Non-Volvo towbar, Warranty problem?
 

With the New Year nearly upon us I am starting to think about caravanning again.

This year we bought a Bailey Discovery 200 caravan (Max weight 1148kg), and towed it with a '96 855 T5 on 7 outings, including a Cornwall run (from Yorkshire) during a very hot July!

But now we have the '56 V50 D5 Sport (lucky for me I found out a week after I took delivery of it that this particular model had won Caravan Club Towcar-of-the-year award).

We bough the car on Volvo 'cash plan advantage' scheme (as I was given a monthly allowance in lieu of a company car), which means there are some restrictions on how we look after the car.

Of course, we need a towbar fitting to this car for our planned caravan outings in 2007.

I did ask about towbar fitting at the garage during the buying process with regards to who can fit one. I was told that it must be a Volvo fitted towbar - but at over £400 for a fixed and over £500 for removable it's pricy!

Has anyone else had experience of fitting a towbar to their Volvo, on what is effectively a 'hire purchase' type finance agreement?

Thanks in advance!

Chris.

My brother had a Focus on a lease agreement through his work. He enquired to the leasing company about having a towbar fitted, I think by a local reputable company and he was given permission provided the car was returned to its original state at the end of the period. At the end it turned out it never had to be and the hook was left on. I do not know if this arrangement will apply to your contract, but it shows that it is possible.
Good luck
Chris

The only quibble I could see would be defining 'original state'. Most tow bars, even Volvo supplied ones, usually require the rear skirt to be cut. Although a blanking plate is supplied, it s still noticeable, and obviously not 'original state'.

A friend of mine has a tow bar fitting company.
He does find it funny that people are still told "IT MUST BE A VOLVO TOWBAR"
It doesnt, as long as its a type approved bar (all bars now are, you cant buy a non type approved bar).
However if you want to speek to someone who will give you a straight answer you can phone him.
Dave
Broadstairs Trailers
01843 602245.
Hope this helps

Tow bar
 

Thanks AndyS101!

Saving my pennies, and anticipate making a decision around March time....

C.

should not drill holes in floorpan or chassis rails,but if simply bolts on then can be removed before return