Tow bar blues

Go for the fixed swans neck - we had a detachable and having taken it off couldn’t get it back on so had to go back to the dealer for.them to do it! It never came off again!

Our CX5 2.2 purchased just before Christmas had its tow bar fitted at indespension - Mazda approved wiring so that it didn’t invalidate the warranty cost £480. Nearly £400 cheaper than the main agent.

I got the dealer to fit a dashcam when i ordered my present car and it has cameras at the front and back which record simultaneously.  

Many thanks for all your tips/comments, particularly how the removeable bar is removed!  After comments about theft or seizing on I think I'd go for the fixed version. The plan would be to fit the bar at the beginning of a trip and remove it on our return home, thus no tools would leave my garage or be carried on the trip itself. I don't have a problem with the looks of a permanent bar, but I do have a problem with repeatedly rapping my shins on the thing when loading/unloading the boot! I do have a very small garage and the extra 4-6 inches also comes in handy. The bar (or hook) and bolts would be cleaned and stored in the boot of the car when not in use. Next question, has anyone had any dealings with Tow-Fit in Bristol? Their price including fitting at our home is very good but I always prefer to hear a few recommendations!  Thanks again for your feedback folks, this is a great way of checking these things out. 

So it wouldn't go back on again .... was that the towbar's fault or yours? 🙄

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This thread just highlights the inability of some to be able to bend down & twist a handle to release a towbar & find fault with something they can't manage.

I too have a factory retractable .... I just have to shove it with my foot to finish off engaging or disengaging.

the extra 4-6 inches also comes in handy.

That is some size of tow ball!  Even bigger than the NATO hitch I sometimes use for army trailers.

 This reminds of a funny story 15 years ago when I was on my way to the pub.

I was waiting at the traffic lights in third position behind two boy racers. The lights turned  to green and Boy Racer 1 shot off, Boy Racer 2 also shot off but he had selected reverse by mistake. He smashed into the front of my car. My first response was to go to the car behind me and confirm with the girl driver that I hadn't moved. Returning to the front of my car, I saw that his car was almost written off with major damage to the back end. Looking at my car and fearing the worst I couldn't even see a scratch!

Renault Lagunas were well made in those days. It was later inspected by the garage and needed little repair.

at risk of going right off subject, years ago I had a 1936 Austin 7 Ruby and a guy went into the back of me in a brand new Triumph 2000. The Triumph's plastic grill and headlights met the Ruby's sprung steel rear bumper, his radiator met his fan and his Triumph met the tow-truck man. Not a scratch on the Ruby!

Talking of vehicles going into the rear raises to me an important aspect.

Many towbars replace the crash absorbing armature. Therefore,  if that is the case here, I would not seek the sharpest budget deal on any available towbar, but go specifically for the one Mazda as a responsible maker would fit.