Tow bar advice please

[intercooledpc2]

Hi all,

Hope everyone is doing mighty fine.

I'm looking to get a tow bar fitted on my 2007 Toyota Kluger. It's main purpose will be to haul my 5.3 meter fibreglass boat around.

I've got a quote from a local place offering a Hayman Reese tow bar, fitted for $800.

I've also got a quote from Toyota, on a genuine Toyota tow bar for $980.

I'm just wondering what the difference between the two will be, both structurally and cosmetically. I hear Hayman Reece are well known, but others say you can't beat genuine.

Your thoughts?

Thanks!
Dave

[Blue]

Gooday Dave, think I can help you.
Couple years ago chased up prices to fit 150kg ball weight H.D.boxed towbar to my Ford.
Got half dozen prices including Hayman Reese as the y are the NAME.
Finished up with a product from BTA Towing Equipment Knoxfield 9764 1900.
Cos Knoxfield the other side of world to me, found one of their distributors Ace Exhaust and Towbar Centre
267 Plenty Rd preston 9484 1090
Can't remember price detail now but it was a liitle over half the H&R, service was fantastic and have had no probs at all. The place doesnt look all that flash but the work was first class.
Anyway up to you but certainly worth checking out.
Hope this helps.
Blue

[frozenpod]

I doubt you can go wrong with either but Hayman Reese for some vehicles offer better than OEM tow bars.

[Blue]

Dave, as a Ps i've just read up comments in Caravanners Forum on Hayman vs Toyota towbar
The Boronia Towbar unit gets some big ticks by comparison if you read down.
BTA have an informative website.
Blue

[tuna tube]

the towbar fitted to my Toyota was a Hayman Reese. This was fitted by the dealer when I ordered the Prado.

[intercooledpc2]

Thanks for your comments all.

I suppose I would trust both brands when it comes to reliability and job function, i'm more just wondering now if there are any cosmetic differences.
Toyota have advised me they will provide/install a 'garnish' plate, which i think is something cosmetic. I think it may have to do with how the rear plastic section will allow for the tow bar to protrude through it or something.

[frozenpod]

I am pretty sure what they are calling the garnish plate is just a bit of trim with there name on it.

[Nude up]

My prado came with a hayman reece fitted by the dealer the genuine toyota towbar fits a little higher up would give better departure clearance if 4wd but I only tow and there is only a couple of inches in it

[jedgpz]

I put a Boronia Towbar on my AU wagon about 4 months ago.
Got it from my local wreckers. (It was new) and installed it myself to save labour.
Rated 2300kgs easy to fit and works a treat.

[ratbag]

Dave, I have a 2009 kluger with a toyota tow bar, came with the car when i bought it. no issues dragging my boat around. is your kluger 2WD or AWD? mine is 2WD so I used some level riders to move some weight onto the front wheels, helps at ramps when there is a bit of sand on them.

I also changed over the plug to a 7 pin flat plug, fits neater on the kluger bracket.