GDW Tow Bar Mounting Instructions for Renault Captur (2013-)

General Advice and Recommendations

General Advice

• Before starting, check the tow bar for transport damage and verify its reference number.
• Read and follow all instructions in the mounting manual precisely.
• Present the tow bar under the vehicle before commencing installation.
• When drilling holes, ensure no electrical or brake wiring is damaged. Remove soundproofing or bitumen layers. Treat drilled holes and chassis parts with an anti-corrosive product.
• If the vehicle has non-standard bumpers (e.g., special series, sport, tuning), consult GDW technical service to confirm compatibility.
• The tow bar is often assembled for storage; disassemble parts before installation.

Guarantee

• To determine the correct towing weight for your vehicle, refer to the Certificate of Conformity (COC) or contact your dealer. Do not exceed the tow bar's specifications.
• The tow bar requires inspection after the first 1,000 km of use and at least annually:
  • Check all bolts and retighten if necessary.
  • Repair any paint damage.
  • Replace any components damaged by external forces or accidents.
  • Grease the internal parts of detachable tow bar systems.

Usage Recommendations

• If the towing ball obstructs the license plate or fog light, it must be removed when not in use.

Technical Specifications

Vehicle Specifications

Maximum Trailer Weight

Refer to your vehicle's Certificate of Conformity (COC) or contact your dealer to verify the maximum trailer weight. The D-value and S-value are critical for safe towing.

D-value: Calculated as (Vehicle's maximum towing weight x Vehicle's maximum towing weight) / (Vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight) x 0.00981. This value must be less than or equal to 7.15 kN for this tow bar.

S-value (Vertical load): Maximum 75 kg.

Maximum Trailer Weight: 1200 kg.

Torque Specifications

The following table provides torque values for various bolt grades and sizes used in the installation. Always use a torque wrench.

Tools required may include: Torque wrench (TX20), socket wrenches (16, 17, 19), scraper.

Installation Procedure

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

Access the rear of the vehicle. Remove any necessary components, such as bumper covers or underbody protection, to gain access to the chassis mounting points. This may involve using a TX20 tool and potentially a scraper.

[Diagram Description: Illustration showing the rear of a Renault Captur with an arrow indicating the area to access, and icons for tools TX20 and a scraper.]

Step 2: Locate Mounting Points

Identify the designated mounting points on the vehicle's chassis, typically near the rear wheel arches and frame rails. Ensure no wires or brake lines are present near drilling locations.

[Diagram Description: Close-up view of the vehicle's undercarriage near the rear wheel, showing potential mounting points and arrows indicating access.]

Step 3: Drill Holes (If Necessary)

If new holes are required, carefully drill them at the marked locations. Treat all drilled holes and surrounding metal with an anti-corrosive agent to prevent rust.

[Diagram Description: Illustration showing a hand holding a drill bit near a chassis point, with an icon indicating caution or protection.]

Step 4: Position the Tow Bar Brackets

Attach the main tow bar brackets (often labeled with numbers like 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) to the vehicle's chassis using the provided hardware (bolts, nuts, washers). Ensure correct orientation.

[Diagram Description: Illustration showing tow bar brackets being positioned against the vehicle chassis, with hardware components laid out.]

Step 5: Secure the Brackets

Fasten the brackets using the specified bolts and nuts, tightening them to the torque values indicated in the table. Ensure all connections are firm.

[Diagram Description: Close-up of brackets being bolted to the chassis, with arrows showing the direction of tightening.]

Step 6: Attach the Tow Bar Arm

Mount the main tow bar arm (often labeled A or 1) to the installed brackets. Use the appropriate bolts and nuts (e.g., 7, 8, 9, 10) and tighten securely.

[Diagram Description: Illustration showing the main tow bar arm being attached to the brackets, with hardware components indicated.]

Step 7: Final Tightening and Checks

Perform a final check of all bolts and connections. Ensure the tow bar is securely attached and aligned correctly. Refer to the torque specifications for final tightening.

[Diagram Description: Illustration of the completed tow bar assembly attached to the rear of the vehicle, with arrows indicating final checks.]

Step 8: Install Tow Ball and Electrical Socket (if applicable)

Attach the tow ball (A) and any associated electrical socket housing. Ensure all locking mechanisms are engaged correctly.

[Diagram Description: Illustration showing the tow ball mechanism and its connection to the tow bar arm, with a focus on the locking system.]

Step 9: Optional Components

Install any optional components or accessories as per their specific instructions, ensuring compatibility with the tow bar system.

[Diagram Description: Illustration showing various optional parts and their integration with the tow bar.]

Clearance and Safety

Clearance Requirements

Ensure the following clearance dimensions are maintained as per regulation nr. 55, Appendix VII, diagram 25 (a,b):

• Specific angular clearances (e.g., 30°, 45°, 65°) around the tow ball.
• Maximum and minimum distances for components (e.g., 100mm max, 65mm min, 250mm max).
• Vertical clearance requirements (e.g., 350mm, 420mm).
• Maximum radius for the tow ball (R 14.5 max, R 40 max).

[Diagram Description: Technical diagrams illustrating required clearance zones and angles around the tow ball and vehicle chassis, with dimensions provided.]

Vehicle Weight Limits

Adhere to the vehicle's permissible total weight and towing capacity. The tow bar's specifications must not be exceeded.

[Diagram Description: Illustration showing weight distribution and load limits related to towing.]