Lada Largus has serious capacity, which is an important characteristic of a family car. In various configurations, Largus can accommodate from five to seven passengers, and the necessary cargo is placed in the luggage compartment with a volume of up to 560 liters. If desired, you can provide a cargo volume of 2350 liters by completely folding the seats, or install an air rack on the roof of the car. However, a car of this class is not purchased to find compromises between the number of passengers and cargo volume. The owner of a country house needs to comfortably place a family, children and a dog in the car, and then easily load five bags of cement, a refrigerator and seedlings into it. The problem of transporting such large cargo can be solved with the help of a trailer. To do this, it is necessary to equip the Largus with a coupling device - a towbar.
Characteristics of coupling devices
There are several types of coupling devices, classified according to their main performance characteristics. By design, the following types of spherical towbars for passenger cars are distinguished:
- types “A”, “H” (with a maximum load capacity of up to 150 kg);
- types “F”, “G” (load capacity up to 3500 kg with the ability to adjust the mounting height);
- type “V” (unregulated, with a load capacity of up to 2500 kg);
- type “VMA” (with quick-detachable vertical mount).
The most common option for installation on modern passenger cars is the latter type of tow bar.
According to the method of fastening, a distinction is made between fixed (non-removable) hitches, in which the hook is fixed by welding, and removable towbars, in which the hook is secured with bolts or using a special mechanism. To select a towbar suitable for the Lada Largus, you need to know the weight of the trailer and the approximate weight often transported cargo. Excessive loads on the coupling device are transferred to the car body, which leads to damage to body elements.
Recommendations for selection
When selecting a trailer hitch for your Lada Largus, rely on several criteria. They will help you make the right choice and operate the towbar itself and the trailer for it without unnecessary problems.
The main nuances of choice are:
- Load. Approximately estimate what kind of cargo you are going to transport so that the trailer hitch can withstand the corresponding loads;
- Design. Between fixed and removable, the choice is clearly in favor of the latter. This is not even discussed. Yes, they are more expensive, but the price is worth it;
- Manufacturer. Choose only well-established companies. Cheap Chinese or any other trailer hitches will only create unnecessary problems;
- Price. Depends on all the characteristics listed above. Sometimes it varies depending on whether you buy a trailer hitch in Moscow, St. Petersburg, the city of Krasnodar, or somewhere in the province. Each store makes its own markups on the factory price. Therefore, it is better to buy from official dealers;
- Compatibility with trailer. If there is already a trailer, then the trailer hitch is selected for it. Or vice versa. Even if the towbar socket and trailer plug do not match, an adapter is always available. Do not forget that on Largus with an on-board computer you will also definitely need a coordination unit.
Almost always somewhere you can buy a product at a discount, choose a suitable discount. Use part number or specific model to search.
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Installation Regulatory Requirements
The installation of a non-removable tow bar refers to changes in the design of the vehicle and must be recorded in its technical passport. If the coupling mechanism is included in the list of acceptable additional equipment and can be easily dismantled (removable towbar options), then special registration for such a towbar is not required.
Installing the hitch
The procedure for installing a towbar on a Lada Largus is usually indicated by the manufacturer in the instructions for the coupling device and in general consists of the following steps:
- The trunk of the car is completely freed from luggage, tools and accessories, the spare wheel is removed from the mount.
- The car is installed on an inspection hole (if possible, you can use a stationary lift).
- To ensure safety, when working with the electrical system, the negative terminal from the battery is removed.
- To access the working area of the underbody, you need to remove the protective heat shield and, if necessary, loosen the muffler fastenings.
- To install tow bars of a compatible design on the Lada Largus, the manufacturer has made mounting holes in the rear side members, protected by plastic plugs. For universal models, additional holes may need to be drilled.
- The towbar is secured using the fasteners included with the product.
The towbar for the Lada Largus is a U-shaped structure, in which the “legs” are attached to the car body, and in the middle of the massive crossbar there is a place for attaching the hook. Some towbar models are supplied with reinforcing plates that are installed at the bolted joints.
The installation of the towbar on the Lada Largus Cross is carried out from the bottom, so to facilitate the procedure you will need the help of a partner. Bolts with bushings are installed in the holes of the side member; a tow bar bracket is placed on them from the outside of the car, which is secured with nuts (at this stage the fasteners are not tightened all the way). After installing all the fasteners, you need to make sure that the hitch does not touch the rear bumper and does not interfere with the operation of the exhaust system.
The mounting bolts are then tightened to securely hold the towbar in place and the muffler heat shield is installed in place.
