211 Tow Bar recommendations needed

[Londonscottish]

Hi All,

Not sure where to ask this so sticking it here;

I'm planning to get a tow bar fitted so I can take the family's bikes out on day trips/holidays/etc.

I was originally wanting to get a discrete/removable one but on reflection would settle for a permanent one - the priority is function.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[grober]

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[davidjpowell]

pfjones in Manchester are very reasonable and also have mobile installers.

Integration is no magic trick - it's an (usually expensive) cable loom. In the case of the S211, I was led to believe (by a disappointed installer on seeing my S210 that the integration makes it easier...).

A lot of the towbar mounted bike racks need a permanent bar for mounting, although I prefer removable for neatness and parking sensor accuracy.

 

[The Polisher]

Thoroughly recommend PF Jones in Manchester.

They did a detachable 13 pin towbar, fully functioning with software updates on my new 2013 E Class Estate (W212?)

 

[blue gnome123]

I had a detachable Witter towbar fitted to my 211 and have one fitted to me 212. The Mercedes loom (anti sway and no error messages, plus works with reversing sensors) is a major cost. As much as the towbar. Once you have gone to this cost the difference between detachable and non detachable isn't so much.

Many racks (I have a Thule) work fine with detachable swan neck towbars.

I used this guy http://www.candr-towbars.co.uk/contact-us since he was the only mobile fitter who knew all the correct Merc looms etc. Recommended.

 

[BTB 500]

I'm planning to get a tow bar fitted so I can take the family's bikes out on day trips/holidays/etc.

How many bikes? You need to make sure the total weight of them plus the carrier doesn't exceed the maximum trailer noseweight for your car ...

 

[blue gnome123]

85kg is the nose weight of a s211. Even with 4 bikes you are very unlikely to exceed 60kg.

 

[Londonscottish]

How many bikes? You need to make sure the total weight of them plus the carrier doesn't exceed the maximum trailer noseweight for your car ...

Four bikes. 2 adults, two kids. Just assumed it would be OK. Will do some counting.

 

[Londonscottish]

I had a detachable Witter towbar fitted to my 211 and have one fitted to me 212. The Mercedes loom (anti sway and no error messages, plus works with reversing sensors) is a major cost. As much as the towbar. Once you have gone to this cost the difference between detachable and non detachable isn't so much.

Many racks (I have a Thule) work fine with detachable swan neck towbars.

I used this guy http://www.candr-towbars.co.uk/contact-us since he was the only mobile fitter who knew all the correct Merc looms etc. Recommended.

I'll give him a call, thanks.

Out of interest, I guess the fitting is all reversable? I wouldn't mind transferring it if I bought another 211 or selling in on to recoup some of the (surprisingly high) outlay.

 

[BTB 500]

85kg is the nose weight of a s211. Even with 4 bikes you are very unlikely to exceed 60kg.

Suspect a 4-bike carrier is likely to be around 20kg, so 60kg for the bikes would just about be OK.

 

[Londonscottish]

Suspect a 4-bike carrier is likely to be around 20kg, so 60kg for the bikes would just about be OK.

Well my bike is c 27lb and the wife's maybe 30lbs. Allow 20lbs for each of the kids' bikes and you have 97lb - so call it 100 English pounds.

In Johnny Foreigner kilograms that would be around 45 for the bikes.

 

[blue gnome123]

60kgs for bikes and rack is about right. Should be fine.

Or get yourself something under 20lbs! 15lbs for one of my road bikes and 23lb MTB

 

[davidjpowell]

Towbar, rack, new bikes...

It will soon be cheaper to buy a van