VE SS Tow bar fitment?

[mrtockley]

I'm about to buy an enclosed trailer and need to fit a tow bar on the SSV. I've never fit an aftermarket tow bar before but I'm after a Hayman Reese style heavy duty with a removable box tongue. The weight ill be pulling probably won't go over 1,700 - 1,800 kilos but I'm looking for a good fitter in the eastern suburbs. Has anyone had good experience with their after market tow bars and care to recommend the fitter?

Cheers,

Kris

[swingtan]

I fitted my own ( VE Sportwagon, but pretty much the same ). You only need to cut out a hole in the rear bumper ( for the actual tow bar ) and drill one hole in the spare wheel tub ( for the wiring ). The rest is just bolt up and plug in. Get a proper towing module for the wiring and it's very simple.

Of course you could go direct to Holden, I've had 4 cars delivered with tow bars over the years and the job has always been good ( FTG Holden ). I only did the last one myself when I swapped over the lease car and kept the bar from the previous car.

Simon.

[mrtockley]

Hey Simon, I saw some kits online - I think genuine Hayman Reese with instructions. I'm not too confident of cutting the square hole without it looking like a mess though. How much did Holden charge you?

[MTC]

I had a company called T.O.S.S.A install a Hayman Reese 2100kg square hitch type tow bar to our R8 tourer about this time last year was about $600-$650. they are based in Hallam but they come to you to do the install.

[mrtockley]

Ah that sounds good. I've got reverse sensors, does that matter?

[MTC]

Not at all. Our Tourer has reverse sensors aswell. they use the Genuine Holden plug in wiring with the module so all good.

[mrtockley]

Thanks Mike. Was it a clean install? Any chance of a pic?

[MTC]

Thanks Mike. Was it a clean install? Any chance of a pic?

No probs Mate & yes they did a very neat job.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g57/MIKEVYII/IMG_2198.jpg

[mrtockley]

No probs Mate & yes they did a very neat job.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g57/MIKEVYII/IMG_2198.jpg

Well I've just booked in for installation tomorrow. $650 on site. The only drama is that he's not sure whether the reverse sensor will shut off as it was a dealer fit :(

Thanks again!

[swingtan]

The reverse sensor will be disabled when anything is plugged into the trailer wiring plug, providing a genuine Holden wiring kit is used. there is a magnet and reed switch in the trailer plug that tells the reverse sensor module that you have a trailer attached. $650 is a pretty good price as well.

[mrtockley]

Simon I told the bloke at T.O.S.S.A that I had the reverse sensor and he reckons that it depends on whether it was a dealer or factory fit as to whether the reverse sensor stays on or not?

[planetdavo]

All I can probably add is that usually the aftermarket options don't use the little trim escutcheon to clean up the look of the cutout, leaving the rough hacksaw cut edges visible. If you (or anyone else) wants to clean up the look of this, get the genuine towbar escutcheon for about $20 from your local dealer.

[mrtockley]

All I can probably add is that usually the aftermarket options don't use the little trim escutcheon to clean up the look of the cutout, leaving the rough hacksaw cut edges visible. If you (or anyone else) wants to clean up the look of this, get the genuine towbar escutcheon for about $20 from your local dealer.

Thanks Davo. What is a escutcheon? Haha

[planetdavo]

Thanks Davo. What is a escutcheon? Haha

It's an Area 51 level industry secret...:hide:


(It's a common industry term for a small trim piece, like goes around a towbar, a snib button, an inner door handle and so forth)

[mrtockley]

Ah right. Cheers ill pick one up from the local Holden.

[TheAshMan]

Hi Kris,

How did your install with TOSSA go? How did the sensors go? I too have a VE that I'm looking to add towing to, so I'm really interested to hear about it. Did you end up needed to buy that extra part from Holden?

Cheers
Ash

[mrtockley]

Hi Kris,

How did your install with TOSSA go? How did the sensors go? I too have a VE that I'm looking to add towing to, so I'm really interested to hear about it. Did you end up needed to buy that extra part from Holden?

Cheers
Ash

Well it looks like Holden screwed me. When I asked them to throw in sensors as part of the deal, they didn't fit original Holden parts. It's a dodgy loom that doesn't go into the normal Holden plug so the sensors won't be deactivated when I reverse. Very unhappy with Cheltenham Holden and won't be going back there again.

