Towbar

[Hardy888]

I just realised that I might want to do some towing in future but I didn't specify the factory tow bar.

The car hasn't been built yet so does anyone know if it's worth asking if they can change the order?

Or can it be added after?

Or is it worth just getting an after market one fitted later? It just looks like the factory one is cheaper than any of the after market ones fitted.

Cheers

[FROSTYBALLS]

Best to speak to your dealer re amending the order.

[clix]

When I was ordering my TS, I decided to have a tow bar. They explained to me, that from factory all cars come without towbar, and the towbar is always fited by the dealer. We were only discussing for corolla, of course. So after I recieved the car, I had to bring it back a week later, and they fited the tow bar.

[Hardy888]

Thanks clix that's really helpful.

[Red_Corolla]

Yes, it's a kit. Doesn't have to be integrated at build as the loom will have the necessary connectors by default.

The OE kit is best as this includes a module to make the trailer connections interface nicely with the rest of the car's systems. I haven't tried it on the Corolla yet, but past experience with other brands tells me that having proper integration allows features such as disabling the reversing camera, sounding the alarm if you unplug while the car is locked up and even correcting the displayed speed limits for towing.

[pmf]

I had the vertical detachable towbar with 13 pins fitted by my local UK Toyota dealer to my 2021 TS a few months after I got the car. It was cheaper then to order from factory as part of spec via configurator. I think it was around £500, check current price on configurator. I was a lot more expensive to order from dealer and have fitted later. I paid over £800 at the dealer. Get a confirmed price from dealer for supply and fit if they are offering to do it and compare with factory order price. 

Perhaps different for each market/country. 

[bunnyrabbit03]

As stated earlier by a few others, it depends on the market. In the UK, you can order a tow bar as a factory fitted option and at £509 (the last time I looked), this is the cheapest option. In other countries, factory fitted actually means fitted by the dealer prior to handover of the car, but the price is fixed when ordering. And in some countries, you cannot order a tow bar but it has to be bought as a Toyota accessory and fitted by the dealer (or you opt for a third party product of course). I hope this helps. 

[Tom483]

currently not being fitted in the factory due to some sort of issue that the dealer isn't sure about, rang around several dealers who can't get the parts to fit it after delivery. Might change back to normal in a few months time 

[Devon Aygo]

39 minutes ago, Tom483 said:

currently not being fitted in the factory due to some sort of issue that the dealer isn't sure about, rang around several dealers who can't get the parts to fit it after delivery. Might change back to normal in a few months time 

Two issues with tow bars at present:

• Microchip shortage, affected supply for the trailer electric ECU
• The tow bar & electrics were manufactured at a plant in the Ukraine, stocks are now largely exhausted and trying to source an alternative supplier is being hindered by the above.

[Tom483]

Thanks, appreciate the extra detail. Hopefully at some point it will be sorted. 

[Kental]

I had the same issue owing to Ukraine for the towbar electrics. My dealer recommended using a third party dedicated loom. However as I was buying from 200 miles away I had a removable towbar and 13 pin electrics fitted by a local towbar specialist. I have done 3 trips away with the Corolla and not noticed any issues.

[Peter Buckroyd]

I have tried to obtain detachable towbar for my Corolla TS 2.0 but all specialist towbar companies say 'no stock' and even Toyota parts have no stock of bars and no idea when Ukraine made electrics will be available. Anyone know of a towbar and electrics lurking anywhere?

[Kental]

23 hours ago, Peter Buckroyd said:

I have tried to obtain detachable towbar for my Corolla TS 2.0 but all specialist towbar companies say 'no stock' and even Toyota parts have no stock of bars and no idea when Ukraine made electrics will be available. Anyone know of a towbar and electrics lurking anywhere?

My local supplier in Kent are showing stock for the electrics, but unfortunately only hatchback stock for the physical bars.

[Peter Buckroyd]

Many thanks for the info.

[50p]

there are some on eBay, manufactured by 'Brink' .. no idea whether they are anything like the genuine ones or not though.

[Obsidian Estate]

Brink were always a decent brand along with Witter, my Dad used to fit towbars when he owned his camping shop back in the 90s.

Whether these brands are any good these days I've no idea.

[Kental]

Our Yaris has a Brink towbar & the Corolla a Witter one. No issues with either. 

[Rob Barsby]

My new leased Toyota Corolla Sports Tourer is being delivered tomorrow 1st September. Leasing company phoned at 4:00pm today saying that they've just found out why my payments have been reduced by £7 per month by Toyota. The car hasn't been fitted with my requested towbar due to the Ukraine problem! Thanks Toyota, great being told at the last minute and putting the leasing company in a terrible position.  Any ideas where I can get a towbar at a reasonable price?

[Jonnyteabag]

Try PF Jones, I have used them for previous towbars and can recommend them. They seem to supply every towbar manufacturer under the sun and are extremely helpful to talk to.

 

 

[Jonnyteabag]

PF Jones also supply the OEM Oris/ACPS factory tow bars for the Corolla's

[Ian Askew]

I've  just spoken to a Toyota dealer who has told me that a) a third party tow bar would invalidate the car warranty and consequently they won't fit them and b) that Toyota have given up trying to source alternative suppliers until after the war in Ukraine is over. 

[Ian.S]

4 hours ago, Ian Askew said:

I've  just spoken to a Toyota dealer who has told me that a) a third party tow bar would invalidate the car warranty and consequently they won't fit them and b) that Toyota have given up trying to source alternative suppliers until after the war in Ukraine is over. 

Strange. My dealer told me that as long as a Toyota dealer fitted the tow-bar the Toyota warranty would be unaffected and would also cover the tow-bar. However I’m about to cancel my order as they cannot get any aftermarket system to install. 

[Devon Aygo]

8 hours ago, Ian Askew said:

I've  just spoken to a Toyota dealer who has told me that a) a third party tow bar would invalidate the car warranty and consequently they won't fit them and b) that Toyota have given up trying to source alternative suppliers until after the war in Ukraine is over. 

Having a non-genuine Tow bar installed will not invalidate Toyota's warranty on the car however any issue directly attributable to the towbar/electrics or installation would exclude cover for damage/failure caused.