Keep it all under cover
A new, easy-to-use cover for utes that doesn't require holes drilled into the bodywork will be taking pride of place on the Toyota, Isuzu and Volkswagen vehicles at this year's National Fieldays.
“That means anyone who buys a new towbar online from an unknown original, without knowing what vehicle it was made for, could be putting themselves, and others on the road, in danger,” the company says.
“A towbar fitted to a vehicle that it was not designed for could be a recipe for disaster. If it has to be adapted to fit the vehicle or does not have the correct fittings it could lead to failure during towing.
“Never fit a second-hand towbar, either, even if it is designed for the right vehicle, as there may be hidden corrosion or metal fatigue.”
Have a towbar fitted by a reputable vehicle dealer or specialist fitter – one that carries labels saying ‘Genuine/Approved Accessory’ and ‘Manufactured in accordance with NZS5467’. These signify the towbar is made for and approved as a genuine accessory by a motor company and/or that it also meets the required New Zealand safety standard.
To be approved as a genuine accessories supplier, a towbar maker must meet stringent design, testing and manufacturing standards, including building them to NZS5467.
Best Bars says its towbar designs are tested on a special rig – independently calibrated and certified – which duplicates the forces exerted on a towbar, not just in a normal vehicle life cycle, but for far longer than most people will ever use it.