Purpose and fastening of Lada Largus towbars
This is one of the types of towing devices for passenger cars. It can be used to attach small trailers and trailers to the rear of the vehicle. In this case, the technical capabilities of the vehicle and the maximum permissible load for the vehicle should be taken into account.
The device can also be used to tow various vehicles with a fixed load (no more than three tons). Lada Largus can be equipped with a tow bar from the factory (for example, the Cross version), but many car owners prefer to install this mechanism themselves. As a rule, a tow bar becomes an indispensable mechanism for drivers who use a car to transport various loads over long and short distances. The presence of a towbar on Largus eliminates the need to transport a special hook in the luggage compartment.
If the trailer is not connected, the use of a towbar is not recommended.
The reason is the danger this mechanism poses when a collision occurs. Both colliding vehicles will receive additional damage in the event of an accident. Moreover, in some European countries it is legally prohibited to use trailer hitches without a trailer or trailer.
Types of towbars
There are many devices from different manufacturers on the car accessories market. Today, the most popular Lada Largus towbars are from the following brands:
- Baltex;
- PT Group;
- Leader Plus;
- Bosal and some others.
It is not recommended to pay attention only to the popularity of the brand; it would be more correct to approach the choice comprehensively. The wide variety of trailer hitches can be confusing. To begin with, you should choose a towbar based on how to attach it.
- Fixed (most often installed as standard trailer hitches at the factory). These are one-piece towing devices that are structurally an integral part of the rear bumper. Today, such models are becoming increasingly rare. Such devices are also installed as a separate element on cars whose design does not imply the use of a towbar. Its advantage is its versatility. Regardless of the type of mount, they do not require installation only on a specific vehicle.
- Removable. Such models are considered the most popular, because if there is no need for a trailer hitch, it can be easily dismantled. For car owners who use a trailer from time to time, this option is most preferable. It's easy to choose a removable one. All you need to consider is the possibility of installation on standard Lada Largus mounts.
- Flanged. This type of tow bar is secured to a special platform using bolts. To some extent, these are also removable trailer hitches. Bolted connections allow them to withstand heavy loads, and the purpose of such models is to tow heavy trailers. In the case of the Lada Largus, you need to select it for a specific model.
Removable versions of the device are optimal, it is convenient and functional.
If necessary, they are easy to dismantle and reinstall if you need to hook up a trailer. Each type has both disadvantages and advantages. For example, a flanged one can withstand severe loads, having a large margin of safety. On the other hand, he is constantly in sight. Other copies do not allow you to choose the height of the ball, and their price is higher. The most expensive type is the folding one, but this model also has the most advantages.
Types of fasteners
The hitch of a trailer or trailer is put on a special ball, which also varies depending on the purpose.
| Varieties | Functional |
| Ball A. | Allows you to tow cargo weighing no more than one and a half tons. |
| Ball H. | Similar to ball A, but much cheaper. |
| Type F and G. | Withstands a load of no more than 3.5 tons. It is possible to change the engagement height. |
| Type V | It is allowed to transport a trailer and cargo with a total weight of no more than 2.5 tons. There is no fixation height adjustment. |
| B.M.A. | Removable version with the possibility of vertical fastening. |
There is also a square type fixation. For Lada Largus, the best option is ball type A. In many ways, the reason for such popularity is the versatility of the product, its practicality and ease of use.
The main parameter by which the trailer hitch should be selected is the maximum permissible load.
Electrical connection
It is recommended to connect the hitch socket if you have a trailer that will be used with this machine, since many trailer models use a non-standard wiring diagram. The socket is installed on a bracket, the insulated wires are placed in a special metallized sleeve, which is fixed with ties.
The wiring of the coupling device is routed through a special technological hole into the trunk of the car. The hole is closed with a plug and is located in the muffler area between the wheel arch and the rear bumper and is connected to the standard electrical system.
Standard pinout of Lada Largus wires:
- orange wire - brake light;
- black – mass;
- pink – rear PTF;
- green wire – left turn signal;
- blue – dimensions.
- orange wire - brake light;
- black – mass;
- beige – reverse indicator light;
- green wire – right turn signal;
- blue – dimensions.
After connecting the electrical wiring, you should check the functionality of the trailer light alarm in all modes.
Features of the installation and connection process of the coupling device can be studied in the following video:
Every year the number of car enthusiasts who install a tow bar on their cars is growing. This is due to the fact that:
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- the number of organizations providing trailer rental services is increasing;
- Traveling with campers (caravan trailers) is becoming popular;
- the number of owners of hydro- and ATVs is growing;
- Carriages are widely used for transporting vehicles.
