Do-it-yourself tow bar: when you can’t do without it, how to make it yourself

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Among drivers who travel long distances out of town, the question of how to make a tow hitch for a car with your own hands is a very pressing question. On sale you can find ready-made options for “classics” and new generation cars, but there is a category of car owners who prefer to make them themselves.

For a number of reasons, factory products do not always satisfy demanding users. Sometimes it is not possible to find a successful design, in some cases a person has his own ideas that he wants to bring to life, and some prefer to spend time and effort to avoid unnecessary financial expenses.

On the Internet you can easily find drawings of coupling devices for various brands of cars and instructions on how to weld and assemble the structure. Search forums and specialized websites - and you can choose a stationary, removable or quick-release option for your car model.

See also:

Drawing of a towbar for Renault Duster

Do-it-yourself matching block for a towbar

For owners of modern models equipped with a large number of electronic components and computer control systems, in addition to the device itself, you will need a special smart connector. It is needed so that the vehicle’s electrics do not perceive the connection of the trailer as an emergency and do not use the emergency shutdown.

The towbar is an indispensable device for car enthusiasts who lead an active lifestyle, love to travel, that is, people who often have to transport large luggage

The fact is that a towbar is not just a hook or a rear step, it is a device that, in addition to the direct clutch, connects the trailer’s electrical equipment to the vehicle’s on-board network. At the same time, turning on each electrical device increases the load on the car network, which computer control systems can perceive as an unauthorized intrusion.

A matching unit is a device that helps to intelligently distribute additional load according to a scheme that is understandable and acceptable for the machine’s electronics. It helps to avoid emergency shutdowns, overloads and other emergency situations.

See also:

Tow bar for Renault Duster 4x4

Do-it-yourself towbar ball

European coupling devices use a unified 50 mm ball - this is the same size for all brands of cars and trailers. In America there are two types of sizes:

• two-inch;
• 17/8 inch.

Practice shows that it is better to purchase this element ready-made on the car market. If you can’t find a suitable size, order it from a good turner - you won’t be able to turn such a part by hand.

The towbar design is attached to the vehicle using a special platform

To collect or not to collect?

I propose to start by defining the concept of a homemade tow hitch. This is a mount, similar to factory products, with which the machine is connected to the trailer. Everything is simple here.

As is the case with trailer hitches from manufacturers, homemade designs may have the following features:

• standard tow ball;
• American square option;
• the maximum weight that the tow bar can pull;
• ball shape;
• methods of attaching to a car, etc.

If we talk about theory, then for almost any car you can assemble a homemade trailer hitch with your own hands:

• for VAZ 2109;
• to Niva 2121
• on Camry;
• Chevrolet Lanos;
• Renault Logan;
• Renault Duster;
• Lada Granta;
• Suzuki Grand Vitara;
• Hover H3;
• Discovery 2nd generation;
• Kyron;
• Subaru Forester;
• Golf 2, etc.

Although practice shows that no one abuses homemade trailer hitches on expensive cars. Therefore, they can mainly be found on inexpensive domestic cars such as VAZ 2106, 2107, 2110, 2114, Soviet classics, Zaporozhets and Moskvich.

So why do they do everything themselves? It's simple. This is a matter of simple economy. After all, before it was possible, without any particular fears, to cobble together a trailer hitch from the first pieces of metal that came across and calmly carry a trailer behind you. Savings and nothing more.

Do-it-yourself bicycle rack on a tow bar

Those who have to carry one or more bicycles in a car try to come up with the most convenient design for a luggage rack for transportation. It can be installed on the roof of a car, but this option negatively affects the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle.

More interesting in terms of comfort is the bicycle rack in the rear of the car - it has a special cap that fits onto the ball and stops from below. If we are talking about a station wagon with a fifth rear door, you can install a “gate” type system with locks - it allows you to tilt the trunk to gain access to open the fifth door.

