Towbars

[WeeGraeme]

I'm probably going to get a towbar on my Liberty just for towing a household trailer. I just wanted to ask how obtrusive the Subaru one is. What type of hitch does it have? (i.e. can you remove it easily and if it was obtrusive before, is it still so?)

Are any of the after market brands any better?

I rang Aranda towbars today and they're only $90 less than the price which Subaru is showing on their website.

[buggermedumplings]

I rang a few mobs like Hayman Reese etc and pricing about the same as Subaru. 50x50mm is the smallest they seem to sell for the Liberty which is a Heavy duty towbar. I'll let you know how far it protrudes when I pick up the car on Sat

[gt_dicko]

I have the Subaru one on my car,
It's pretty much the same as a Hayman Reese one. With the Square mount for the bar to plug in and out of.
It doesn't look too bad when the bar's not there, won't be able to put any photo's up this week though as I'm out of town on business.
If you do go for the subaru one, don't get the trailer plug mounted on the bottom of the bumper like mine, it doesn't like steep driveways, get them to put it on a fly lead that you hang out of the boot.

Also I got a transmission cooler as part of the package, which might be worth looking at if you're getting an AT.

Dicko.

[Tomarse]

I had a quote from Subaru for a tow bar and it came back at $900 . This did include a cooler and was told there was no warranty without the cooler on the auto .

I reckon the total parts is worth no more than $400.

I am still waiting to find one at a better price !!!

[Ric]

Here's some pics of the Subaru bar on mine





and with the bar removed:

[ChrisGT]

I have a light duty after market towbar that has a maximum vertical load rating on the ball of 8okgs. It's fairly unobtrusive and the tongue extension that holds the towball is secured by 2 bolts making it pretty quick to remove. I just use it to carry a bike rack, supplier advised it can be used for a normal household box trailer. From memory it was about $330.00 installed.

[bonski]

I have a light duty after market towbar that has a maximum vertical load rating on the ball of 8okgs. It's fairly unobtrusive and the tongue extension that holds the towball is secured by 2 bolts making it pretty quick to remove. I just use it to carry a bike rack, supplier advised it can be used for a normal household box trailer. From memory it was about $330.00 installed.

What brand buddy - this is exactly what i am after.

[Tomarse]

Not sure .I think I would prefer the hayman reece style.

[WeeGraeme]

Thanks, all. and thanks Ric for posting the photos.

[ChrisGT]

WG

Bar was supplied and fitted by Australian Auto Fashions( 1 300 789 598), they make their own stuff. Fitted straight up no hassles but they do take the rear bar off a cut a small piece out for the tongue(sedan). You can't see the cut out piece unless you're under the car.Was $330.00 inc tow ball & plug socket/wiring.

regards
Chris