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Also, many motorists install towbars and universal electrical connectors (sockets) “just in case,” assuming that in the future they may use trailers.
Types, pinouts and connection diagrams for towbar sockets
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Several types of connectors are used to connect trailers:
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- seven-pin (7 pin) European-type connectors;
- American-type seven-pin (7 pin) connectors;
- thirteen-pin connectors (13 pin);
- special connectors.
The most widely used 7-pin European style connector is found on most passenger car cargo trailers. Its diagram and appearance are shown in the figure:
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A special feature of the connector is that the receiving part and its mating parts have sockets of both types (“male” and “female”).
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This is done for reasons of safe connection of the circular connector in zero visibility conditions. It is almost impossible to install incorrectly or short-circuit the sockets with this arrangement.
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Each of the connector pins has a clear purpose. The table shows the areas of the minimum cross-section of wires that are used to connect to the required circuit element.
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Contact No. 2 may not be used on many trailers. It is used to provide constant +12 power supply to light duty trailers.
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Some car enthusiasts ignore the separation of the right and left side lights, combining them circuit-wise into a single wire. A slight “simplification” of the electrical wiring leads to a disruption of the “parking light” function (when the turn signal is turned on in the parking lot, the dimensions of the corresponding side light up). This function is used when parking on the side of the road.
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Pinout diagram for 7-pin American connector:
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A special feature of the connector is the presence of a reverse contact and the absence of separation between the right and left rows of side lights.
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In some models of American cars, there is no separation between side lights and brake lights (they run on one wire).
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In many cases, the set of towbar connectors already includes conductors of the appropriate color and cross-section.
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This greatly simplifies the electrical connection process.
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13-pin connectors are used to connect passenger trailers.
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The main difference between this connector is that there are several contacts for the negative and positive buses, and backup contacts for connecting additional devices (for example, a rear view camera).
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A special feature of the connector is that large currents can flow through its contacts, in particular, to power the household electrical equipment of a caravan trailer and charge an additional battery.
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Special connectors are sometimes used to connect to boat equipment. In this case, standard adapters are provided:
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Modern trailers of a higher class have their own electronic equipment: ABS, ESP systems, on-board computers. They are also connected to the vehicle’s on-board system using special connectors.
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How to choose a tow bar
In the case of passenger cars, and Lada Largus in particular, the choice of trailer hitch should be based on several basic criteria. If the characteristics of the device meet these requirements, operation of the product will not cause problems for the car owner. The selection criteria are as follows.
- Load. The tow bar is selected taking into account the maximum weight of the vehicle being transported. The car owner should have an approximate idea of what kind of load the trailer hitch will pull.
- Design features. Of all the options, a removable towbar would be optimal. It is more expensive than the fixed one, but the ease of use is undeniable.
- Trademark. It is better to purchase products from popular manufacturers; it is even better to read reviews in advance. There is no point in going into detail once again about why suspiciously low prices for goods from a well-known brand should alert you.
- Price. It is directly influenced by the above factors. In some cases, the cost depends on the region, since each store has different suppliers and distance from the manufacturer. The ideal option would be to purchase a towbar from an official representative (dealer).
- Possibility to connect a trailer. If you already have a trailer, then you need to select a towbar specifically for it. Often the trailer hitch socket does not fit the trailer plug; in such cases it is necessary to use an adapter.
If the Lada Largus is equipped with an on-board computer, you will additionally need a special matching unit so as not to confuse the ECU.
In addition, you can find a suitable option based on reviews. It is also good to choose based on technical characteristics that are as close as possible to the factory ones. To familiarize yourself with these parameters, you can use the corresponding article number for the original components.
Features of the circuit connection of the towbar connector in modern cars
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Cars produced before 2000 used analog circuits for controlling rear light devices. The greatest difficulty during connection is the correct determination of the location where the corresponding conductor is connected.
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Many car enthusiasts carried out this work using the “poke” method, sequentially connecting the contacts of the trailer connector to the indicator lamp. With the advent of digital control circuits for lighting devices and other electrical equipment of the car, this method has become dangerous.
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Video - connecting the towbar wiring on a Nissan Note:
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Digital control of electrical equipment assumes that thick conductors do not go directly to the light devices from the steering “dragonfly”, “frog”, relays and other switches to the tail lights, stops and other light devices. The supply voltage and digital control signals are received there.
