GDW Tow Bar Mounting Instructions for Renault Clio IV (2012-)
For Renault Clio IV and Clio IV GT-LINE + Initiale Paris (10/'12-)
Manufactured by GDW nv
Address: Hoogmolenwegel 23, B-8790 Waregem, Belgium
Contact: gdw@gdwtowbars.com | www.gdwtowbars.com
Important Advice
General Instructions
- Ensure the tow bar has not been damaged during transport and is the correct reference for the vehicle.
- Read the fitting instructions carefully and follow all steps precisely.
- Present the tow bar under the vehicle before starting the installation.
- When drilling holes, check for and avoid damaging any electrical wires. Remove any soundproofing or bitumen layers. Treat drilled holes and body parts with an anti-corrosive product.
- If the vehicle is equipped with non-standard bumpers (e.g., special series, sport kits, tuning parts), consult GDW technical service to ensure compatibility.
- The tow bar is delivered assembled for storage purposes; disassemble parts before proceeding with installation.
Guarantee
- To determine the correct towing weight capacity of your vehicle, refer to the Certificate of Conformity (COC) or contact your dealer.
- Do not exceed the specifications of the tow bar. Refer to page 5 for relevant formulas.
- The tow bar must be checked after the first 1,000 km of use and at least once per year thereafter.
- Check and retighten all bolts as necessary.
- Repair any damage to the paint finish.
- Replace any components that have been damaged due to an accident or collision.
- Grease the internal parts of detachable tow bar systems.
Usage
- If the tow ball obstructs the license plate or the fog light, it is mandatory to remove the ball when the tow bar is not in use.
Technical Specifications and Data
Towing Weight Verification
Refer to the Certificate of Conformity (COC) of your vehicle or contact your dealer to verify the maximum trailer weight your car can tow.
Homologation: EC/94/20
Made by: D 7.10, F E6, Belgium S 80
EC Approval N°: 55R-010984
Reference N°: 1941
Description: Renault Clio IV + GT-LINE + Initiale Paris 10/'12-
Towing Weight Formulas:
D = (max kg / max kg) x 0.00981 ≤ 7.10 kN
S = (max kg + max kg) = 80 kg = 1250 kg
Bolt Torque Specifications
| Bolt Size | M6 | M8 | M10 | M12 | M14 | M16 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 8.8 | 11.3 Nm | 27.3 Nm | 54.0 Nm | 57.0 Nm | 93.0 Nm | 97.0 Nm | 101.0 Nm | 148.0 Nm | 159.0 Nm | 230.0 Nm |
| Grade 10.9 | 16.5 Nm | 40.1 Nm | 79.0 Nm | 83.0 Nm | 137.0 Nm | 143.0 Nm | 149.0 Nm | 218.0 Nm | 234.0 Nm | 338.0 Nm |
| Grade 12.9 | 19.3 Nm | 46.9 Nm | 93.0 Nm | 98.0 Nm | 160.0 Nm | 167.0 Nm | 174.0 Nm | 255.0 Nm | 274.0 Nm | 395.0 Nm |
Tools Required: TX25 , 13 , 17 , 19
Parts List
Included Components
- X1 GDW REF. 1941 (Main Tow Bar Assembly)
- X1 GDW REF. 944.M000 (Part of Main Assembly)
- X2 GDW REF. 2 (Component)
- X2 GDW REF. 900.008 (Component)
- X4 GDW REF. 3 (Component)
- X2 GDW REF. 900.011 (Component, Ø 21.3 x 11.7)
- X6 DIN933-M10x35 (Bolt)
- X8 DIN125-A10-ELVZ (Washer)
- X4 DIN931-M12 x 70 (Bolt)
- X2 DIN985-M12 (Nut)
- X10 DIN128A-M10 (Washer)
- X10 DIN934-M10 (Nut)
- X6 DIN9021-M10 (Washer)
- X4 DIN931-M10x90 (Bolt)
- X3 DIN125-A20-ELVZ (Washer)
- X1 GDW REF. 11 (Component)
- X1 GDW REF. 900.053 (Component)
- X1 GDW REF. P04 (Component)
Mounting Instructions
Step 1
Locate the primary mounting points on the vehicle's rear chassis. Attach the main tow bar assembly (part 1) using bolts and washers. Use tool 13 (socket wrench) for tightening.
Diagram shows the main tow bar assembly being positioned and attached to the vehicle's rear chassis with bolts and washers, indicating tool 13.Step 2
Remove any protective covers or fasteners from the vehicle's rear bumper area. Use tool TX25 (screwdriver) to remove screws securing these parts.
Diagram shows a screwdriver (TX25) being used to remove screws from the vehicle's rear underside.Step 3
Access the mounting points. This may involve removing a section of the bumper or an undertray. A protective cover might need to be removed.
Diagram shows a protective cover being removed from the vehicle's rear underside.Step 4
Prepare the mounting holes. If drilling is required, mark the positions accurately. Use a drill and appropriate bit. Treat drilled holes with an anti-corrosive product. An eye symbol ?️ indicates inspection is needed.
