[Jesse91]

I bought myself a BTA towbar from work for $220 and installed it the other day. I really wanted the one with the removable hitch but it was too much $$ for me maybe one day if I find one for a good price I'll swap them. Anyway this one isn't too bad because you can remove the tongue with just 2 bolts which is what I'll do because I think it look hideous when left on. The wiring kit is very easy just plugs and play but pretty much have to remove the entire back trims. Took me about 4-5 hours would be a lot easier if you had 2 people.

Anyway here are some photo to hopefully help anyone wanting to do this themselves..

Genuine wiring kit that came with it


the towbar itself


Splash guard that needs to be removed, there about about 10 of the first clips and 3 bolts at the back


where the towbar actually bolts onto from the sides (not that hole just the side of that bar)


tab that needed to be cut from the bumper for the towbar to sit flush


after the tab has been removed I drilled a hold up into the bumper and the mount and put a clip back through it to help hold up middle of the bumper still


towbar without the tongue attached


bolting the towbar on from the side, I ended up having to remove the rear wheels because I was having trouble lining up the holes perfectly.


The wiring plug put through, attached to the bumper and tided up.


putting the splash guard back on after having to make a cut out for the towbar


The end result with the towbar tongue attached

[The Gonz]

Awesome, Jesse, that would make it a breeze for anyone to try. Good post!

[Dazzler]

  ** Very good Jesse thanks for taking and posting all those photos...

** Only joking Gonz

[The Gonz]

** Only joking Gonz

Please, Dazz, don't go all PC on me!

[me217]

where abouts did you get that from, as i'd like to get one for my car as well

[Jesse91]

Any auto store supercheap/autobarn/repco should be able to order it in but I think aranda towbars had the best price you can just buy the towbar direct of them. There is a 2nd han one on gumtree atm for $50 in southport

[me217]

got a link?

[me217]

never mind. found it. are the 2008 models the same as the 2007 model. also is it possible this could be off the cw.

also does anyone live down gold coast that could pick it up for me as its a wrecker and i dont finish work till 4.30 and they shut at 5, and im in brissy.

[Jesse91]

never mind. found it. are the 2008 models the same as the 2007 model. also is it possible this could be off the cw.

also does anyone live down gold coast that could pick it up for me as its a wrecker and i dont finish work till 4.30 and they shut at 5, and im in brissy.

2008 same as 2007 yes. Looks like its from a hatch and I think the bar has "hatch" written on it, why not just ask them?

[me217]

just wanted to double check. picked up the bar this afternoon, now i gotta fit it. thanks Jasse91 for the tip.

Update: next question where does the wiring loom plug into.

[tomd]

Thanks Jesse91, very helpful. I have a question though, how did you get it under the exhaust?

[Jesse91]

Thanks Jesse91, very helpful. I have a question though, how did you get it under the exhaust?

From what I can remember I believe I removed the muffler from the "figure 8" rubber exhaust mount which gave me enough leverage to push the muffler aside and put that end of the towbar up

[The Gonz]

Time to revive Jesse's awesome photo guide.
Do you think I can get away with not cutting anything if doing this as a one-off?
I'm imagining mounting it tight against the tab which is cut above, and the splash guard either left off for the trip or only half mounted, leaving a bit of give.
What do you think, @Jesse91 ?

[Jesse91]

Do you think I can get away with not cutting anything if doing this as a one-off?

You might be able to but I imagine that the tab would bend under the pressure from the protruding towbar. As for the splash guard, if you're planing on removing the towbar afterwards I'd just leave it off, save you having to hack it up to fit in around the towbar. The installation instructions that came with the towbar just tell you to remove the splash guard and leave it off. I only put mine back on because I'm pedantic 

[The Gonz]

... the tab would bend under the pressure from the protruding towbar.

Heck, I guess I'll just let Firty go bare-assed and throw all the panels including rear bumper in the trailer along with the other gear.

[Jesse91]

Heck, I guess I'll just let Firty go bare-assed

Genius. It will look very apocalyptic as well.