This
inspection applies to: all types of towbar fitted to the rear of a vehicle.
It does not include emergency towing eyes.
If a tow ball or pin is not fitted at the time of test, e.g. because it is detachable,
has been unbolted or otherwise removed, but the attachment brackets are still
in place these brackets should still be assessed unless they have been deliberately
rendered unfit for further use.
Assessing wear Wear in a pin, jaw or hook should be regarded as excessive if the
thickness of the metal at any point is reduced by more than 25% of the original
thickness. Pin locating holes should be rejected if they are worn or elongated
by more than 25% of their original diameter. These criteria also apply to pins
and brackets for any height adjustment or swivel devices.
For tow balls the amount of acceptable wear is considerably less. However, a tow
ball should only be rejected if a visual assessment indicates that the tow ball
is obviously excessively worn.
Play in detachable tow balls Some detachable tow balls have play between the receiver
socket and the tapered swan neck fitting, with up to 3mm movement measured at
the ball end. Reason for Rejection 4a should only be used where play is greater
than this
Inspection of components
No covers or panels shall be removed to facilitate the inspection of any
components, including tow ball covers. However, it may be necessary to inspect
some components from inside the luggage compartment, including lifting of loose
fitting mats or carpet. Quick release mechanisms must not be operated, only visually
assessed
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1. Visually assess
the towbar for wear and pull on the towbar and/or its mountings to check for security,
corrosion, fractures or damage.
2. Check the towbar assembly is attached to the vehicle structure using mountings,
supports and fixings of an appropriate size and type.
3. Check the presence and security of:
a. retaining devices e.g. nuts & bolts
b. locking devices e.g. split pins, ‘R’ pins.
Note: Some locking devices are not obvious. In such cases, the vehicle
presenter should be advised of any evidence of disturbance or insecurity.
4. On detachable tow balls:
a. check for play between the tow ball arm and its receiver socket
b. visually assess the condition of any quick release mechanism.
5. On height adjustable or swivelling towbars, check:
a. for presence, and security of locating or swivel pins
b. locating or swivel pins and brackets for excessive play or wear
c. locating or swivel pin retaining devices for presence and security.
6. Check the condition of the body and chassis in the vicinity of the towbar mountings.
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1. A towbar component
insecure, fractured or excessively:
· worn
· corroded, or
· damaged.
2. Towbar assembly is attached to the vehicle structure using a mounting, support
or fixing which is obviously of an inappropriate size or type.
3.
a. Retaining device missing or insecure
b. locking device missing, insecure, inadequate or damaged to the extent that
its operation is impaired.
4.
a. Excessive play between a detachable tow ball and its receiver socket
b. a quick release mechanism that does not secure the tow ball arm as intended.
5. a. A locating
or swivel pin missing or insecure
b. excessive play or wear in a locating or swivel pin or bracket
c. a locating or swivel pin retaining device missing or insecure.
6. Any deliberate modification, excessive corrosion, damage, fracture or inadequate
repair of a load bearing structure or supporting panelling within 30cm of the
towbar mountings, which affects its strength to the extent that the security of
attachment of the towbar is significantly reduced.
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