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Merlin086
25-09-2007, 07:46 PM
I need to get a towbar for my euro. The Honda dealer wants $700+ to supply and fit....:thumbdwn:

I have sourced a local towbar specialist, although the listed towbar for the euro is only, according to his information, suitable for up to May 06.

Does anyone know if there is any difference in the mounting points or rear skirt shape between the
prior May06 and the post May06 model which would warrant a different bar?

aaronng
25-09-2007, 08:36 PM
Nope, same for prior and after May 06.

panda[cRx]
25-09-2007, 10:15 PM
hmmmm i'd be wary of aftermarket bars, they tend to push oup on the bottom of the rear bar causing the rear bar to warp. not only does it look bad, it can cause the boot to not close properly

when honda genuine bars are fitted they cut out a small section of rear bar to fit. the honda genuine bars generally look much neater too

big jim
25-09-2007, 11:05 PM
I have a genuine tow bar fitted to my 03 lux and dealer charged $560 fitted which included tow ball,shackles and the bag to stow the detachable tongue in.They had to cut out part of the bumper to fit the tow bar but looks neat and tidy and the workmanship was first rate on the install.

tony1234
26-09-2007, 07:46 AM
I have a genuine tow bar fitted to my 03 lux and dealer charged $560 fitted which included tow ball,shackles and the bag to stow the detachable tongue in.They had to cut out part of the bumper to fit the tow bar but looks neat and tidy and the workmanship was first rate on the install.
Merlin,try shopping around for the OEM towbar.As above big jim got it for $560 all up.

Bryce
26-09-2007, 04:10 PM
Yea Merlin, look around, tony said big jim go it for $560 all up.

Suntzu
26-09-2007, 11:01 PM
How heavy is the towpack?

big jim
27-09-2007, 10:14 AM
1200 kg with trailer brakes 500 kg without. I tow 7x4 box trailer with mine with no more than 350 kg loaded and tows real well.

Merlin086
27-09-2007, 03:57 PM
Got the rundown on the euro towbars now.

The Accord and the Euro use the same towbar, however from May 06 on the V6 Accord requires a different bar.

The aftermarket bar I am considering is a Hayman Reece
and is $300 fitted. The OEM bar is $375 plus $350 to fit at the dealer.

After searching, it seems the dealer may simply charge less if fitted at purchase, or how long ago was $570 fitted price?

Anyway, after looking at a OEM installation
http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54684&highlight=towbar&page=2

....even they can look like crap.

The towbar specialist has assured me he has fitted a number of euro towbars no probs....after all it only has to hold up the tongue....99% unseen, as long as it doesn't foul the body anywhere.

Hmmm.........the money I save could pay for a sports grille to take the focus off the towbar........:thumbsup:....lol

No-ones cuttin' up my car like the pics in the link!....OEM or not.....!

big jim
27-09-2007, 05:11 PM
I got the bar fitted in May this year and the price was $560 fitted

Merlin086
27-09-2007, 06:35 PM
I got the bar fitted in May this year and the price was $560 fitted

Damn that's a good price!...too far to drive tho .....

Last time I went to Maitland was for a Studebaker windscreen, they're harder to get than a euro towbar!

EuroSteve
17-11-2008, 11:39 AM
Hi All,

Sorry to bring up an old thread....but I need a tow bar. I'm only going to be using it on rare occasions (for light loads in the trailer), so when i'm not using it, i'm hoping to be able to remove the tongue, leaving as less visual impact as possible. I also don't want to have to cut into my rear bar.

I just phoned Honda, and they want $550 for the towbar + $190 to fit, and according to the guy I spoke to, they would have to cut the bar...

Those of you that have a towbar fitted, is your rear bar cut? If not, what towbar do you have fitted?

Also, i've read where you can have the trailer lights connector either near the hitch or in the boot. How does it work if it's in the boot, where do you run the cable? When I asked the guy at Honda, he said he'd never heard of it being in the boot...

If any of you have photos of your setup, post em!

TIA!

-Steve

Suntzu
17-11-2008, 03:26 PM
I called the hayman reece agent and yeah it was a lot cheaper than OEM. And basically the same product. I dotn want extra weight though. Maybe I can fab one in aluminium...!

luxobarge
17-11-2008, 03:34 PM
I got my tow bar from http://www.miamitowbars.com.au/

Cant remember the exact cost but it was about $300 fitted and they came to me at no extra charge. Because your in Brissy you may have to drive down to have it installed though.