Nowadays, the choice of such accessories is very diverse
. See also:

How to install a towbar on a VAZ 2110/2112 with your own hands

Do-it-yourself trailer hitch

You can make your own towbar for a passenger car using an angle grinder and a welding machine. We present the basic algorithm for the manufacturing process:

• remove the rear bumper;
• find the holes that lead into the voids of the side members;
• measure the length of the segment between the holes found;
• cut a section of steel pipe 50x50 mm according to the obtained length;
• make a mark in the middle of the workpiece;
• take two pieces of 5 mm thick sheet steel measuring 20x7 cm and make holes 5 cm in size at the edge of each;
• place the strips on the pipe with the holes and weld them - the distance should allow you to place a coupling hook with a ball between them;
• secure the hook with nuts and bolts 10;
• then we move on to working on the attachment to the side members - weld steel strips 5 mm thick and 30x7 cm in size onto the ends. The direction should be opposite to the hook, and with the hook bracket the angle should be 900;
• insert these strips into the side members;

How to make a homemade towbar for your car

• drill holes with a diameter of 12 mm in the rear side members and inserted plates;
• weld nuts of the same size to them;
• take a 3 mm thick plate and mark the holes for the socket, then drill them;
• weld the plate to the hook bracket, install the socket on it.

The product is ready - you can install it and connect it to the machine’s electrical network.

See also:

Installing a towbar on a Hyundai Solaris

Step-by-step description of the work

✓ First you need to remove the bumper. ✓ Next – cut off the eyes. ✓ Here you need to take a drill and make holes.

✓ We take a welding machine and weld the fasteners. ✓ Now you need to weld the second tube in the center to make a right angle connection. ✓ You need to take a grinding wheel and coarse sandpaper and clean the seam and edges of the tubes. ✓ The manufactured structure is coated with a primer. ✓ Now the structure is covered with paint.

To strengthen the spar, we install a small angle with nuts. This will create a tow bar with a removable structure. You can use headlights to power the towbar, and use a connector to power the socket. Ready! Now you have a full-fledged homemade tow bar.

Do-it-yourself square towbar

The American towbar differs from the European one in that it is made for a square, and not for a ball clutch. Instead of a ball hitch hook, there is a square measuring 50x50 mm - below we will look at how you can make it yourself:

• Cut the edges from a 200 mm channel to get a plate of the required length - drill holes in it for fastening to the frame;
• For additional vertical fastening, weld a corner 50x50x4;
• Bore the holes in the frame that already exist - drill through them in the upper part;

The strength of the structure allows you to carry a full trailer

• Insert pieces of half-inch pipe inside the frame so that it does not flatten when tightening the mounting bolt;
• For a horizontal section, weld half-meter plates 8 mm thick and 10 cm wide;
• Make a pipe from two corners 75x75x6 and weld to the fasteners;
• take a 60x60x4 profile pipe 20 cm long and weld a strip of steel 4 mm thick and 30 mm long onto the working end;
• cut out a square section in the power frame and place it there. Weld and reinforce with slopes;
• Next you will need to drill holes for the locking pin;
• Now you can move on to sanding, puttying and priming, after which painting is done - the paint has dried, the product is ready.

See also:

Choosing accessories for the towbar

How to attach the towbar

The coupling device is attached to the power parts of the body, but in no case to the bumper - the latter is not able to withstand the loads associated with moving the trailer.

Below we provide several examples of where the coupling device is attached in some cars.

To "Niva"

The Niva towbar is a design consisting of a coupling ball, which is placed on the car, and a coupling head, which is placed on the trailer drawbar.

On Renault Logan

For the Renault Logan car, the simplest type of design is used

On VAZ 2109 and on VAZ 21099

Installing a towbar is a complex process and involves some difficulties

On VAZ 2110

On VAZ 2107

See also:

Installing a towbar on a Toyota Prado

Components, cost and advice

There are three coupling options:

1. Basic - represents the optimal ratio of performance and price. Attached to the car frame either by welding or screws. However, according to external data, it is not suitable for cars with a small engine capacity, but for the Renault Duster crossover, including 4x4, this option is optimal.
2. Removable (with a hook that can be removed) - will transform the design of the car. But, the price will be 2 times higher, while the reliability is no worse than the basic version, and the ability to remove it improves the appearance of the car. Another advantage is that the hole in the frame is invisible, and installation is quick and easy.

