumper ( I found out from removing the front) just needs a flat plastic blade pushed (I used a filler mixer) in, from via the wheel arch to release it, then tug

[vborovic]

If I see correctly, your exhaust has 2 pipes bend downwards, right (with the 2.0 HDi engine) ? ... mine has only one (larger in diameter), which is slightly disadvantageous for my dual exhaust project ...

[Stickyfinger]

Yes. x 2 ...you spotted correctly....but its on my 2.0ltr which make all the difference

[vborovic]

Don't we have the same engines or is yours a petrol?

[Stickyfinger]

Don't we have the same engines or is yours a petrol?

Yes it's an Oiler and I don't know if they are the same (I would think so)