Its a Hayman Reece towbar... no cutting of the rear bar and IMO it doesnt impact the look of the car at all. I used to tow my 14" runabout on a weekly basis with no problems what so ever. A couple weeks ago i even towed a car on a trailer.

Ill try get a pic posted up later but dont hold your breath, im pretty busy atm.

ticklenow1
17-11-2008, 04:29 PM
I don't know what the story is with having to cut away some of the bar. Mine was fitted by the dealer (genuine kit) and it doesn't look like any of the bar was cut away.

They installed the flat wiring connector and with the honda plastic cover over the towbar you can hardly even notice it.

If you are getting an aftermarket bar then make sure that it does not stick out to far, as then it looks terrible.

Hayman Reece is a good brand though, and it would be hard to believe that they would make an ill fitting bar.

Merlin086
17-11-2008, 06:38 PM
Hi All,

Sorry to bring up an old thread....but I need a tow bar. I'm only going to be using it on rare occasions (for light loads in the trailer), so when i'm not using it, i'm hoping to be able to remove the tongue, leaving as less visual impact as possible. I also don't want to have to cut into my rear bar.

I just phoned Honda, and they want $550 for the towbar + $190 to fit, and according to the guy I spoke to, they would have to cut the bar...

Those of you that have a towbar fitted, is your rear bar cut? If not, what towbar do you have fitted?

Also, i've read where you can have the trailer lights connector either near the hitch or in the boot. How does it work if it's in the boot, where do you run the cable? When I asked the guy at Honda, he said he'd never heard of it being in the boot...

If any of you have photos of your setup, post em!

TIA!

-Steve


He probably means cut the skirt to clear the tongue, whick looks pretty dodgy.
Looks better if you just let the skirt ride up over the tongue, and you don't even notice.

As for the plug, I just leave mine in the spare wheel well with about 1.2m of cable, so when you want to plug in the trailer you just let the cable hang out past tha boot and close the lid, as the rubber seal will allow clearance for the cable.

I paid $225 supplied and fitted at Miami for the Haymen Reese.

EuroSteve
18-11-2008, 10:25 AM
Thanks for the posts guys.

What would be a huge help is some photos. If any of you get a chance, could you post a couple photos (one from behind and one from underneath, i'm curious to see how the kits mount)?

It would be great to see the difference between the OEM and Hayman Reece.

Thanks guys,
Steve

Merlin086
18-11-2008, 12:17 PM
Only have one good pic atm, if you want anymore shots you'll have to wait....

This should give you a good idea, you can see the shirt riding over the top of the tongue mounting plate.

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/350/towbaruz7.th.jpg (http://img136.imageshack.us/my.php?image=towbaruz7.jpg)

luxobarge
18-11-2008, 12:53 PM
excuse the dodgy phone pics through a window but it should give you a good idea (BTW its the same towbar as Merlin086)

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/4628/image015zq0.jpg

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/9692/image014vg7.jpg

Suntzu
18-11-2008, 01:12 PM
So which one is this above? Hayman reece or oem?

EuroSteve
18-11-2008, 01:16 PM
Thanks for the photos guys, that's exactly what I was looking for.

It looks like a pretty simple install, just wondering how hard it would be to install myself (i've got all the necessary tools, etc). When I look under my car, where you guys have the tow bar, I have two (iirc) tow rings/hooks. Is it a matter of removing the rear under cover and unbolting those rings and bolting back on the tow bar plate, or do you have to cut those rings off and weld the towbar plate on?

I realise you guys had yours installed, but thought you (or someone else?) might know anyway.

I just phoned another Honda dealer for a price comparison, for those that are interested:
08H10SEAL10 Tow Bar $510
08H60SEAL00 Wiring loom $54 (installs without having to splice wires apparently)

Thanks,
Steve

EuroSteve
18-11-2008, 01:25 PM
Actually, i'll revise that above question. Looking closer at the above under car photo (and photos of tow bars not installed), I see there is a bar which runs horizontally along the back of the car (probably thus why they are called tow bars ;-P).

My question is this, do the tow bars (either Hayman Reece or OEM) bolt on, or does the installation involve cutting/welding, etc?

