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Post by BikeTuna on Aug 20, 2018 12:25:03 GMT
Yes, I'm fitting a towbar to the 5. Yes, it's a MK1, Yes I know how canoe it's going to look....
Anyway, I need some ideas on hiding the electrics. I have a plan for hiding the bar itself despite not being detachable, but standard electrics mount to the ball mount and because they run out the bottom of the boot to get there it'll be tough to get it hidden without ziptie-ing out the way between tows.
Current thought is to put the number plate on a hinge at the top with a magnet at the bottom so it sits secure on normal driving, and then cut a hole in the panel behind and flush fit the socket but a little worried that it's cutting into the boot panel and also wouldn't be waterproof and the boot could fill up - unlikely due to position but possible.
Suggestions? |
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Post by dadbif on Aug 20, 2018 13:36:22 GMT
Give up caravanning š
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Post by BikeTuna on Aug 20, 2018 13:39:37 GMT
I think I already have a plan. Ive managed to take apart my socket, take out the core and put it in the housing backwards, so the flat back of the housing can now bolt into the back of the boot. I need to cut a hole in the back of the car so the trailers plug can pass through it, and if I get some soft rubber on the back of the number plate it should water seal it too.
I think i'll just take the rear plate off when in use, is there a law against that?
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Post by dave6 on Aug 20, 2018 14:04:50 GMT
What are you dragging? I had a brainfart of getting a trackday trailer after seeming Hoonigan build one...
Big enough for a set of wheels/tyres and a toolbox, jerry... But doing 50mph to and front trackdays would get boring...
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jon
Chats A Lot
Posts: 270
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Post by jon on Aug 20, 2018 14:09:33 GMT
Can't you have the socket inside the boot space, when you need it open the boot, plug it in and close the cable on the boot? Am pretty sure with the rubber seal there you won't damage the cable when the boot lid shuts...
Other option would be to put the socket up behind the bumper, there should be space up there, or mount it vertically above the bar behind the bumper...
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Post by BikeTuna on Aug 20, 2018 14:35:51 GMT
I like that idea very much! I could even cut a bit out of the seam below the seal so it has more give when it's closed. I'll start looking for a mount point in the boot instead - cheers!
The towbar is for my motorbike trailer. I like to go to rideouts and trackdays all over, but sitting on the motorway to get to them squares off tyres really quickly so I like to tow there, have a rideout and then town back. A small trailer with some tools and tyres will be handy for car trackdays though, might look into that.
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jon
Chats A Lot
Posts: 270
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Post by jon on Aug 20, 2018 14:54:21 GMT
I'd keep the socket on a small flylead, you can tuck it down into the recess on the left hand side of the boot when it's not in use. Either that or remove the fuel tank filler guard and mount it on that...
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Post by BikeTuna on Aug 20, 2018 14:58:00 GMT
The towball is removeable and will live in the boot anyway and I have a bracket that came with the electrics that sandwich between the bracket and the ball, so if I leave the electrics on the bracket I can swing it out the boot and mount it on the ball when I'm fitting it.
Job Jobbed!
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Post by jonathanlc on Aug 20, 2018 18:29:56 GMT
It may be crazy but would it be possible to replace the reversing light lens with the socket then when not towing put in the reverse light. Would require some work but I reckon it would be possible?
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Post by martinpw on Aug 21, 2018 20:17:26 GMT
But doing 50mph to and front trackdays would get boring... You can tow a trailer at 60 on dual carriageways and motorways these days |
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Post by dave6 on Aug 22, 2018 12:56:06 GMT
Yeah, I looked it up after posting... :lol:
Sure would make prepping much easier!
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Post by BikeTuna on Aug 22, 2018 13:52:34 GMT
The bar is all now in hammerite and ready to fit, and the electrics kit is sat here on my work desk ready to go. Should be up and running on Saturday.
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le sigh