Billy_RS

iTrader: (5)

Evening all,

Thinking of using my 07 mondeo st tdci to tow my Rs turbo to track days etc.

Couple of questions:

Can I legally fit a tow bar to this model and tow with it.


Where is the best place to buy a tow bar kit from. Quality is obviously of high importance (no eBay specials)

Cheers Billy

TrevCos

iTrader: (1)

Well Steve Kell told me he uses his for towing his race car all over the place, I didn't think you were supposed to tow with them but he does......could have sworn it said in the user manual you shouldn't though but he reckoned otherwise. I've got one I've had for years and it's never been an issue for me as I don't tow but there seem to be some who say it's okay.

Billy_RS

iTrader: (5)

Yeah I did a search and got mixed opinions. Should I just ring ford and ask them?

TrevCos

iTrader: (1)

Yes, I've seen the same sort of thing. The petrol ST220 you definitely shouldn't tow with, but I thought it applied to the ST TDCI too. But there seem to be plenty of people that do.
Yes, might be best. Although depending on the dealer they may or may not care, I find our dealer are only really interested if they're selling you something or it's a car less than 3 years old.

clairendave

have a look on the weight plate, if there is 4 weights you can tow, if only 3 then not. i am fairly sure the st tdci can tow upto 1800 kg the same as the other models. but as mentioned above Not the petrol st models.

dojj

iTrader: (3)

due to the design of the rear bumper and the fact that you need to cut into the bumper undertray, ford never "officially" homologated the st220 to be fitted with a tow bar (plus it didn't look "sporty" enough)

the diseasal versions though WERE type approved, even though they use the same chassis and fixing points for the tow bar as your standard mondeo

i've done several posts on this in the past and i'm a bit full of falling down water to look for them now, but all i did on mine was fit a sponge between the bumper and tow bar to stop it from scratching the bumper as it sits VERY close, less than 1/4 of an inch

you will have 3 holes either side of the chassis rails to bolt the towing plates to and you will probably be best off removing the bumper to fit it properly or you need to drop the exhaust to remove the undertray heatshield stuff above the exhaust back box

don't forget that on some versions you have to remove the bumper to access the wiring loom grommet to run the harness through as well, normally on the drivers side

Gadget

I've got a tow bar on mine �� I removed it off a friends 2.0L 130ps tdci titanium that had been factory fitted.
I've never heard that you shouldn't tow with them??
Do they say why you shouldn't? It tows my car trailer loaded with a car brilliantly, especially de chatted, egr deleted and big airtec cooler! I still see 40 - 45mpg towing

Gadget

Just seen your reply Dojj, yeah mine fits fine, just had to trim the rear tray, not the bumper at all.
I've also mounted the electric socket underneath so I leave the tow bar off until I need it, then just bolt the arm and ball on with the two bolts that attach it to the main bracing.

dojj

iTrader: (3)

you just lose the centre under tray fixing screrw, bu the bar holds it in place anyway

Billy_RS

iTrader: (5)

So I can then?

Now where do I get said tow bar from?

dojj

iTrader: (3)

ebay is fine if you want a standard jobbie version, you can also get plug and play looms for them, just need to buy one of them towing plates to stick the sockets onto and job done

i did mine for around Ł100 all those years ago

there you go

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Towbar-for...item3f0f6d82ef

Billy_RS

iTrader: (5)

Nice one pal

The Youth.

iTrader: (1)

I got my witter detachable tow bar from from" pf jones" google them i was well happt with the price and very quick delivery,
As said earlier I've towed my race car all over the country with my st tdci with no problem at all
I have now moved onto to a proper race van tho, as I needed to be able to eat sleep and cook in it!
I would happily tow an rst with my st tdci but make sure you have a proper trailer mine is an ifor Williams and it tows brilliantly
Steve