Suntzu
18-11-2008, 01:32 PM
I would like to order the hayman reece bar and the oem wiring loom and also install it myself. Im guessing it a bolt on direct.

EuroSteve
18-11-2008, 01:44 PM
I would like to order the hayman reece bar and the oem wiring loom and also install it myself. Im guessing it a bolt on direct.

Yeah, i'm thinking I might do the same. I suspect it just bolts on, I might give HR a call now.

Comparing the HR and OEM bars with the tongue off, I think the OEM one (even with the nice Honda cover) protrudes out more than the HR.

EuroSteve
18-11-2008, 01:51 PM
OK, just phoned Hayman Reece.

The person I spoke to said the kit for the Euro (Part #2008) is a bolt on kit and includes towbar, flat tongue, lugs and bolts, and ball.

Suntzu
18-11-2008, 01:59 PM
Sweet. i just emailed the 2 local guys for pricing. ill order the loom from Hinda. cheers

luxobarge
18-11-2008, 02:22 PM
Suntzu: That is a HR towbar.

Installation wise, i didnt pay much attention when it was being installed but i do know he removed the rear bar to do the installation (maybe it made it easier?). And it took all up about an hour.

Wiring (about the only part i dont like about my installation) is done by splicing the wires right behind the tail light and then covering it up with electrical tape. Its a bit messy but you only notice it when you change a rear bulb anyway. Getting the OEM loom would be a great idea.

If you guys want more detailed pics of the underbody to help you with your DIY install ill pull out the DSLR and take some pics when it stops raining.

Merlin086
18-11-2008, 02:31 PM
Geez...for $225 installed why would you bother diy?

Maybe a little more now, mine was fitted last year.

Just phone around 4 a good price including installation.

EuroSteve
18-11-2008, 02:41 PM
Geez...for $225 installed why would you bother diy?

Maybe a little more now, mine was fitted last year.

Just phone around 4 a good price including installation.

$225 is VERY cheap. Best price i've got so far was from TJM, $343 for the kit or $428 fitted.

Quite frankly, I don't trust anyone but myself working on my car. I might sound a bit picky, but i've had bad experiences in the past, and plus, I enjoy it ;)

Merlin086
18-11-2008, 03:04 PM
Oops, what am I thinking of.....

....sorry, it was $300 fitted.

EuroSteve
05-01-2009, 12:14 PM
Sweet. i just emailed the 2 local guys for pricing. ill order the loom from Hinda. cheers

Hey Suntzu, just wondering if you ended up getting your tow bar fitted? Something (Christmas) came up last month and I had to spend my tow bar money, but i'm ready to purchase again.

I've bought the OEM wiring harness ($50), but i've found it really isn't designed to run through the boot lid (it has a rubber grommet, and some protective loom already fitted to the harness). I'm thinking i'll install it as intended, but try to conceal the socket as much as possible.

As for the bar, i'm still undecided whether to go HR or OEM :(. I just spoke to my local HR dealer (Aranda) and the guy there said to do a proper install, you do need to cut the rear bar a small amount. He suggested that if you don't, you can have trouble with the boot not shutting properly and the bar will remain bowed up if you take the towbar off.

I think i'll probably end up going with the HR bar anyway ($320 vs. $469).

EuroSteve
10-01-2009, 05:50 PM
Spent a lazy couple hours this arvo fitting my towbar, for those that are interested, here's some photos.

http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/238/img3880pn5.th.jpg (http://img133.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3880pn5.jpg) http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/1628/img3882hf5.th.jpg (http://img74.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3882hf5.jpg) http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/8199/img3884hw4.th.jpg (http://img65.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3884hw4.jpg) http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/9697/img3886nn8.th.jpg (http://img61.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3886nn8.jpg) http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/6632/img3891jp2.th.jpg (http://img374.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3891jp2.jpg) http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/4027/img3897ol2.th.jpg (http://img74.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3897ol2.jpg) http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/9092/img3900ec6.th.jpg (http://img65.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3900ec6.jpg) http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/6784/img3903ou9.th.jpg (http://img73.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3903ou9.jpg) http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/5221/img3907pf9.th.jpg (http://img66.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3907pf9.jpg) http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/4005/img3916ch4.th.jpg (http://img247.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3916ch4.jpg) http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/227/img3919ie2.th.jpg (http://img262.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3919ie2.jpg) http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/8383/img3920cz7.th.jpg (http://img440.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3920cz7.jpg) http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/5298/img3913xh4.th.jpg (http://img340.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3913xh4.jpg) http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/8404/img3905pc4.th.jpg (http://img247.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3905pc4.jpg)

As you can see, I cut the bumper, but it fits real nice. With the hitch off, you can hardly notice the towbar's there.

corn_flakes
10-09-2009, 07:39 PM
very nice!

can i ask which towbar you got? i looked on the hayman reese website and it looks like there are two different ones for the euro.