[TheAshMan]

I'm really sorry to hear that! I wonder if many dealers would do the same sort of thing?

How did you go with TOSSA? Would you recommend them?

[mrtockley]

I'm really sorry to hear that! I wonder if many dealers would do the same sort of thing?

How did you go with TOSSA? Would you recommend them?

Sorry for the late reply - yes I would recommend them. It's great how they do the fitting on site too!

I picked up the trailer today and the reverse sensors stay on all the time in reverse. ****ing Dealer Scumbags..

[planetdavo]

Well it looks like Holden screwed me. When I asked them to throw in sensors as part of the deal, they didn't fit original Holden parts. It's a dodgy loom that doesn't go into the normal Holden plug so the sensors won't be deactivated when I reverse. Very unhappy with Cheltenham Holden and won't be going back there again.

Unfortunately, this is a widespread practice across many brand's new car departments. Knowing what genuine sensor kits cost vs aftermarket generic kits, the reason for this practice is quite obvious, especially when doing them "for free", or when one dealer seems to be a lot cheaper than another dealer for the same accessory. That's often the warning sign.
All I can suggest for anyone in the new car market is to make sure the contract contains the word GENUINE next to the accessory, to give you some protection.

[mrtockley]

Yeah Davo I found that out the hard way. I've only ever bought new cars from Ford before and they only used genuine parts. One would assume that when ordering your car and asking for rear sensors, the dealer wouldn't put cheap dodgy parts that wouldn't allow me to reverse a trailer properly. I changed the wheels from standard too and I didn't expect to have to check if they were genuine. Not good enough mate.

[planetdavo]

Yeah Davo I found that out the hard way. I've only ever bought new cars from Ford before and they only used genuine parts. One would assume that when ordering your car and asking for rear sensors, the dealer wouldn't put cheap dodgy parts that wouldn't allow me to reverse a trailer properly. I changed the wheels from standard too and I didn't expect to have to check if they were genuine. Not good enough mate.

I agree, but there are no legal obligations to use the genuine kit if a specific product isn't specified.
Ford dealers do it too. Maybe you just had a good run in the past and thought everyone operates the same. Panel shops are the best place to find out what happens out there. It's usually them who find out the genuine parts don't match what's on the various car brands.

[mrtockley]

I agree, but there are no legal obligations to use the genuine kit if a specific product isn't specified.
Ford dealers do it too. Maybe you just had a good run in the past and thought everyone operates the same. Panel shops are the best place to find out what happens out there. It's usually them who find out the genuine parts don't match what's on the various car brands.

I'm not saying that they did anything illegal but what they did is wrong - not informing me of the towing issues or giving me a choice.

[planetdavo]

I'm not saying that they did anything illegal but what they did is wrong - not informing me of the towing issues or giving me a choice.

Perhaps, but it really is a "what came first- the chicken or the egg" type question you pose.
Is it up to THEM to tell you that they aren't going to use genuine sensors (which legally they don't have to in any way shape or form- the genuine's are just a nice simple fitment- but a lot dearer), or is it up to YOU, as the buyer crunching the deal, to confirm exactly what you are signing a contract for?
Maybe they should have told you, and maybe you should have confirmed they will use genuine accessories. I'm not defending the dealer by the way..I've just been around long enough to know how the world works when a dollar is involved and assumptions are made- by both the buyer AND the seller.

[gladrock]

I have now done 2 cars myself, My E3 Maloo and my Son's SV6. Both time I bought the Towbars from these guys

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180684690998&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:AU:1123

They are a good quaulity towbar and come with all the bits you need, I added the rear sensor module (they supply).

It is very easy to install, no special tools, the torque wrench was the only thing I had to go and buy. The kits come with very easy to follow instructions. The bit that scares some it the cutting out of the hole in the rear bumper, its very easy as it is already marked out in the rear of the bumper. Theh only thing I would recommend is to only use hand tools to cut the hole, drill, hack saw blade and a file

I have scanned all the pages of the instruction that comes with the bar, see below

[gladrock]

1660

1661

[D8YS_SS]

My ute had the reversing sensors put in as it has the HSVI tag with Code or reversing sensors, but mine also goes ape when trailer is on so its not just dodgy dealers doing it....

