1. Product Overview
The Witter F98D Fixed Flange Commercial Towbar is designed for robust towing applications, providing a secure attachment point for various trailers, caravans, and vehicle accessories. This towbar is engineered to meet European EG type approval standards, ensuring its legality and safety for use across Europe. It is a durable and reliable solution for users who frequently require towing capabilities.
The fixed flange design offers a strong and stable connection, suitable for heavy-duty use. It is compatible with a range of towing accessories, including tow balls, cycle carriers, and other towing attachments that utilize a 4-hole plate system.
Image 1.1: Main components of the Witter F98D Fixed Flange Commercial Towbar, showing the primary bar, tow ball, and associated mounting hardware.
2. Key Features
- Fixed Flange Design: Provides a robust and permanent towing solution, ideal for frequent and heavy-duty towing.
- High Towing Capacity: Engineered to handle significant loads, with a maximum towing capacity of 800 kg.
- Optimal Nose Load: Supports a nose load of up to 75 kg, ensuring stability for various towed vehicles and accessories.
- EG Type Approved: Complies with European regulations, making it legal for use across the European Union.
- Durable Construction: Manufactured from high-quality metal for long-lasting performance and reliability.
- Vehicle-Specific Fit: Designed for precise fitment on compatible Ford models, ensuring optimal integration and performance.
3. Compatibility
The Witter F98D Fixed Flange Commercial Towbar is specifically designed for the following vehicle models:
- Ford Tourneo Connect MPV: Models manufactured between 2002 and 2013.
- Ford Transit Connect Van: Models manufactured between 2002 and October 2013.
Ensure your vehicle's make, model, and year fall within these specifications for proper fitment and safe operation. This towbar does not require a bumper cut for installation on these compatible models.
4. Setup and Installation
Installation of the Witter F98D towbar requires specialized tools and expertise. It is strongly recommended that installation be performed by a qualified professional to ensure correct fitment, compliance with safety standards, and optimal performance. Improper installation can lead to serious safety hazards and may void product warranties.
4.1. Pre-Installation Checks
- Verify that all components listed in the packaging are present and undamaged.
- Confirm vehicle compatibility (make, model, year) before commencing installation.
- Ensure the vehicle's chassis and mounting points are free from corrosion or damage.
4.2. General Installation Steps (Professional Installation Recommended)
- Safely lift and support the vehicle to access the rear chassis area.
- Remove any existing components that obstruct the towbar mounting points, such as bumper sections or undertrays (though no bumper cut is typically required for this model).
- Align the towbar frame with the designated mounting points on the vehicle's chassis.
- Secure the towbar using the provided high-tensile bolts, washers, and nuts. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to the manufacturer's specified values.
- Attach the flange tow ball to the towbar's 4-hole plate using the appropriate bolts.
- Install any necessary wiring kits for trailer lights or other electrical connections (wiring kit not included with this towbar).
- Perform a final inspection to ensure all connections are secure and the towbar is properly aligned and stable.
For detailed, vehicle-specific installation instructions, refer to the documentation provided with the towbar by the manufacturer or consult a certified installer.
5. Operating Instructions
Once installed, the Witter F98D towbar provides a reliable connection for various towing applications. Always adhere to safe towing practices and legal requirements in your region.
5.1. Attaching a Trailer or Caravan
- Ensure the tow ball is clean and free of grease or debris.
- Carefully reverse your vehicle to align the tow ball with the trailer or caravan hitch.
- Lower the hitch onto the tow ball, ensuring it is fully engaged and locked.
- Connect the safety breakaway cable or chain to the designated attachment point on the towbar or vehicle.
- Connect the electrical plug from the trailer/caravan to the vehicle's towing electrics socket (if installed). Test all lights (indicators, brake lights, tail lights) before driving.
- Raise the jockey wheel fully and secure it.
Image 5.1: A vehicle towing a caravan, illustrating the practical application of the towbar for recreational travel.