1. HONDA 06/2003-05/06 +1991 Accord Euro Sedan (C) (Use part number 2008) $331.00 1200/120


2. HONDA 06/2003-02/2008 2008 Accord & Accord Euro (C) $343.00 1200/120


also, where does the wiring harness sit near the tongue of the towbar? is it fitted still somewhere or does it just hang there and move around?

sodhi90
10-09-2009, 08:27 PM
I have a Tow setup i ripped off of my 2003 Euro im keen to get rid off if anyone is keen? make an offer :)

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z145/alexsodhi/05052009_001.jpg

BTW the tongue would be on the other end when on the car , i don't know why i put it on the wrong end :S

corn_flakes
10-09-2009, 08:47 PM
what brand is it? and does it come with all the nuts and bolts? :)


edit: lismore? :confused: lol...damn!

sodhi90
10-09-2009, 08:54 PM
Everything is Honda except maybe the tongue and towball. yeah im 2 hours south of Brisbane. i think the bolts are either in the garage or still on the car :S lol

corn_flakes
10-09-2009, 09:02 PM
wouldn't know how much postage to sydney would cost would you? lol

and how much would you want for it?

hmm...

sodhi90
10-09-2009, 09:33 PM
not sure, maybe 30-40 with fastways ? just a guess,consider the price of a new one and make me an offer :)

Darkii_
10-09-2009, 10:09 PM
sorry to say it mate, but i'll tell you before a mod does.

Newcomers aren't allowed to sell stuff, + this is the wrong area lol

sodhi90
10-09-2009, 11:00 PM
yeah i know

tony1234
11-09-2009, 08:23 AM
sodi90.Organise the sale via PM and you'll keep everyone happy.:)

sodhi90
11-09-2009, 12:11 PM
wow that's a good point why didn't i think of that :\ lol

sirzur
22-05-2010, 03:12 PM
Hi, I just got hold of a OEM Honda Euro towbar. Can anyone tell me what size and specification bolts are used to attach the towbar to the back of the car (after bumper removal)? - Not the bottom attachment

Thanks

Neesmo31
25-05-2010, 07:56 AM
The one that i just removed had the 3 bolts on each side that secure into the end of what appears to be the chassis rail, the single one centralised - underneath the car, and 2 bolts each side, that go through into the boot with the spacer collars drilled through the boot.

Ill try and get pics and sizes this afternoon for you mate.

sirzur
25-05-2010, 08:55 PM
Thanks for the reply.

Do new holes have to be drilled for the ones which go through to the boot? Or are there already bolt holes in place?

I am interested in the size of each of the 3 bolts on the sides. I am not too keen to remove the rear and find that the bolts are non standard...
Eg. Are they M12 or 1/2" or other?

Neesmo31
26-05-2010, 06:03 AM
Sorry i will have to get the dimensions tonight for you - got tied up yesterday. Will do that tonight i promise.

Neesmo31
27-05-2010, 06:27 AM
Silly me - the 3 bolts (each side) appeared to be the factory bolts that hold the rear bumper absorber onto the chassis. When i pulled my towbar off, i just put them back on the car to hold it on (minus the towbar)

From memory i think they should be long enough to hold the towbar and the absorber on.

sirzur
27-05-2010, 08:02 AM
OK. So what you are saying is that the 3 bolts on each side should already be on the car.

What about the 2 bolts on each side that go through the boot. Do new holes have to be drilled?

Neesmo31
27-05-2010, 08:06 AM
The three on each side will already be in use to hold the absorber on. The 2 new bolts that go through your boot will need to be bought (should come with the towbar) and new collars to suit. Holes WILL need to be drilled from the boot down - all the way through (even through your exhaust sheild)

I had to drop my exhaust down to get the nuts off that were between the muffler and the shield.