[VRIIClubby]

Go into the "system Settings" menu when u start the car up...there is an option there that says if you have the tow ball attached or not...that would stop it wouldn't it?

[ryno]

My dads sv6 has the dealer fit sensors and that option isn't in the menu. Seems to only be there if it was factory installed.

Like most people he and I assumed that if you we're buying one that was new and not in stock that the sensors would be a factory item. Not so lucky.

[planetdavo]

My ute had the reversing sensors put in as it has the HSVI tag with Code or reversing sensors, but mine also goes ape when trailer is on so its not just dodgy dealers doing it....

Does it have an aftermarket towbar and wiring harness?

[VRIIClubby]

My dads sv6 has the dealer fit sensors and that option isn't in the menu. Seems to only be there if it was factory installed.

Like most people he and I assumed that if you we're buying one that was new and not in stock that the sensors would be a factory item. Not so lucky.

I would be going APESHIT at them...Ordering a new car and tick an option, it should be a GENIUNE part unless you have requested otherwise! I'd be firing off some nice letters to some head honcho's @ Holden HQ...

when I was buying my new Wagon, the "tard" (putting it lightly) was telling us she could get us a great deal on the Reverse Camera...normally $750 and she would do it for us for $600, Then proceeds to tell us it wont work with the IQ system and the screen will be in the mirror....the geniune factory fit is only $350?...needless to say we didnt buy our car there nor will it ever get serviced there...must be more "commission" in the aftermarket segment...

[planetdavo]

I would be going APESHIT at them...Ordering a new car and tick an option, it should be a GENIUNE part unless you have requested otherwise! I'd be firing off some nice letters to some head honcho's @ Holden HQ...

when I was buying my new Wagon, the "tard" (putting it lightly) was telling us she could get us a great deal on the Reverse Camera...normally $750 and she would do it for us for $600, Then proceeds to tell us it wont work with the IQ system and the screen will be in the mirror....the geniune factory fit is only $350?...needless to say we didnt buy our car there nor will it ever get serviced there...must be more "commission" in the aftermarket segment...

"Holden" can't do anything either. The trade practices act forbids competition restricting activities like "forcing" a certain product be used.
VE2 reverse cameras MUST be factory fitted. They are NOT available as a genuine accessory. It's all on the Holden website and on the brochure, for those that bother reading it...:idea:
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. No matter what brand of car, have whatever you want done written clearly on the contract, including the word GENUINE. Ignorance and assumption mean nothing in legal land.

[VRIIClubby]

"Holden" can't do anything either. The trade practices act forbids competition restricting activities like "forcing" a certain product be used.
VE2 reverse cameras MUST be factory fitted. They are NOT available as a genuine accessory. It's all on the Holden website and on the brochure, for those that bother reading it...:idea:
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. No matter what brand of car, have whatever you want done written clearly on the contract, including the word GENUINE. Ignorance and assumption mean nothing in legal land.

Firstly Davo, For those that bother reading a post (not just brochures) you woulod see that I said (in english) that the intelligent saleperson tried to sell a reverse camera to me, it would be fitted to the rear view mirror, aka, AFTERMARKET...Yes I'm aware they can only be factory fitted, I was ordering a NEW CAR...I was highlighting the fact that I was offered an aftermarket piece of shit camera when I specificaly wanted the geniune one, the genuine one was also $300 CHEAPER...So thanks for pointing out that its on the website, maybe the dealers should be TRAINED to read there own promotional BS...

Secondly, you are far from a lawyer, you are SO SO far from the mark on what the anti competition legislation's intent is...Yes products cannot be forced (ie - being told by a Dealer that you cannot fit A product from another company, you can only fit "his".., but
at the same time INFERIOR products cannot be used in place of a product that a person would reasonably expect to be a geniune item... example - ordering a new car and ticking the options box, then receiving something that is not Geniune...

I would assume (hypotheticaly) that when said person was sitting down with the salesperson, the aslesperson would have shown the customer the HOLDEN accessories list and customer would have then chosen the said accessorie, if you have chosen it from that list (a geniune holden list) then you were supplied with an inferior product then you were sold something by deceit...customer would win that battle everyday.

