Ford Came Good!
Submitted: Thursday, Oct 11, 2012 at 22:40
ThreadID:
98492
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Member - alandale
I would like to thank Ford and the Tropical Auto group
Rockhampton for fast tracking the replacement of my Ford
Ranger towbar. Replaced today.
I Rang Ford
Melbourne Tuesday 2/10/12 before they opened and left a message. Later in the day rang I Ford
Melbourne again and was given the run around to different departments that told me that the towbars were unavailable and there was nothing they could do for me. On Thursday 4/10/12 a person from Ford
Melbourne rang regarding the out of hours phone call and she said that a certain person was in charge of that and would get back to me in 24 hours, which happened, and that she would ring Tropical Auto Group and have one supplied and fitted. Received a phone call Tuesday 8/10 from
Melbourne to say the tow bar was in
Rockhampton and to get in touch with Tropical Auto Group.
Another concern, when I got it
home I noticed on the tow capacity It stated it could only tow 1800kg trailers. I was on the understanding my vehicle could tow three tonn.
I drove all the way back & had something to say. They showed me on the label that all of the towbars can only tow 1800kg but if you put a Load distribution hitch on you can legally tow three tonn.
I had to spend another $450 for a Load distribution hitch so I could tow my 2200kg van.
A lot of people could also be caught by the stated 3.0 tonn towing capacity when they can only do that with a weight distribution hitch fitted.
Reply By: Lyn W3 - Friday, Oct 12, 2012 at 06:54
Friday, Oct 12, 2012 at 06:54
WOW..........
I think for an extra $200.00 I would be buying a 3300kg rated Hayman tow bar.
Hayman Tow Bar for new Ranger
AnswerID:
496514
Follow Up By: Member - adriang - Friday, Oct 12, 2012 at 07:22
Friday, Oct 12, 2012 at 07:22
I believe "alandale" has an earlier model
ranger that has had a recall due to cracking of the towbars.
Cheers
adgale
FollowupID:
772209
Follow Up By: Lyn W3 - Friday, Oct 12, 2012 at 08:00
Friday, Oct 12, 2012 at 08:00
OK for $473 (or $23.00 more that the WDH) he could have a 3000kg rated tow bar from Hayman instead of a weight distribution hitch.
3000 kg Ranger Tow hitch
Personally I would feel a lot safer with a 3000 kg rated hitch.
FollowupID:
772216
Follow Up By: Member - alandale - Friday, Oct 12, 2012 at 10:51
Friday, Oct 12, 2012 at 10:51
Thanks Guys,
The Ford towbar was supplied and fitted free. The Load distribution hitch is also Ford and is a Ford recommended part that needs to be fitted to give me a towing capacity of 3000kg. I'm keeping within their specs, and not mix & match so neither wants the blame.
Personally I cant see how a towbar that is rated to tow only 1800kg for one vehicle can be rated higher for another and also can almost double its capacity if the Load distribution hitch is used.
Cheers Alan
FollowupID:
772235
Follow Up By: Member - Michael P (QLD) - Friday, Oct 12, 2012 at 19:11
Friday, Oct 12, 2012 at 19:11
Alan & Dale Hi,
As I have always believed, a Load (weight) distribution hitch transfers weight/load from the rear wheels to the front wheels.
I cannot understand how one would increase the towing capacity of the towbar. Before I could believe that I would need to see an amended compliance plate.
There will be a compliance plate on your tow bar, whatever that compliance plate states is the maximum the vehicle can LEGALLY tow.
That's my belief but I could be wrong and think You should be having a very serious and frank discussion with Your "Friendly" Ford Dealer.
Regards Mike.
FollowupID:
772272
Follow Up By: Lyn W3 - Friday, Oct 12, 2012 at 21:39
Friday, Oct 12, 2012 at 21:39
Mike,
I'd have to agree with you 100%.
Just can't see how you could tow 2300kg with a towbar rated at 1800kg.
When you read ADR62 it is quite specific. Compliance testing is quite detailed and doesn't mention increased capacity by using a WDH. An 1800kg rated tow bar is just that RATED at 1800kg
Evidently many are going with the 3300kg H/R option but Ford still wants the old one back and they will give you a new one in a box.
FollowupID:
772278
Follow Up By: Member - alandale - Sunday, Oct 14, 2012 at 21:12
Sunday, Oct 14, 2012 at 21:12
Mike,
While I was waiting in the Ford Showroom I read the specifications of the Ford Towbars for the
Ranger. I noticed there were three types of towbar, Standard, Medium and Heavy Duty. The 1800kg being the standard. The Heavy Duty was the same towbar but it had to have the Load Distribution hitch to be Heavy Duty.
I pointed out to the dealer there in his own showroom in one of his own manuals was a description of three different strengths of towbar. He said no there is only one towbar.
Alan
FollowupID:
772390
Follow Up By: Member - Michael P (QLD) - Monday, Oct 15, 2012 at 13:00
Monday, Oct 15, 2012 at 13:00
Alan Hi,
If you have a copy of Fords specs stating that the HD towbar with LDH attached or the Ford dealer gives you a letter/e-mail confirming that you can legally tow 3000kg. then you are probably covered.
Regards Mike.
FollowupID:
772422
Reply By: wato35 - Friday, Oct 12, 2012 at 14:39
Friday, Oct 12, 2012 at 14:39
"Ford came good" now thats a quote you don't hear at
Bathurst.
AnswerID:
496565
Reply By: Ross M - Friday, Oct 12, 2012 at 14:54
Friday, Oct 12, 2012 at 14:54
Ford didn't, come good, as you put it, they only honoured their statutory obligations that's all. They are bound to do it by law and deserve no special mention if they do.
You can't drive a heavy vehicle down that road eg B double, but if you pay for a permit you can drive it down the same road.
Towbars, similar, pay more money and the rules can change and now you can tow double.
In this case a Tow double not a B double.
I don't understand the language but i can recognize a $50 note at 40 paces.
I think, Tow and Pull, have two diffferent meanings and those who want to tow, get pull ability mixed up with towing ability. Just cos it will Pull it along, doesn't mean it can Tow it, effortlessly.
AnswerID:
496568