Retrofit Towbar/hitch

[Nhokas]

Hello.
Anyone knows if it is possible to install of a retrofit towbar? I want to install the towbar that DS installs when the car is beeing produced. Already have the towbar part number but i need to know if all the cars come from the factory with an electrical harness for it ? (according to the description, there is one harness oh the towbar part with 2 plugs) need to know if it is "plug n play"?

[GiveMeABreak]

As far as I'm aware and according to UK spec brochures, there is only 1 towbar available to order with the vehicle on order (factory fit). All the others are BOSAL units and fitted in after-sales. The type will depend on vehicle engine as to which are compatible (PHEV vehicles require a specific type).

[Nhokas]

That's the one (factory one) i want to install... but my car is "on the road" almost one year ago.
I found the part number of that one, but the electric harness brings only 2 plugs... my question is if i need anything more or if all the cars come from factory with the cables where those 2 plugs are supposed to connect...

[Rp0thejester]

I'm not sure on this model, when I had the astra it didn't have auto close windows, but it was electronically able to if I bought the missing relay and put it in. I'd imagine it could be fitted as cars are factory made the same, it's only at the end of the production line that things get left off, IMO

[GiveMeABreak]

That's the one (factory one) i want to install... but my car is "on the road" almost one year ago.
I found the part number of that one, but the electric harness brings only 2 plugs... my question is if i need anything more or if all the cars come from factory with the cables where those 2 plugs are supposed to connect...

There is no further information available on the factory fitted system that I have.

Most people I know choose the specific one for their needs afterwards from those on offer as there are different ones to suit different needs (removable with no tools, removable with a few tools, non-removable and again with the electric kits depending on whether you need supplementary wiring harness for refrigeration circuit in a caravan for example etc. etc.

Only your dealer may be able to help ascertain what model was fitted and whether it was also one of those listed in aftersales. If you have the part number of the factory fitted one I can tell you if it is the same as any listed in after-sales.

[Nhokas]

From what i've been told there isn't a single option of towbar for my case.... i don't know why but they tell me that it is not possible to install (not even from factory) a towbar on a e-tense with 20 inch weels.....,
Can anyone confirm this?

[Rp0thejester]

20inch wheels might be the issue, that's a very high ride height. I can imagine a caravan or trailer sparking up the road as it's tipped back that much

[GiveMeABreak]

From what i've been told there isn't a single option of towbar for my case.... i don't know why but they tell me that it is not possible to install (not even from factory) a towbar on a e-tense with 20 inch weels.....,
Can anyone confirm this?

That is correct, now with the additional information you have supplied, DS Autos state:

Non compatible avec DS7 E-tense 4x4 équipée de roues 20".

If I had your VIN to start with I could of told you that straight away. So there are no compatible towbars in aftersales with DS Automobiles and if you look at the sales brochure, it clearly states that the factory-fit option is NOT COMPATIBLE with this specific engine and trim, so would NOT of been available as a factory fit option at ordering.

Click Image to Zoom

[Nhokas]

From what i've been told there isn't a single option of towbar for my case.... i don't know why but they tell me that it is not possible to install (not even from factory) a towbar on a e-tense with 20 inch weels.....,
Can anyone confirm this?

That is correct, now with the additional information you have supplied, DS Autos state:

Non compatible avec DS7 E-tense 4x4 équipée de roues 20".

If I had your VIN to start with I could of told you that straight away. So there are no compatible towbars in aftersales with DS Automobiles and if you look at the sales brochure, it clearly states that the factory-fit option is NOT COMPATIBLE with this specific engine and trim, so would NOT of been available as a factory fit option at ordering.

Click Image to Zoom

I only need the towbar, to use a bike carrier... i do not have a caravan or trailer....
Any ideia why is not compatible? Does my only solution is to buy a new set of wheels 19 or 17? Plus 4 new tires.... only to be alble to instal a towbar for a bike carrier???

[GiveMeABreak]

Hi

I know that for towing, it will at least have to do with the weight. With the extra weight that EVs have already, it will be the additional strain on the suspension and braking systems of these vehicles and also possibly to do with the fitting equipment which is quite heavy in itself (given the proximity to the where the battery is located). Only certain vehicles are certificated for towing and this one is evidently not - so I would advise against it as any accident could invalidate your insurance.

I know they do Bike Carriers for the roof though.

If you provide your VIN I can see what they specify for your vehicle. Please post your VIN in full without spaces - it will be automatically masked from public view after submitting your post & will only be visible to staff.

[Nhokas]

Hi

I know that for towing, it will at least have to do with the weight. With the extra weight that EVs have already, it will be the additional strain on the suspension and braking systems of these vehicles and also possibly to do with the fitting equipment which is quite heavy in itself (given the proximity to the where the battery is located). Only certain vehicles are certificated for towing and this one is evidently not - so I would advise against it as any accident could invalidate your insurance.

I know they do Bike Carriers for the roof though.

If you provide your VIN I can see what they specify for your vehicle. Please post your VIN in full without spaces - it will be automatically masked from public view after submitting your post & will only be visible to staff.

I know that there are roof solutions... in this case, i already have the towbar carrier and it is not easy to load 4 electric bikes on any roof.... not to mention i have to load them on the street and not on the garage.
And if i cannot use the towbar due to a weight limit, the bikes on the roof dont get lighter

Either way here is the number VR1**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

Thank you

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, you need to be aware that your vehicle has 2 safety recalls outstanding! Have a read of this whilst I'm looking at the accessories for the vehicle.

I'd get this booked into your dealer as soon as possible - all work will be free.

Details:

1) JHW - PHEV Traction Battery Support (16/04/2023)
Add drain holes to lower traction battery support (If not already present). Dry area between support and lower traction battery casing with air pressure. Apply corrosion protection wax.

2) JQF - PHEV - BMS Software (06/04/2023)
BMS (Battery Management System) will be reflashed with an enhanced battery monitoring software. In case defective High voltage battery will be detected, High voltage battery will be replaced.

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, so back to the towbar issue. I've looked at the only towbar listed for this model and as you can see from the description the same indicated not compatible with the 20" wheels. I suspect (but don't quote me on this), that it may be to do with the sheer size of the wheels and the fitting of the towbar and electrics.

Click Images to Zoom

In the fitting instruction sheet, you can see it does list the e-tense

DS7 CROSSBACK; DS7 (X74)
DS7 CROSSBACK E-TENSE; DS7 E-TENSE (X74 PHEV)

So the question is - if you changed the wheels for a smaller size would this then be OK?
DS then do a 1,2,3 or 4 bike carrier shown here as an example on the C5 X7:

[Nhokas]

Confused...
2 questions:
Changing the wheels to a lower diameter (19/17) will i be able to mount the towbar?
The Bike support that you posted is an option for me?

Another question: How/where can i see my engine number? (i need it for some legal papers in my country)

Thank you

[GiveMeABreak]

1) Changing Wheels: Possibly - you would have to clarify with DS Autos, as looking at the fitting brochure for both types of Towbar, they do specify they are for the DS7 E-tense, but specifically state not for the E-tense fitted with 20" wheels on the sales page. So that is a question you would have to ask them to check if that's an option to reduce wheel size and then will it be OK to fit the recommended towbar. The dealer has access to French Tech Support -so maybe you can ask them to clarify when you get the recall work done I mentioned - did you see my previous post about this?

2) Yes the Bike supports are options for this vehicle once an appropriate towbar is fitted.

3) Engine Type: EP6FADTXHP. If you want the serial number I will PM it.

4) Get the Recall work done - as this can affect your battery and may require a replacement!