Whilst your opinion is just that, yours, I would still move heaven and earth in writing some nice letters to HOLDEN...even you would be surprised as to what CAN happen if approached correctly, I wish you well with your night schooling :P you'll be a lawyer one day.

[planetdavo]

Whatever. I've just tried to say that their are two sides to this subject, and I think both sides get it wrong from time to time.
If a few of you want to have the world handed to you on a platter with no responsibility, well, I suggest it's time to learn a few things about life. Assumption is the cause of many a f#ckup...
"Holden" would only get involved out of good will, not legal threats. Legal threats are between the dealer and the consumer. You can believe whatever you want on that subject. Legalities would come into it if the contract said the word GENUINE (as I said), but they then fitted after market.
Have a think about it fella.

[mrtockley]

Whatever. I've just tried to say that their are two sides to this subject, and I think both sides get it wrong from time to time.
If a few of you want to have the world handed to you on a platter with no responsibility, well, I suggest it's time to learn a few things about life. Assumption is the cause of many a f#ckup...
"Holden" would only get involved out of good will, not legal threats. Legal threats are between the dealer and the consumer. You can believe whatever you want on that subject. Legalities would come into it if the contract said the word GENUINE (as I said), but they then fitted after market.
Have a think about it fella.

Davo while I hear you when you say that they have not done anything illegal, it's a matter of principal and doing the right thing by the customer who's just shelled out over $50 large for a new car. As I said before, I asked for different Holden wheels and got mats and tint thrown in. I didn't ask if they would be genuine items, I took it on good faith that they would do the 'right thing' by me. There was no mention about non genuine parts being used at all. I didn't buy the car from Dodgey Brothers second hand dealers, I bought it from Holden. When I bought my XR8 ute, I optioned a hard cover and I didn't have to make sure that it was a cheap aftermarket part so I stupidly assumed that the same thing would apply to Holden since it cost more than my ute. It's not about legality but its piss poor and not a good way to ensure return customers. You can defend the dealer till the cows come home but the onus shouldn't be on the buyer to make sure that every part on the car that you buy OR option is genuine Holden. Simple as that IMO.

[D8YS_SS]

Does it have an aftermarket towbar and wiring harness?

Thats an awesome question mate, but one i cant answer as im second owner. Im guessing my towbar would have to be aftermarket otherwise it too would have been on that hsvi tag.

[VTSSDUDE]

If I ticked an option, I would expect it to be genuine, I would not be happy if it wasn't.
Especially to a poster above with the reversing camera, I would not want to have a retro fitted rear view mirror. As I know for sure that Series II VEs the video output for the reverse camera is on the IQ Screen by factory.
This is the first time I have heard of dealerships using aftermarket gear on their cars? If you wanted aftermarket you would go to Autobarn to get stuff fitted right?
Must be a new way of dealerships trying to save money. What's this world coming too?

[JuiceSSV]

I had reverse sensors on my VE2 SSV redline ute in the contract and I added the words "genuine dealer fitted".

After a shit fight and being supplied with aftermarket sensors I ended up with a new bumper and genuine kit. Took 3 months to sort out.

On VE with the follow me home lights at the rear, aftermarket sensors don't work too well.

[mac06]

The simple answer is that it's the dealers responsibility to tell you if they're fitting non genuine accessories. The customer has the right to expect that genuine accessories are fitted unless clearly stated otherwise. No if's, no but's.

[planetdavo]

The simple answer is that it's the dealers responsibility to tell you if they're fitting non genuine accessories. The customer has the right to expect that genuine accessories are fitted unless clearly stated otherwise. No if's, no but's.

Good luck with your reasoning in a court of law.
What about the salesperson that wants to sell you a car offering you a cat back exhaust upgrade, or lowered suspension? Are these genuine?
Then, upon agreeing to buy a car, you are taken to the pretty lady with the low cut top selling stuff at the dealership. Do you assume that she is selling "genuine" too...because she's within the walls of the dealership as well?
Assumptions, assumptions...
By the way, the OP, Mr Tockley, said he got the sensors "for free". He didn't hand over any money for anything.