1. Flange is represented by two or four grooves. A complete set with this option is possible provided that there is a separate platform on the machine, and you also need to know how to install it correctly.

Today, in modern cars, the presence of electronics is a prerequisite and manufacturers pay significant attention to this point. Need to know: all automotive electrical communications must be provided with a sufficient level of insulation. Basic tips when installing a towbar device on a car:

• The hole must be coated with a corrosion protection agent;
• When connecting the wires of the tow bar device to the vehicle's electrical system, you must ensure the quality of soldering and insulation;
• When installation is complete, apply lubricant to the hitch ball;
• Then put the protective cap on it.

Also interesting: Renault Duster and Chevrolet Niva - video tests

On average, the cost of a towing system for an all-wheel drive Renault Duster, including 4x4, ranges from 5 thousand rubles. up to 20 thousand rubles. without hole in bumper. The best option would be a trailer towbar, which is also suitable for Renault Duster all-wheel drive.

Do-it-yourself tow bar for Niva

Now a few words about how to make a coupling device for a Niva with your own hands - drawings and general recommendations. The following types of structures are usually installed on the Niva 21214 or other classic model:

Assembly and installation is carried out according to the following scheme:

On a Chevrolet Niva the diagram looks like this:

By the way, a similar principle is used when installing a station wagon on the Lacetti.

See also:

Installing a towbar on a Lada Kalina with your own hands

Connecting the socket

After the tow bar has been installed, proceed to connecting the socket with wires. They provide an electrical connection to the vehicle's towbar. The pinout looks like this:

1. Yellow (Left turn signal).
2. Free.
3. Black (Mass).
4. White (Right turn signal).
5. Free.
6. Red (Stop light).
7. Blue (Parking lights).

After making the connection, the wires are pulled into the holes in the niche for the spare wheel. The socket is powered from the car's rear headlight connectors.

Do-it-yourself tow bar for Logan

The picture below shows the coupling device for Renault Logan:

To manufacture it you will need drawings and dimensions of individual elements:

Power beam

Side bracket

Hook with ball

Flange

Right and left cheeks

Installation is carried out in special technological holes provided by the manufacturer for this purpose - they will need to be freed from plugs and adhesive tape.

Do-it-yourself tow bar for Duster

Below is an option for Duster - drawings and diagrams for independent production and installation. For Duster 2014 4 by 4, the following option is suitable:

For independent production you will need drawings of individual elements for the Duster 4x4:

See also:

How to install a tow bar on a Niva Chevrolet

Installing a towbar on a Renault Logan with your own hands

The installation of the coupling device on the Logan, as well as on the Renault Duster, Sandero Stepway and Fluence, is carried out in the technological seats provided by the manufacturer. Therefore, when looking for drawings on the Internet or drawing up your own project, make sure that the dimensions of the mounting holes match the mounting sockets in the car.

The towing device consists of two units - a supporting frame and a connecting mechanism

See also:

How to install a towbar on Lada Priora?

Installation nuances for versions 2wd and 4wd

A towbar is suitable for Duster, which is held on by four M10 screws (see photo). Each screw is threaded into a sleeve, which is installed from inside. The standard length of bushings is 53-55 mm, and the bushing should end with a washer.

One of the branded Duster-Logan towbars

The holes are already drilled in the body, and the distance between them is 240 mm. And the distance between the brackets is 890 mm. Perhaps, knowing these numbers, the reader will decide to make a tow bar for Renault Duster with his own hands.

Also interesting: What kind of all-wheel drive does Renault Duster have: diagram, design and principle of operation

We install a towbar on a UAZ with our own hands

On sale you can find coupling devices for various UAZ models without any problems. For those who prefer to make them on their own, it will not be difficult to find drawings for the UAZ “loaf”, UAZ 469, UAZ “Hunter”, UAZ “Farmer” or “Patriot”.

Below we show a few photos of what it might look like.

