Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Jim.Walker · Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 1229 Location: Chesterfield

Does anyone know anything about the inclusion of towbars in the MOT?

Towbars for many older cars are from necessity often fabricated from scratch either at home or by a local garage etc. As such they bear no "e" marks or other certification as to their suitability.

My towbar was home fabricated using an Austin Allegro fitment as a starting point and has given many years of service with caravans etc. up to 13 ft. But am I likely to hit a barrier in future MOTs?
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ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4104 Location: South Cheshire

Funny you should ask that, I fitted a tow bar to the stag recently and it was MOT's a couple of weeks ago (I realise the Stag tow bar is an "approved type) but was chatting about it with the MOT inspector.

They are not tested and could only present a fail if they are interfering with something that is tested, like a brake cable or if the tester decides that they compromise the vehicle structure.

the fact that if you towed something heavy and the tow bar or fitting is not up to the job is outside the scope of the test!

Nic Jarman · Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2009 4:33 pm Post subject:

I have a "modified" tow bar on my Midget and the MOT guy did not say anything about it.
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gerry snelling · Joined: 04 Jan 2009 Posts: 21

i was thinking about fittimg a tow bar on my stag, its an auto has any one towed with an auto stag?

Phil - Nottingham · Joined: 01 Jan 2008 Posts: 1252 Location: Nottingham

As long as the box has a cooler fitted either air or water (via the radiator) you can tow safely with it
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Uncle Alec · Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 734 Location: Manchester

Tow bars are now or soon will be subject to MoT inspection; they must be fit for use and show no defect that would cause problems if used.
This is a fairly new thing.
I don't recall that they will have to be E-marked or anything; I'll have fun if they do, I make mine for the RM Rileys from suitable L-section mild steel.

47p2 · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 2009 Location: Glasgow

Towbars are now included and checked as part of an MOT, it started May this year
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Jim.Walker · Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 1229 Location: Chesterfield

Thanks 47P2. That is part of the answer to my original posting - But WHAT do they check? An approved towbar I bought earlier this year came with a warning not to remove the "approved" sticker. Is the presence of that sticker essential to pass the MOT? And if so what about older towbars and home made ones which obviously will not have one?
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Quote from my late Dad:- You only need a woman and a car and you have all the problems you
are ever likely to want". Computers had not been invented then!

Penman · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4756 Location: Swindon, Wilts.

Hi
See section 6
http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual/contents.htm
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Jim.Walker · Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 1229 Location: Chesterfield

Thanks Penman. That sets my mind at rest. I now see no reason why my home adapted Allegro based towbar should raise any queries.
That was my worry, as towbars are not, and never have been, available for my Triumph Gentry.
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Quote from my late Dad:- You only need a woman and a car and you have all the problems you
are ever likely to want". Computers had not been invented then!

47p2 · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 2009 Location: Glasgow

Towbar regulations were brought in because of the high number of accidents caused by faulty towbars.

For the MOT they are not looking for 'Approved' stickers, but they are looking for securely fitted bars and and at the structure where the bars are fitted has to be in good condition
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lowdrag · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 1585 Location: Le Mans

I forget their name now but there is a company near st. Albans who fit tow bars to classic cars. They modified one here so that they didn't have to drill the bumper. They did a great job too.

Brian M · Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 7:51 am Post subject:

I read the MOT regulations link and have to wonder who actually designs these procedures.

However, a tow ball should only be
rejected if a visual assessment indicates that the tow
ball is obviously excessively worn.

Inspection of components

No covers or panels shall be removed to facilitate the
inspection of any components, including tow ball covers.

So a 50p cover on your tow ball and the tester will never see the state of the towball Rolling Eyes

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Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22446 Location: UK

Uncle Alec · Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 734 Location: Manchester

Watling Engineering are the firm in Herts that supply towbars for older cars.
www.watling-towbars.co.uk