[ryno]

If a dealer as a representative of GM Holden gave you the official accessories brochure and you selected the said accessory from the brochure, but got some random part that is not compatible and does not operate in the same manner as the genuine accessory, I would be surprised if challenged in the small claims that the dealer would win.

Similarly The average punter doesn't give a stuff whether dealers are franchised, it's not the consumers problem to worry about a companies business model and if your acting as an agent of GM it could reasonably be assumed that they support Holden's advertised position of using genuine parts.

The notion that you have to tell a manufacturer to supply genuine when it is on their sales material crap, you don't specify the engine type as genuine as its listed as coming with whatever is in the brochure.

[mac06]

Good luck with your reasoning in a court of law.
What about the salesperson that wants to sell you a car offering you a cat back exhaust upgrade, or lowered suspension? Are these genuine?
Then, upon agreeing to buy a car, you are taken to the pretty lady with the low cut top selling stuff at the dealership. Do you assume that she is selling "genuine" too...because she's within the walls of the dealership as well?
Assumptions, assumptions...
By the way, the OP, Mr Tockley, said he got the sensors "for free". He didn't hand over any money for anything.

I'd say the law would be on the customer's side, it generally is with the new Australian Consumer Law. See the link and quote below.

http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/ConsumerProtection/Content/Business/selling_goods_services/Unfair_business_practices/Misleading_or_deceptive_conduc.html#silence


Silence

A business can break the law by failing to give relevant information to a customer.

Silence can be misleading or deceptive when:
one person fails to alert another to facts known only to them, and the facts are relevant to the decision;
important details a person should know are not conveyed to them; or
a change in circumstance meant information already provided was incorrect.

Whether silence is misleading or deceptive will depend on the circumstances of each case.

Window tint is never a genuine accessory which is pretty obvious. Reverse park sensors are. According to the law the dealership should have alerted the OP to the fact they were fitting non genuine sensors.

If the customer wants to purchase non genuine accessories, like cat back exhaust, etc then that's his responsibility. On the other hand the salesman who agrees to the fitment those items needs to cover his back by clearly stating on the contract they are non genuine. Otherwise the dealership had better be prepared to pay out if anything goes wrong, because Holden won't. The only possible "out" the dealership has in this case is that it supplied the sensors to the OP for "free".

[VRIIClubby]

One other thingo Davo,

Hypothetically, I walked into your delaership to purchase a new car, lets say an Omega for shits 'n' giggles,

You write out the contract, I tick a few options...HSVi Steering Wheel, DVD player, Reverse Camera... You write next to the items what their origin is...

VEII Omega (Auto, Phantom)
Steering Wheel - Genuine
DVD Player - Non-Genuine
Reverse Camera - Genuine

Under your idiotic logic, you could now supply me with a "fake" Commodore made in China, sit back and laugh because the "stupid" consumer didn't check to make sure the vehicle was going to be a genuine one...

When a customer complain's for the first time it is easy to work out how "far" they would take it, if they bother you and get angry, yell and scream then hang up, so be it, they will 90% of the time leave it there, call it a day and bitch to all and sundry as to the crap service. thse are the people you appear to only come across. 90% chance they wo\nt do anything beyond that call is worth the risk in telling them basically to suck shit they didnt read the "fineprint".

On the other hand, the more astute customer will only contact you to "enquire" as to what transpired for this to happen, you, in with your cocky self assured persona will mouth off and said customer will say "Ok thanks for your time". You will never hear from them again, (100% of the time) because they will simply hang up, call the Dealer Principle, state his dismay at the service, the parts etc, as the Dealer Principle is a smarter man, he will realise the threat to his business that is about to happen, he will a) fix it ASAP to the customers satisfaction b) come to another alternative that suits both, c) hand it back to you to FIX... remember he is a little more business savvy as is the customer, he will see the threat and assess the situation, is it worth saying no, or easier and safer for my business to say yes...the later will be chosen more often than not...

Your arrogance is typical of car dealerships and is why there is a shocking stereotype based on your occupation, (Im assuming your just a salesperson). As you only deal with customer A you think in your little bubble world that that is where everything ends, so you must be 100% correct...