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A simple twist-type connection to the tail light conductors is inappropriate here. Even if you connect directly to the rear headlights, which are now mostly LED, it is not a fact that the electronics will not display an error message and turn off these lights altogether, since the current consumption will be exceeded.
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In this regard, matching units are used to connect the towbar electronics in modern cars.
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They are equipped with a set of necessary conductors and a connection diagram. The description of matching blocks must contain a list of cars with which the block is compatible.
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There are diagrams of homemade devices on the Internet. If you want to experiment, you can purchase an inexpensive amateur radio kit:
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The connection diagram for such blocks is shown in a generalized form. You have to determine the specific wire routing yourself.
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Video - UniKIT 2 connection diagram for Baltex tow bar:
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Adviсe
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General recommendations when operating trailer electrical equipment:
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- avoid overloading the network, especially when using household appliances in passenger trailers, this can cause a fire;
- check the electrical equipment of the trailer before each trip, at least externally;
- before each season, check the quality of electrical connections outside the vehicle and trailer, protect contact areas and connectors with grease and other means;
- do not allow dangling wires, be sure to secure them to the structural elements with plastic clamps,
- If possible, retrofit your trailer with waterproof LED fixtures.
Read the article about the mass air flow sensor, signs of a malfunction and how to check its functionality.
What resistance should a working ignition coil have?
Video - installation of a tow bar on a LADA Granta and pinout of the socket:
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May be of interest:
From experience I can say that it is still better to install a socket using special electrical terminal blocks, rather than twisting and electrical tape. Firstly, everything looks aesthetically more cultural, and secondly, with prolonged use, the electrical tape begins to unwind over time, and the twisting of the wires weakens. As a result, the twisting area begins to spark, lose contact, and the dimensions with the brakes begin to blink, or even go out completely. And it’s also worth making sure that when traveling without a trailer, the socket is closed with a plug, otherwise dirt, moisture and sand will get clogged there. Especially in the autumn-spring period, otherwise you will have to spend several hours picking it all out with a sharp screwdriver.
Installation
- Remove the spare wheel.
- Remove the protective screen above the muffler (3 nuts).
- Remove the plastic plugs from the side members (indicated by arrows in the photo).
- Enlarge the hole for the fasteners, removing the protective tape and mastic.
- First insert the front bolt and bushing, hang the bracket from the outside and attach it.
- Insert the rear bolt and push it from the outside into the side member. Insert the bushing, washer, and tighten the nut.
- Do the same on the right side.
Check that the towbar is pressed against the bumper, but does not touch the muffler. Tighten all fastening bolts and install the protective screen.
Original trailer hitch
Required
:
- 99999901007216 — Towing device (without electrical wiring). The price is about 6500 rubles.
- 99999000017182 - Wiring kits are required to connect the towbar socket. The price is about 750 rubles.
Installation
Figure 2-15 shows the main version of the trailer hitch installed on the LADA LARGUS vehicle.
Figure 2-15 – Design and delivery set of LADA LARGUS trailer hitch: 1 – left trailer hitch bracket; 2 – rod; 3 – right trailer hitch bracket; 4 – socket box; 5 – hook
Remove the spare wheel.
Disconnect rear cushion 3, Figure 2-16, muffler hangers 1 from the body or muffler (flat-head screwdriver).
Figure 2-16 – Preparation for installation of trailer hitch brackets: 1 – muffler; 2 – rear left body spar; 3 – rear muffler suspension cushion; 4 – rear right body spar; 5 – spar hole plug
Unscrew the rear muffler protective screen and remove the screen.
Remove plugs 5 from the holes on the inside of the left 2 and right 4 rear side members (using a flat-head screwdriver).
On the outside of the side members, clean similar holes from the PShM layer (flat-head screwdriver).
From the inside of the spar 2, Figure 2-17, insert a bolt 1 with a washer from the delivery set into each of the holes, from the outside of the spar, put bracket 3 on the bolts and secure with nuts, without tightening.
Install the second bracket in the same way on another side member of the body.
Figure 2-17 – Installation of the trailer hitch bracket: 1 – bracket fastening bolt; 2 – rear body spar; 3 – bracket
Install the rod on the brackets and secure with the bolts supplied (replaceable head 19, knob).
Tighten the bolts securing the brackets to the body side members (spanner 17, interchangeable head 17, wrench).
Install hook 5 on the rod, see Figure 2-15, and socket 4 (wrench 19, replaceable head 19, knob).
Reinstall the removed parts.
Connection
Connection diagram:
