Technical City Cross Tow Bar - Help!!!

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Technical City Cross Tow Bar - Help!!!

Quarg

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As a newbie Panda owner I've run into a problem - can anyone help me find a towbar?
Don't laugh but I plan to tow a (small) caravan (actually tiny) with my new 1.2 Panda City Cross (4x2). Went to my trusty local towbar fitter and they can't find a manufacturer that sells a bar that is specified for the City Cross. One maker who supplies a bar for the current 4x4 Cross actually says "not for 2 wheel drive".
After posting a query in the Facebook Panda group someone made the very sensible suggestion that the Cross 4x4 bar may be different because of the diff/back axle and exhaust differences.
Best suggestion so far is to use a Trekking bar but having looked at pics on Google there appears to be an extra layer of rear skid plate on the City Cross that may interfere with the stabiliser housing on an anti-sway hitch.
Has anyone fitted a bar to a City Cross or does anyone know what bar (if any) will actually fit/is specified for the new City Cross?
 
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Towbars on the Panda replace the crash bar that's bolted to the back of the car, under the bumper cover.

The hitch part drops down and depending on model, a cut in the plastic "skid" plate is needed.

Witter list the same bar for all the "raised" Pandas, so the Trekking, 4x4 and Cross all use the same part number.

All the Witter bars for the Pandas are actually the same crash bar parts between all models, it's just the hitches are different heights between them, the "raised" cars use a longer drop hitch than the normal riding cars.

I looked into it when I considered taking the bar off my 4x4 and fitting it to my Pop (as I was trading the 4x4 in), my local fitter, who fitted all of my local Fiat dealerships cars said it would fit, but I'd need to buy the standard Pandas detachable hitch to get the ball at the right height.

So I'm certain a Witter bar for the 4x4, Trekking and Cross (FT79Q) would fit the City Cross, the fitting don't come anywhere close to the drivetrain or suspension and the hitch will be the right height.
 
Brilliant! Many, many thanks Goudrons for your very logical answer - makes perfect sense to me. It's so great that Fiat owners have such a helpful bunch of people on their forum.
 
Just thought I'd let you know I have one for sale on ebay (item number 132487068648) Westfalia fixed swan neck type complete with vehicle specific wiring kit. I had it professionally fitted on my Trekking and was going to have it fitted to my new City Cross which due to a change in circumstances, I have now part exchanged for a VW Golf, hence the sale. It is specified for the 4x4, Trekking and Cross so I see no reason why it wouldn't fit the City Cross which is why I had it professionally removed from the Trekking before I sold it. I'm in Dereham Norfolk, collection only I'm afraid.
 
Hi Dereham - thanks for that and I'll give it some thought. Your bar looks like a 3 piece one with the cross bar at the rear bolted onto the 2 plates that bolt to the crash bar attachment points, is that correct?
I would really like the later type with the curved tubular cross bar welded to the two attachment plates - only because it's lighter and the 1.2 doesn't have any grunt to spare!
I'm getting some quotes at the moment and, although yours is a very reasonable price, I will wait and see what they come in at. Besides I live way down south and not sure where my passport is :)
 
Yes that's correct. It was the only one my local towbar firm could find at the time. It didn't seem to affect performance on my trekking but then that had the TA engine in. Never actually tried towing with it though.
 
Where are you based. I am regularly in and to Dover from just near Dereham and also will be regularly in Manchester for the next 3 months so may be able to help with transport. You will have to make a cut in the bumper for the Westfalia and do it exactly as specified so the cut shape supports the electrical socket once fitted. Fitting is easy and I can advise if required. I would grab the bar offered secondhand. I have one the same and it seems very good.

I towed a folding caravan around North Wales with an 854cc Renault 5 many years ago. It only ever refused one hill and that was up to Barbury Castle in Wiltshire which is a straight drag onto the downs and must be worse than 1 in 4 at the top. I am sure the Panda will be fine with care. Watch you dont over do the overall weight as the penalties for overloading are huge fines!

PM me if you want more on this and I will get in touch.
 
Hi Panda Nut. Many thanks for the info and the offer. I'm over Chichester way so I could make it to Dover probably more easily than Dereham. Caravan is 720 kg max loaded road weight and Panda Mk IV can legally tow max of 800 kg so, if I leave kitchen sink at home, I should be OK!
I have a lead on a bar locally in Fareham and will go to see next week but if that is no good I might take you up on that - with suitable reward of course! Thanks for the kind offer.
 
That's very kind Panda Nut. If Quarg does want the towbar I'm happy to meet you somewhere or deliver it to you in Norfolk if that helps.
 
If anyone's interested I've now relisted the towbar on ebay start price £30 with option for postage (£30) if required. (ebay item 132498396421)
Cheers
John
 
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