Diagram shows marking and drilling holes on the vehicle chassis, with an inspection symbol.Step 5
Use a scraper tool to remove any soundproofing, anti-drumming material, or underbody protection from the mounting area.
Diagram shows a scraper tool being used to remove material from the chassis.Step 6
Position the main tow bar assembly (part 1) against the chassis. Insert bolts and washers through the prepared holes and into the tow bar mounting brackets. Hand-tighten initially.
Diagram shows the main tow bar assembly being aligned with chassis mounting points and bolts being inserted.Step 7
Continue attaching the tow bar assembly to the vehicle chassis, ensuring all mounting points are aligned correctly.
Diagram shows further attachment of the tow bar assembly to the vehicle chassis.Step 8
Install specific mounting brackets (e.g., parts 3, 8, 9) to the vehicle's rear suspension or chassis frame. Use appropriate bolts and washers.
Diagram shows the installation of brackets near the rear wheel arch, using specific parts and hardware.Step 9
Attach a main support bracket (parts 2, 6, 7) to the vehicle's chassis or subframe. Use bolts and washers (e.g., 2, 8, 6, 7).
Diagram shows a bracket being attached to the vehicle's chassis, possibly near the exhaust system.Step 10
Connect the main tow bar assembly (part 1) to the previously mounted brackets. Use bolts and washers (e.g., 7, 10, 2, 9, 8, 10, 3).
Diagram illustrates the connection of the main tow bar assembly to the vehicle's chassis brackets using various hardware.Step 11
Attach another support bracket (parts 7, 6, 8, 2) to the vehicle's chassis. Use bolts and washers.
Diagram shows another bracket being secured to the vehicle's chassis.Step 12
For Clio GT LINE + Initiale models, a specific bumper cut-out or modification may be required. Refer to the diagram for precise dimensions (e.g., 40mm, 85mm, 30mm, 80mm, 75mm).
Diagram illustrates a bumper cut-out for the Clio GT LINE + Initiale, showing specific measurements.Step 13
For standard Clio models, a different bumper cut-out or modification may be required. Refer to the diagram for precise dimensions (e.g., 65mm, 28mm, 50mm, 90mm, 30mm, 10mm).
Diagram illustrates a bumper cut-out for the standard Clio, showing specific measurements.Step 14
Install the main crossbar (part 1) onto the chassis mounting points. Secure with bolts.
Diagram shows the main crossbar being fitted onto the vehicle's chassis.Step 15
Attach the tow bar arm/receiver assembly (part 4, 7, 6, 5) to the main crossbar. Use bolts and washers (e.g., 4, 7, 6, 5).
Diagram shows the tow bar arm assembly being attached to the main crossbar using bolts and washers.Step 16
Attach the second part of the tow bar arm assembly (parts 5, 6, 7) to the crossbar. Use bolts and washers (e.g., 4, 5, 6, 7).
Diagram shows the other side of the tow bar arm assembly being secured to the crossbar.Step 17
Install the detachable tow ball system. Attach specific brackets (A, B, C, D) using bolts and nuts (e.g., X2 GDW REF. 900.008, X2 GDW REF. 900.011, X2 DIN931-M12 x 70, X2 DIN985-M12). Use tool 19 (torque wrench) for tightening.
Diagram shows the assembly of the detachable tow ball mechanism, including various brackets and hardware, with tool 19 indicated.Step 18
Attach the tow ball (part A) to the mounting system. Secure with bolts and nuts (e.g., X1 944.M000, X2 DIN931-M12 x 70, X2 DIN985-M12). Use tool 19.
Diagram shows the tow ball being attached to the tow bar arm assembly using bolts and nuts.Step 19
For Clio GT LINE + Initiale models, the tow bar assembly (part 11) is attached to the chassis. Use tool 13.
Diagram shows the installation of part 11 onto the chassis for Clio GT LINE + Initiale models, using tool 13.Step 20
For standard Clio models, the tow bar assembly (part 11) is attached to the chassis. Use tool 13.
Diagram shows the installation of part 11 onto the chassis for standard Clio models, using tool 13.Step 21
Perform a final check of all connections. Ensure all bolts are tightened to the specified torque values. The tow ball system can be attached or detached as needed. A symbol indicates the ball must be removed when not in use.
Diagram shows the completed tow bar assembly and a symbol indicating the ball should be removed when not in use (crossed-out ball).Clearance and Regulatory Requirements
The installation must comply with Regulation No. 55, Appendix VII, Illustration 25 (a,b) regarding clearance zones. These clearance zones must be guaranteed.
Diagrams specify various clearance dimensions and angles that must be observed:
- Angles: 65°, 45°, 30°, 15°
- Distances: 140mm (min), 32mm (min), 100mm (max), 65mm (min), 250mm (max), 420mm, 350mm, 75mm (min), 30° (max), R14.5mm (max), R40mm (max), 30° (max).
These specifications are related to the vehicle's permissible total weight.
Optional Accessories
The document mentions available options and accessories for the tow bar system.
Important Note
A warning symbol ❗ is displayed near the vehicle's dashboard, suggesting a need to consult the vehicle's manual or a specific warning related to the tow bar installation.