In addition to selecting a trailer with the required characteristics, you need to purchase or make your own tow bar for the UAZ

The simplest shop towbar consists of a mounting base with a transport hook with a ball end attached to it

See also:

Installing a towbar on a Renault Sandero

Installing a towbar on a Hover with your own hands

Installation on the Great Wall Hover will also not require drilling additional seats - the manufacturer has provided them in the frame. However, you may have to trim the bumper slightly.

Below is a general view of the coupling mechanism for the Hover H3 - it is best to purchase a standard product, the dimensions of which are suitable for the seats in the car.

The product comes with drawings that clearly demonstrate the algorithm for installing it on a vehicle.

Below is a photo of the removable structure for the Hover H5 - the dimensions are the same as for the H5.

Try on the tow bar in the place where it will be installed, i.e. to the rear of the car

See also:

How to install a tow bar on a KIA Rio?

Electrical component

Before installing the towbar electrics, read the instruction manual for your Renault Duster. Here you will need to deal with the matching block. What it is and why it is needed, I already wrote HERE.

We proceed something like this:

• First, the negative terminal from the battery is disconnected;
• now we find the terminals in the rear lamp shades, which are responsible for their operation;
• we lay a cable with wiring from the outlet to our trunk;
• we separate the wires by color so that the trailer hitch wiring matches the color of the wiring on the car (this is where the operating manual and the factory instructions for the towbar come in handy);

• wires must be copper and stranded with a minimum cross-section of 1.5 mm2;
• the ends are clamped and insulated;
• the trailer hitch socket is mounted on the cross beam of the towbar using several screws;
• the wiring goes into the trunk and is neatly hidden there;
• the ends of the wiring are fixed in the terminal harnesses and connected in a standard hole.

As you can see for yourself, there is nothing particularly difficult with installing towbars on the Renault Duster crossover. And there shouldn’t be any problems with the choice. So go for it!

We install the VAZ 2111 towbar with our own hands

Installing a coupling device on various VAZ models is not difficult - along with the product, the kit includes drawings that will help you understand all the nuances of such work.

Below are photos of cars of this brand to show clearly how the coupling mechanism is installed on them.

VAZ 2101

This is very simple to do and does not even require disassembling the car, since the towbar is simply attached under the bumper of the car and protrudes a few centimeters beyond it

VAZ 2105, 2106, 2107

Homemade towbars made by the car owners themselves can be dangerous and unreliable

VAZ 2109, 2199, 21099, 2110

If you live in a private house or have a dacha outside the city, then sooner or later you will be faced with the need to install a towbar on a VAZ 2109 car

Manufacturers

After reading the thematic forum, hearing the opinions of people from different cities, such as Moscow, Ufa, St. Petersburg, and visiting Astana, where Duster is very popular, I made several conclusions regarding the towbar models themselves.

There are several leaders on the market:

• Bosal VFM;
• Trailer;
• Leader-Plus.

But before you buy a towbar and figure out how to install it on the car and connect the electrical system, I would like to discuss several countries that produce good towbars. All of them are available on the Russian market.

• Slovakia (Galia company). The price is quite high, up to 11-12 thousand rubles, but the bumper does not have to be removed during installation, it can withstand high loads and serves flawlessly;
• Belgium (Bosal). Excellent quality at a lower cost. But you can’t do without dismantling the bumper;
• Spain (Enganches Aragon). You will have to pay about 10 thousand rubles for them, but their horizontal loads of 2 tons will not leave you indifferent. Excellent quality;
• Poland (Imiola Hakpol). The most expensive models cost 9 thousand with a load capacity of 1.5 tons. The price corresponds to the quality;
• Russia (Leader-Plus). Designed for operation with loads up to 1.2 tons. They are cheap, so they are in great demand;
• Sweden (Thule). Excellent characteristics, but the minimum price is 11 thousand rubles per trailer hitch.

Frankly, I strongly advise you not to save money. Installing a low-quality tow bar can have dire consequences.

Also interesting: Buy auto parts for rear bumpers for foreign cars in the online store

Knowing how much a particular towbar costs, how well it fits your Duster and wallet, you can choose a decent option.