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modifying a tow bar http://auszookers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=46417	Page 1 of 1

Author:	Heideisadog [ Tue May 27, 2014 2:36 pm ]
Post subject:	modifying a tow bar
Helloo. I have a pretty standard tow bar on my Sierra at the moment, its a Haymen Reese, I think , and its the non-removable hitch type. Basically I would like the removable hitch type so i can put a recovery block in or things like a bike rack. I don't want to go out and buy a whole new tow bar if possible, plus I did look for some and couldn't find anything. Has anyone fabed something up? What do you think would be the best way to go through with doing it? Could anyone recommend metal and such that id need. like square tubing/ thickness/length etc. Any tips or recommendations or just anything would be much appreciated! If there is anyone in Canberra that's got some free time and knows a bit about metal working and is feeling helpful, well feel free to give me a hand! Thank you Thomas

Author:	Reubs [ Tue May 27, 2014 7:08 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: modifying a tow bar
You don't need a hitch receiver type towbar to affix a bike rack or to put a shackle through the towbar hole. Those recovery blocks are stupid expensive for what they are also - if you do go the hitch receiver route - carry a spare pin or 2 and put your snatch strap through that. The spare pin is incase you bend it. Of course recovering from towbars can be dangerous etc., so a recovery hook with bolts though the chassis is a better option.

Author:	Zook_Fan [ Tue May 27, 2014 7:19 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: modifying a tow bar
Tow bars are governed by the ADR's relevant to towing. A certified manufacturer has to provide designs and welding procedures to show what the bar is capable off and attach a safe working load limit to it including the tow bar down pressure. This is not something that should be attempted to be modified unless you're a certified welder and have a very good understanding of what is happening with the loading. Even then you will not be covered by insurance if your tow bar falls apart while towing a box trailer that shoots into the oncoming lane of traffic. You're better off to buy another bar if you need too but Reubs' suggestions are spot on. There are better methods of recovery.

Author:	Heideisadog [ Tue May 27, 2014 9:52 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: modifying a tow bar
Yeah I didn't know how to explain it sorry, was just an example. I would be using the pin method, it's so much easier and handy then carting a recovery block anyway. Ah right, that had come to mind. But wasn't intending to use it for trailers or anything though it probably would be a better idea just to straight up but a rated one. Do you know anyone that makes these style two bars for sierras? Thanks for you help guys

Author:	Zook_Fan [ Tue May 27, 2014 10:06 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: modifying a tow bar
Not sure if they are available. Hayman Reese do list two different part numbers for sierra's: http://www.haymanreese.com.au/parts/01367 http://www.haymanreese.com.au/parts/01494 The top one says that it is for the ute but the back end of the chassis is still the same. It's rated for a higher towing capacity meaning it might be the receiver style but you'd have to confirm by calling. Fatzook did have the steel to make the receiver but he's hard to get hold of now that he isn't running TSOR daily. A pm might take a while but he might be willing to make something up if you're not in a hurry.

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