Birty Dastards Jeep Club

Tech Forum => Workshop => Topic started by: Graham on July 12, 2016, 05:37:03 PM

Title: Fitting a towbar on a ZJ?
Post by: Graham on July 12, 2016, 05:37:03 PM
Looks like my ZJ has had the safety recall and a rear protection bar fitted to mitigate the risk of fuel tank rupture in the event of a rear end smash.

So...I would like a towbar.

I can buy one and fit, but where do I stand in terms of suitability?  Apparently, the UK spec bars don't meet the standards to satisfy the recall and the US spec bars are not approved for use in the UK.  :banghead:

Help!

Title: Re: Fitting a towbar on a ZJ?
Post by: Jonny Jeep on July 12, 2016, 10:22:37 PM
Looking at your earlier posts the ZJ is a 96. Any vehicle first registered before 1st Aug 98 does not require a type approved towbar, which means there's nothing to stop you fitting a US towbar to your ZJ. Just remember, if you get one with a 2" towball you'd need to swap it for a smaller 50mm one.
Title: Re: Fitting a towbar on a ZJ?
Post by: bigjeepzj on July 13, 2016, 08:45:40 PM
 :iagree:

Got a hidden hitch and both of mine

http://www.quadratec.com/products/72016_701_07.htm


Title: Re: Fitting a towbar on a ZJ?
Post by: Graham on July 13, 2016, 09:21:04 PM
I may have a plan B.

The Mopar rear guard bar is effectively a tow hitch without the square receiver. It's a beast of a bar and mounts in the same way as a tow hitch.

Thinking who can weld 5mm steel well locally and just weld a receiver tube on with a reinforcing plate underneath.
Title: Re: Fitting a towbar on a ZJ?
Post by: bigjeepzj on July 13, 2016, 10:22:09 PM
good plan
Title: Re: Fitting a towbar on a ZJ?
Post by: ron5 on July 22, 2016, 09:11:30 AM
They fit a replacement tow bar now if you have an aftermarket tow bar fitted on the recall so they should be available?
Title: Re: Fitting a towbar on a ZJ?
Post by: Graham on July 22, 2016, 08:02:49 PM
Mines already had the recall and had the Mopar safety bar fitted. 2" hitch will be welded to this shortly.
Title: Re: Fitting a towbar on a ZJ?
Post by: robbieg on July 25, 2016, 10:26:44 PM
When I had my recall done I asked for my old towbar back they said I could have it after 90 days if jeep didn't ask for it  if you need one you could give a jeep dealer a call and see if they have any old towbars around the back you could have