kvin Posted February 4, 2017 Share Posted February 4, 2017 Planning a trip to Munich...and wanting to use the z. Two issues. The first is in hand, we're taking 2 road bikes and cycling across to Lake Garda. So getting a tow bar and tow bar mounted bike rack sorted(!!!). Will post pics in due course ( but it will take time as it's a one off fabrication). I know it verges on heresy but I really don't want to take the estate car and leave the z at home. Second issue where I'd appreciate help. Headlamp converters for a 53 plate 2003 (U.K. GT spec with zenon headlights)?? Have some Eurolites but the blurb says June 2004 onwards. Any advice or experience gratefully received. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sasha@lazytrips Posted February 4, 2017 Share Posted February 4, 2017 (edited) Feel free to stick converters on, but these will restrict light significantly. Better option is to ensure vertical alignment is not high so as not to dazzle oncoming drivers and do without stickers. Taken my zed to around 25 countries... Nobody beyond the Calais gendarmes cares and the law does not prescribe them. Also the glue residue is pretty bad for the light and hard to get off properly. Edited February 4, 2017 by sasha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul K Posted February 4, 2017 Share Posted February 4, 2017 A tow bar. On a Zed!!!! Now I've heard everything!!! However be careful about fitting one. As I'm not sure about the rules governing towbars. I recall that when I had my mondeo there was a big kerfuffle as they do not manufacture a tow bar for the ST variants. What I didn't realise is that all towbars are designed by the original manufacturer and then the design is pushed out to the tow bar companies such as witter. I do recall something in the MOT test as well, Someone better versed in the MOT rules may be able to chip in. But I think towbars are required to be a proprietary piece now rather than knocked up on a garage.... it's a safety thing!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kvin Posted February 4, 2017 Author Share Posted February 4, 2017 Hi Paul, You are right, that a tow bar on a post 1998 uk spec car needs to have "type approval". There is no type approved tow bar for the z. And the tow bar is part of the mot. Interestingly the mot test doesn't include a check on the type approval only the condition of the tow bar. So I reckon if the tow bar is a bolt on bar the ball section can be removed and only put on when using it as a bike rack mount. Then it ain't a tow bar, it's a bike rack mount which is legal. I 'm not proposing to use it to tow, but it should take about 40 kilos of rack and bikes... The guys who are fitting it are specialists in after market tow bars to unusual vehicles, and they propose taking off the aluminium bracket across the rear of the chassis and replacing it with a steel cross member bolted to the chassis ends then attaching the tow bar mounting to that.....should be interesting!!! Plus a 7 pin electric socket for a light bar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul K Posted February 4, 2017 Share Posted February 4, 2017 I see. Actually not putting a 50mm ball on there just using it for a 2 bolt fixed bike rack (I have one similar on my other car.) The witter one is very good actually and dismantles to just the bottom fixing. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kvin Posted February 4, 2017 Author Share Posted February 4, 2017 That sounds good - bolt the rack direct. Saves weight and very secure attachment, and save the issue about type approval if no ball. Do you know the witter model number by any chance?? I can then look at it. I think the towbar compnny stock them too so can raise it with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul K Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 ZX88 Flange Towbar Mounted Cycle Carrier 3/4 bikes (includes retaining strap with metal buckle) Image Representative Image - Actual fitting may differ. Accessories may be shown but are not included. Witter ZX88 Cycle Carrier ZX88 Flange Towbar Mounted Cycle Carrier 3/4 Bikes (Includes Retaining Strap With Metal Buckle) CYCLE CARRIER OVERVIEW The Witter award winning range of towbar mounted Cycle Carriers have been designed to be simple and easy to use. MORE DETAILS For vehicles without a spare wheel attached to the rear door. (Maximum capacity 65kg) . The weight of the cycles is fully supported by the towbar. Durable powder coat finish Easy to store. Supplied with full comprehensive fitting instructions. A full installation video can be downloaded from this website. +500mm for ferry dimensions £75.00 Includes VAT Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul K Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 Pic didn't come out Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kvin Posted February 6, 2017 Author Share Posted February 6, 2017 Ta for that Paul. Getting the towbar in a couple of weeks so will then look at racks. Anyone else got any more views on headlamp converters or is nothing at all the way?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kvin Posted February 28, 2017 Author Share Posted February 28, 2017 (edited) Towbar fitted....now to try and upload photos then run for cover... (OK, I'll go read the instructions for posting photos again). Edited February 28, 2017 by kvin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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