Saying "whatever" as you did in your retort is hilarious, my 5yo stopped saying that when she started school,

I also dont think everyone wants the world handed to them on a platter, but I can gaurentee you that we, the consumer, demand that we get A) what we bloody paid for, B) get what we are lead to believe is a geniune part. I dont shop at Holden to buy something that is sold at the local flea markets, as I am sure you do not...

[VRIIClubby]

Good luck with your reasoning in a court of law.
What about the salesperson that wants to sell you a car offering you a cat back exhaust upgrade, or lowered suspension? Are these genuine?
Then, upon agreeing to buy a car, you are taken to the pretty lady with the low cut top selling stuff at the dealership. Do you assume that she is selling "genuine" too...because she's within the walls of the dealership as well?
Assumptions, assumptions...
By the way, the OP, Mr Tockley, said he got the sensors "for free". He didn't hand over any money for anything.

and again with your good luck in a "court of law" :rofl: you watch too much Judge Judy dude...

I guarantee you that if someone was taking it that far when a new car was purchased, options ticked and non geniune parts where fitted (when they are available) without notification from the seller (you), it wouldnt see the light of day in a court of law...your arse would be so black and blue from the small claims tribunal you wouldnt be able to sit in your little leather salesman chair at work for a whole year (if you still had a job)...I would bet my house on it...

[mrtockley]

Well after writing a semi nasty email to the dealer in question, the DP wrote back and has asked me to ring the head of service to bring the car in to get the issue sorted. It will be interesting to see what they offer to resolve this issue. But as others have mentioned, it is the dealers responsibility to inform the buyer of their intention to use non genuine product. If I went to Hardly Normal and bought say a DSLR Cannon DSLR camera that had a twin pack lens for example and I got home and found that the second lens was a cheap 'cockhunglow' brand and wasn't informed, you'd bet your ass they'd be replacing it with a genuine product or giving money back. People expect genuine if buying from a shop that sells a particular branded product. If spending $50 k on a vehicle, you shouldn't have to go over it to see if you've been screwed with cheap parts. Just because I got it thrown in during the bargaining process, doesn't mean I should get the cheap shit. As I said, I optioned the 19" super sports, tint and matts. Did I need to check whether I was getting Chinese copied rims too? The expectation of the purchase has to support the customer unless specifically notified both verbally and in writing that non genuine product will be used. Do you have to ask if McDonalds used real beef when you order your burgers too?

Anyway, stay tuned and ill give and update as soon as I can drop the car down..

[Hos]

All bullshit aside, I hope the dealership comes to the party to rectify the situation. I had a similar issue when I bought my SE SSV wagon, I specified all genuine accessories but upon delivery there was a Hayman Reese towbar fitted, not genuine.

Now some argued that the aftermarket may well have been a superior product, but to me, I was not given what I had paid for or requested. I fully understand your sentiment on the issue, and I think the dealer will to if they care about saving face.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

Regards,


Hos

[mrtockley]

All bullshit aside, I hope the dealership comes to the party to rectify the situation. I had a similar issue when I bought my SE SSV wagon, I specified all genuine accessories but upon delivery there was a Hayman Reese towbar fitted, not genuine.

Now some argued that the aftermarket may well have been a superior product, but to me, I was not given what I had paid for or requested. I fully understand your sentiment on the issue, and I think the dealer will to if they care about saving face.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

Regards,


Hos

Cheers mate. Might sound like a big sook but not being informed of all of the details is not what you expect from Australia's biggest car manufacturer. Hope they come to the party with good news!

[redvxr8clubby]

I have now done 2 cars myself, My E3 Maloo and my Son's SV6. Both time I bought the Towbars from these guys

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180684690998&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:AU:1123

They are a good quaulity towbar and come with all the bits you need, I added the rear sensor module (they supply).

