[3.2Suze]

Hello everyone,

Just got myself a lovely 3.2 Grand Vitara, and having some issues with sourcing a towbar I know the look of..... more info down below, haha.
Can people please chime in on what they have on theirs?

Turns out in Aug 1, 2010, an uprated tow bar Pt No. 990AA-01716-K05 was released that raised the tow ball down load to 150kg from the previous one from launch of load rating of tow ball down load of 85kg (Pt No. 990AA-01716-004). From this date the consistancy of what style of towbar you get seems to vary, even with same part number.

While I'd be happy to order this new design of Towbar there seems to be at least 3 different photos (and bars) that correlate to the new part number (990AA-01716-K05) and would love to know what I'm getting.
Can anyone confirm which of these 3 Towbar styles this part number actually is? (All pictures taken from Suzuki Australian Dealers websites)
1st one: From my nearest dealer (Adelaide, Suzuki in the City) emailed from their service department. Note the long bar supporting the tongue receiver, looks to be a rebranded Hayman Reese, most aftermarket towbars seem to be like this.

2nd one: From Zupps Brown in Queensland. This bar seems very unlikey to be sold in Australia as it shows it's installed on the US style rear bumper with the number plate holder on the left Vs. Australia's centered style one.

3rd one: From Zupps Aspley, also in Queensland. No part number listed but only picture under towbars.

4th one: Style of Bar I'm hoping still exists, the original, pre Aug, 2010 change (Pt No. 990AA-01716-004). Note only the receiver tongue is showing from anywhere underneth the bumper.

All help would be greatly appreciated

[ZUZUKI]

Tow bars on NGV JB/JT models are a source of frustration for their owners.
The lighter rated towbars have flat 'plate' type tongues which bolt to the bar.
The heavier rated bars have 'square hitch receiver' box tongues, held in with a pin.
Both types hang down below the number plate mounting area of the bumper plastics - greatly reducing departure angle, the bolt on types less so.

If you 4WD & tow only light loads, go for the bolted flat tongue type & remove the tongue when heading offroad.
If you don't 4wd much, but use most or all of the towing capacity, go for the Hayman Reece type box receiver.
If you tow heavy things, and go 4WDriving, you will have to get used to dragging the tow bar.
The 2nd style / type you've shown would be about the best compromise, but you're right, was not offered in Aust. as it would come out through the middle of the number plate.
Seriously Suzi do a high clearance towbar, but only as part of a rear wheel carrier replacement step bar - not unlike a "Kaymar" sort of thing, but also at a "Kaymar' sort of price, being around the $4k mark installed. Load is only 1,000kg / 100kg though.

Rgs, Michael