C5x7 towbar fitting

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Stickyfinger
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C5x7 towbar fitting

Post by 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)
Image
Image

waxoiled and new bar fitted
Image

OK....now the wires...
Image
?? 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
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Re: C5x7 towbar fitting

Post by 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.
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Re: C5x7 towbar fitting

Post by Stickyfinger »

What about your parking sensors ?
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Re: C5x7 towbar fitting

Post by lexi »

They were impeded by the towbar and the signals went silly! :lol:
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.
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Re: C5x7 towbar fitting

Post by vborovic »

Oh, the horror ... oh, the agony ... :D ... don't worry, hopefully I'll be doing the same to my car next year ... :D ... 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 ...
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Re: C5x7 towbar fitting

Post by 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.
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Re: C5x7 towbar fitting

Post by vborovic »

True, but that's 1/100 of a new X7 ... :D ... what a perspective, eh ...
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Post by addo »

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

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Re: C5x7 towbar fitting

Post by 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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Re: C5x7 towbar fitting

Post by 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 :)
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Re: C5x7 towbar fitting

Post by 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 ...
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Re: C5x7 towbar fitting

Post by Stickyfinger »

Yes. x 2 ...you spotted correctly....but its on my 2.0ltr which make all the difference :)
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Re: C5x7 towbar fitting

Post by vborovic »

Don't we have the same engines or is yours a petrol?
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Re: C5x7 towbar fitting

Post by Stickyfinger »

vborovic wrote: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)
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