It is very easy to install, no special tools, the torque wrench was the only thing I had to go and buy. The kits come with very easy to follow instructions. The bit that scares some it the cutting out of the hole in the rear bumper, its very easy as it is already marked out in the rear of the bumper. Theh only thing I would recommend is to only use hand tools to cut the hole, drill, hack saw blade and a file

I have scanned all the pages of the instruction that comes with the bar, see below

I fitted towbar myself today VE SV6 sedan, 1200kg factory bar. Basic instructions from above - remove Phillips screw form top of bumper inside rear wheel arches plus the 2 scrivets in each wheel arch, remove 3 scrivets from the underside of the bumper bar. Then simply pull the bumper outwards at the rear wheel arch and work your way back pulling the bumper outwards. Then repeat same on the other side. Once the bumper is off, remove the aluminium reinforcement bar at rear (4 x 13mm nuts using ratchet spanner). This will leave the bumper mounting brackets still attached to the chassis rails - remove the bolts retaining these brackets from inside the boot (lift the carpet at the edges - 2 x 15mm bolts each side, 2 near the battery on the left side and 2 similar on the right hand side. Once the bolts are removed pull the bumper mounting brackets out from the rear of the car. Retain the reo bar and the 2 longer bolts from the bumper brackets for reinstall after the towbar is fitted.

Slide the towbar into the chassis rails and install 2 longer bolts each side of the boot floor making sure to install the bolts through the reinforcement plates supplied with the bar (the nuts are captive under the car). The 1200Kg factory bar only requires these 2 bolts each side, no need to drill boot floor or remove mufflers as per the Trailboss 1600Kg/ 2100kg instructions. Before refitting the Bumper bar you need to make the cutout for the towbar - I just used a Stanley type knife for this following the lines marked on the bar, the end result was quite neat. Reinstall the Bumper bar.

[redvxr8clubby]

I have now done 2 cars myself, My E3 Maloo and my Son's SV6. Both time I bought the Towbars from these guys

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180684690998&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:AU:1123

They are a good quaulity towbar and come with all the bits you need, I added the rear sensor module (they supply).

It is very easy to install, no special tools, the torque wrench was the only thing I had to go and buy. The kits come with very easy to follow instructions. The bit that scares some it the cutting out of the hole in the rear bumper, its very easy as it is already marked out in the rear of the bumper. Theh only thing I would recommend is to only use hand tools to cut the hole, drill, hack saw blade and a file

I have scanned all the pages of the instruction that comes with the bar, see below

I fitted towbar myself today VE SV6 sedan, 1200kg factory bar. Basic instructions from above - remove Phillips screw form top of bumper inside rear wheel arches plus the 2 scrivets in each wheel arch, remove 3 scrivets from the underside of the bumper bar. Then simply pull the bumper outwards at the rear wheel arch and work your way back pulling the bumper outwards. Then repeat same on the other side. Once the bumper is off, remove the aluminium reinforcement bar at rear (4 x 13mm nuts using ratchet spanner). This will leave the bumper mounting brackets still attached to the chassis rails - remove the bolts retaining these brackets from inside the boot (lift the carpet at the edges - 2 x 15mm bolts each side, 2 near the battery on the left side and 2 similar on the right hand side. Once the bolts are removed pull the bumper mounting brackets out from the rear of the car. Retain the reo bar and the 2 longer bolts from the bumper brackets for reinstall after the towbar is fitted.

Slide the towbar into the chassis rails and install 2 longer bolts each side of the boot floor making sure to install the bolts through the reinforcement plates supplied with the bar (the nuts are captive under the car). The 1200Kg factory bar only requires these 2 bolts each side, no need to drill boot floor or remove mufflers as per the Trailboss 1600Kg/ 2100kg instructions. Before refitting the Bumper bar you need to make the cutout for the towbar - I just used a Stanley type knife for this following the lines marked on the bar, the end result was quite neat. Reinstall the Bumper bar.

[redvxr8clubby]

Adding to the above, my 1200 Kg towbar didn't last long as I am now getting a caravan, so I replaced it with a 2100Kg bar (not factory). Same instructions as above except this tow bar extends further into the chassis rails, there is a 3rd bolt on each side which needs to be installed from underneath - above the mufflers on each side. So additional instruction is to remove the rear mufflers and the heat shields above the mufflers and install the 3rd bolt on each side from underneath, in the case of my towbar this 3rd bolt is a shorter bolt that doesn't protrude through the boot floor. The 3rd bolt in the towbar lines up with a hole already in the chassis rail, so no drilling required.