BA Falcon with Ford 1600 kg tow bar

Submitted: Tuesday, Jan 11, 2005 at 18:54
ThreadID: 19271 Views:9750 Replies:5 FollowUps:4
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Having just purchased a BA Fairmont with a 1600kg Ford tow bar, I am puzzled at the manual's statement that NO after market weight distribution gear is to be used with this tow bar. I tow a 1200kg van but do not like the idea of not using stabiliser bars or weight sistribution gear of some sort. Any explanation/suggestions would be appreciated as to why this ban is applied.
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Reply By: Lucky Vic - Tuesday, Jan 11, 2005 at 18:58

Tuesday, Jan 11, 2005 at 18:58
That does not sound right . I drive a dreaded Avalon ( cue laughter ) and have all the gear in that baby.
AnswerID: 92484

Follow Up By: Darc - Tuesday, Jan 11, 2005 at 19:04

Tuesday, Jan 11, 2005 at 19:04
Thanks Lucky Vic. I quote from the Ford vehicle owners manual "After market load levelling kits or weight distribution hitches are not suitable for use on Ford approved Standard Duty Towbar"
I gather that the other towbar available from Ford,, a 2300kg heavy duty bar, has its own weight distribution hitch but I have not seen one.
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FollowupID: 351386

Reply By: Member - Luxoluk - Tuesday, Jan 11, 2005 at 20:21

Tuesday, Jan 11, 2005 at 20:21
This is a good question and well worth posting!! I suspect what Ford are saying is that the bar is not strong enough (as mounted to the vehicle) to withstand the torsional forces applied by the weight distribution bars. If the bar is mounted on a single plain then forces applied to the tow bar by the weight distribution hitch could have a similar effect as trying to wriggle the bar on its mountings.

Having investigated this issue for 250kg bars on my Commodore I talked directly with Hayman Reece and fitted a heavier bar with appropriate mounting points. I no longer run the risk of finding the bar detached from the vehicle!! If you are in Melb you could also discuss with some of the major caravan repairers/fitters such as Hardings in Bayswater.
AnswerID: 92505

Follow Up By: Darc - Tuesday, Jan 11, 2005 at 20:53

Tuesday, Jan 11, 2005 at 20:53
Thanks Luxoluk, I think you may be right. Will contact dealer here in NSW and see if it can be upgraded to 2300kg standard. It may be just the tongue too light? But I doubt that it could be that simple. Might take it for a run without the weight transfer gear to see how it rides though I don't think I would feel safe if all it takes to detach tow bar is a set of weight Dist. bars!!
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Reply By: fatboy - Tuesday, Jan 11, 2005 at 22:49

Tuesday, Jan 11, 2005 at 22:49
Hey Darc, have an au11 falcon sedan and have towed our boat with it approx 730 kg , and some gear in the car , this does push the rear down a fair bi , I don't like the chances of you pulling your van and being happy .I would put the heavier bar on it , I have seen them they look like a traditional hayman reece bar with the removable receiver.
Regards
Fatboy
AnswerID: 92546

Reply By: Darc - Wednesday, Jan 12, 2005 at 11:22

Wednesday, Jan 12, 2005 at 11:22
Hi Fatboy, Just went down to local dealer for a quote on upgrade to Ford 2300k bar. Cost $1200 odd but they didn't tell me if this was a totally new setup or just a new fitting. Ford web site lists the heavy duty bar as an assessory for much the same price so suspect they will remove the old one and totally replace apart from wiring. Tends to make selling the van an even more enticing prospect but the gear stick won't go with that!!
AnswerID: 92610

Reply By: BARRYR - Wednesday, Jan 12, 2005 at 15:36

Wednesday, Jan 12, 2005 at 15:36
If your towbar is rated at 1600kg IT should be the square hitch receiver type. To rate this bar to 2300 kg you have to add the weight distribution kit. If your present bar has a bolt on tongue it would only be rated to around 1200 kg. Have a look at the Hayman Reese website, their pricing is a lot lower than Fords. Barry.
AnswerID: 92659

Follow Up By: Darc - Wednesday, Jan 12, 2005 at 20:01

Wednesday, Jan 12, 2005 at 20:01
Thanks Barry.Local Ford dealer was quite ignorant of any towing requirements and I feel sure was just intent on selling new Tow rig- no wonder at the price he was quoting. Checked out Hayman Reece on net and they are only $540 for 2300K rating. Will check out local outlet tomorrow. Thanks to all for your help.
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FollowupID: 351570

Follow Up By: Darc - Thursday, Jan 13, 2005 at 10:36

Thursday, Jan 13, 2005 at 10:36
Local Hayman Reece outlet in town quoted $480 for new 2300k tow bar today, less than 40% of the quote from Ford to update. Thanks for the tip!
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FollowupID: 351645

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