Towbar - Mk5

[rallyevo3]

I have a steel rear bumper that has a 10" deep step welded to it, it looks beefy and mounts to the chassis using the towbar pickup points... have you heard of anyone fastening a towball to the step? I sure the sheer strength (pull/push) will be fine... I was wondering about the up and down whilst towing...

The long and short is I must have a towball but would like to keep the step

Ian

[MrMPuk]

There are a few different types of rear step bumper, if you post a picture I will be able to get a better idea of the type you have.

[Luke]

the extra leaverage would only be like having a towbar on the early lwb (with the long overhang) so i'd guess it would be ok

[rallyevo3]

Here Goes





That looks like a crack underneath... best check that out!

[MrMPuk]

To be honest I think that would take a tow bar, but just had a thought that vehicles after a certain age require the tow bar to be E11 marked and I think your van would be to new!

[Luke]

i thought the new towbar rule was for 51 plates onwards - not sure though!!
Either way i'd stick a tow ball on that!! - providing it isnt a crack

[rallyevo3]

Found this

Q "I have a Motor Caravan and a 1999 Transit Van - do I need to fit a Type Approved Towbar to them?"
A NO. Vans, Pick Ups (including double cabs, crew cabs), Chassis Cabs, Motor Homes, Personnaly imported vehicles (not bearing EC Type Approval), vehicles not for use on the public road and any vehicle classed as a motorcycle do not need a Type Approved towbar although in the case of the Transit Van most towbar manufactures would Type Approved there towbar for it.

http://www.towbarsdirect.co.uk/q_a.htm

This reads like you don't need type approval...

[MrMPuk]

Reading the other bits on that website I would say fit one but if it breaks you would be for the chop!

[madmark]

i am shure that would take a towbar no problem its the same sort of fitting! and plety strong enouph!

[24vMk2]

My van has its tow hitch on its step, it looks better made than the one of my Mk3

[phil g]

i would most important is what your gonna pull with it if its a twin axle caravan ,no- smaller caravan or bike trailer etc no problem

[rallyevo3]

How About a Mitsi EVO 3 Rally Car!

[Luke]

If you do do it - just keep an eye on it! it isnt gonna snap without warning- if its not up to the job it will bend first! - and show signs that its gonna break! if it does then you will have to replace it with something more "manly"

I once pulled a tree stump out with my mk1 and it bent the hell out of my tow bar - but didnt break and was ok ever after!!!

[Nighthawk]

That doesn't look like a crack to me, it appears there is a thread of some sorts ontop of the metal.

as long as the ball is mounted on the step with suitable bolts, it should have no problem pulling the car.

[Gunslinger]

@24vMk2 .... be very wary of that step and towbar arrangement i had one on my mk2 ... and irt was only bolted to the floor worst piece of design i have seen for years, also bent the floor