5.2. Using with Bike Racks or Other Accessories
The fixed flange towbar is also suitable for mounting various accessories, such as bolt-on bike racks or cargo carriers. Ensure the accessory is compatible with a 4-hole flange towbar and adheres to the towbar's load limits.
Image 5.2: A vehicle equipped with a towbar-mounted bike rack, demonstrating its use for transporting bicycles.
Image 5.3: A vehicle towing a small utility trailer, highlighting the towbar's capability for various hauling needs.
5.3. Important Safety Considerations
- Load Limits: Never exceed the maximum towing capacity (800 kg) or nose load (75 kg) of the towbar or your vehicle, whichever is lower.
- Weight Distribution: Ensure the load in the trailer or on the accessory is evenly distributed to maintain stability.
- Pre-Trip Checks: Before each journey, inspect the towbar, tow ball, and all connections for signs of wear, damage, or looseness.
- Driving Adjustments: When towing, adjust your driving style to account for the increased length, weight, and reduced acceleration/braking capability. Allow for greater stopping distances and wider turns.
- Legal Requirements: Be aware of and comply with all local and national towing regulations, including speed limits and licensing requirements.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance will ensure the longevity and safe operation of your Witter F98D towbar.
- Routine Inspection: Periodically inspect the towbar for any signs of corrosion, cracks, bends, or other damage. Pay close attention to welds and mounting points.
- Fastener Check: Check all bolts and nuts for tightness, especially after the first few towing operations and then regularly thereafter. Re-torque if necessary according to manufacturer specifications.
- Cleaning: Keep the towbar and tow ball clean from dirt, salt, and road grime. A mild soap and water solution can be used, followed by thorough drying.
- Lubrication: Apply a thin layer of grease to the tow ball surface to reduce friction and wear on the trailer hitch.
- Corrosion Protection: If any paint chips or scratches expose bare metal, touch them up with appropriate rust-inhibiting paint to prevent corrosion.
- Professional Check: Consider having the towbar professionally inspected annually, especially if you tow frequently or heavy loads.
7. Troubleshooting
While the Witter F98D towbar is designed for reliability, minor issues may occasionally arise. This section provides general guidance.
7.1. Common Concerns
- Excessive Play/Movement: If you notice any unusual movement or play in the towbar, immediately stop towing. This could indicate loose mounting bolts or structural damage. Have the towbar inspected by a professional.
- Corrosion: Surface rust can occur if the protective coating is damaged. Address this promptly by cleaning the area and applying rust-inhibiting paint. Significant rust may compromise structural integrity and require professional assessment.
- Difficulty Attaching Hitch: Ensure the tow ball is clean and properly lubricated. Check the trailer hitch for any damage or obstructions.
7.2. When to Seek Professional Help
Always consult a qualified mechanic or towbar specialist if you encounter any of the following:
- Visible cracks or deformation on the towbar structure or mounting points.
- Persistent looseness of the towbar despite re-torquing bolts.
- Any damage resulting from an accident or impact.
- Unusual noises or vibrations during towing.
- Issues with electrical connections (if a wiring kit is installed).
Do not attempt to repair structural damage to the towbar yourself. Safety is paramount when towing.
8. Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | F98D |
| Manufacturer | Witter Towbars |
| Brand | WITTER |
| Towing Capacity | 800 kg |
| Nose Load | 75 kg |
| Bumper Cut Required | No |
| EG Type Approval | Yes (Legal for European use) |
| Material | Metal |
| Item Weight | 22 Kilograms |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 114 x 14.2 x 34.3 cm |
| Compatible Vehicles | Ford Tourneo Connect MPV (2002-2013), Ford Transit Connect Van (2002-10/2013) |
9. Warranty and Support
Witter Towbars products are manufactured to high standards and are designed for durability. For specific warranty information regarding your F98D towbar, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Witter Towbars website.
If you require technical assistance, have questions about installation, or need to report a product issue, please contact Witter Towbars customer support directly. Providing your product model number (F98D) and purchase details will help expedite your inquiry.
