Towbars & LPG Gas Tank

[Regor]

I'm thinking of fitting a towbar to my LPG converted V6 which has a big 91 ltr Doughnut tank mounted in the spare wheel area.

As always, the Forum is a wealth of information about makes, suppliers, prices etc & I've even spoken to a supplier/fitter in the NW area. He advised that to fit the bar he recommends there needs to be at least 2" clearance from the lower edge of the back bumper going forward.

My clearance between the bumper lip and the LPG tank is just 1.5". Does anyone know, or fitted a towbar, where that clearance would not be a problem, or will I have to look at sourcing a modified bar and/or reworking the back bumper.

Best regards
Roger

[mikexgough]

not sure about the clearance but I have just fitted a Tow Trust brand of Towbar and I have a full size spare wheel and it fits with no probs, didn't have to remove the bumper and only one hole to drill - I'm sure others can impart their experiences of their Tow bars to you too

As an add on I have looked and the Tow Trust is tight to the bumper lip but is of at least 2" box section (sorry no tape with me at the mo') so I would think you wont get one to fit with the tank you have now, I suppose you will have to factor in a smaller lpg tank/cost to fit and commission in with the cost of the tow bar.......... I wouldn't have fitted one other than for the fact OH wants to take more kit when we go on longer travels as well as for trips to the tip...

[apole]

Hi,

I have a towbar but it was fitted after the LPG and my tank is smaller at 54litres.

You need to ask why the 2" clearance, it's probably a requirement for installation certificate. If so and you cannot more the tank forward slightly you may have to forego the towbar, or fit a slightly smaller tank.

Regards

Andy

[missfixit70]

Wonder if the clearance is in case of a rear end shunt to allow a bit of "crumple zone" to protect the LPG tank?

2" clearance from the lower edge of the back bumper going forward

I reckon you may have to modify to satisfy that one. I don't know if you can make out mine on this pic, but the main bar runs along underneath the bumper just in front of it (if you think front to back on the bongo), I don't imagine it'd be too difficult to modify.



I think mine was an A1 towbar.

[Simon Jones]

I think mine was an A1 towbar.

Looks very much like the A1 towbar I fitted recently. Because it sits below the bumper, it does leave a bit more room next to the spare wheel.

[missfixit70]

That's what I thought Simon, I reckon if you did need to take it a bit further back it wouldn't be too hard to get the mounting brackets on the end of the bar extended a bit either?