When operating a vehicle, situations arise when it is necessary to transport large items and some cargo. A car trailer is used for transportation. However, to make towing possible, a trailer hitch must be installed on the vehicle. To install a towbar on the VAZ 2114, standard places are provided for attaching a towing hitch, which allows motorists to equip their vehicles with this part.
Types and criteria for choosing a traction coupling device
The choice of towbar model largely depends on the operating conditions of the given traction element. TSUs are divided into:
- Removable.
Fairly easy to install. Thanks to this, they are very popular among owners of VAZ 2108, 2109, 2114 and 2115 models. They are mounted with 2 or 4 bolts. The process of installing or dismantling the product takes 20-30 minutes.
- Fixed.
They are a massive non-demountable structure. They are attached to the car by welding or “fitting” onto massive bolts. Devices of this type allow you to tow other cars and trailers with increased load capacity.
- Quick release.
Collapsible structures, often equipped with a mechanism that allows the towbar frame to be folded. The coupling ball is dismantled. Devices of this type are suitable for transporting low-capacity trailers.
Also, the tow bar for the VAZ 2114 has the following varieties:
- With low load capacity. The total weight of the loaded trailer must not exceed the load rating of 1500 kg.
- With increased load capacity. The curb weight of the trailer varies from 3000 to 3500 kilograms. To be able to transport such a trailer, you must have a category E driver's license.
When installing a towbar on a VAZ 2115, VAZ 2114, VAZ 2109 and VAZ 2108, the corresponding trailer hitch is used. Experienced motorists recommend purchasing traction coupling devices manufactured by "Trailer", "Leader-Plus". To determine which towbar to install on the car, you will need to study the markings. It is indicated on the body of the part.
As for the selection criteria, it is worth paying attention to the following factors:
- Manufacturing company.
AvtoVAZ policy
However, this policy of owners does not always coincide with the opinion of domestic automakers. For example, there was no provision for connecting a towbar to a VAZ of older years at all - the owners installed it at their own peril and risk. Even today AvtoVAZ does not recommend operating its cars with a trailer for the first 2000 km:
- The body of most passenger cars does not provide mounting points for a towbar;
- The standard wiring does not have free connectors for connecting the trailer's electrical equipment;
- There is no way to connect the brake system of a trailer (camping car) to a car.
Features of installing trailer hitch on VAZ cars
Since traffic rules do not prohibit equipping cars with towing devices, owners are willing to re-equip their vehicles. Moreover, the price of towbars is affordable for many. (see also the article Features of installing a tow bar on a Renault Duster with your own hands: instructions)
However, in the AvtoVAZ line there are a number of models that have design features of the body, which affects the design of the trailer hitch.
For example, installing a towbar on a VAZ 2106 is distinguished by the fact that this car is rear-wheel drive, which means:
- It is necessary to provide a mounting method that would not limit the operation of the driveshaft and rear axle suspension;
- Provide access to the rear axle lubrication unit;
- Do not interfere with the removal of the resonator and exhaust system pipes.
When installing a towbar on a “classic”, you need to take into account the attachment points of other components and assemblies
At the same time, installing a towbar on a Priora with your own hands is a simpler option, since the car is front-wheel drive. This means that there are much fewer components in the rear part of the body, and more options for attaching the trailer hitch.
It should be noted that AvtoVAZ has changed its policy since 2010, focusing on sales of its models abroad. Therefore, installing a towbar on Kalina or installing a towbar on Grant is often accompanied by official recommendations. Manufacturers of trailer hitches draw the attention of buyers to this fact.
Features of installing a tow bar on the Samara-2 family
It is no secret that the VAZ 2115 model is the successor to the “ninety-ninth”, which in turn inherited the platform from the VAZ-09. Therefore, installing a towbar on a VAZ 2109 at one time allowed trailer hitch developers to accumulate sufficient experience, offering do-it-yourself installation kits for free sale.
If you are the owner of a Samara-2 family car, then before you go to the store and purchase a towbar, be sure to find out the design features of your car.
For example, installing a towbar on a VAZ 2114 and VAZ 2115 differs in other methods of attachment to the body:
- The automaker made changes to the body's power elements in 1997, 2004 and 2007;
- For all the indicated years of manufacture, there are different towbars - towbars.
Installation of a tow bar – VAZ 2115, 2004
What you need to prepare before installation
Before the installation process of the towbar, you will need to prepare the vehicle, as well as the tools necessary for installation. The vehicle is driven to an overpass or inspection hole, the car is de-energized, and, if necessary, the bumper is dismantled.
Among the tools for installation, you need to prepare a set of keys, an electric drill with a cutter, as well as a tow bar, wires and a socket.
Installation process
Installation of a towbar on a VAZ 2114 is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- The cross beam of the trailer hitch is attached to the side members. The rear holes are drilled using a drill with a cutter.
- Afterwards, you need to remove the soundproofing coating from the trunk side and place the plates in the rectangular holes of the side members. Fasteners are already welded to them. The holes are expanded using a drill.
- Next, a transverse beam is applied to the side members and secured with bolts. The nuts will need to be tightened, but do not tighten them.
- The final stages of installation will be the installation of a longitudinal metal part with a towbar. To do this, insert fasteners into the holes in the spare tire niche, attach the element to be installed to them, and lightly tighten the nuts. Two metal structures of the towbar are fastened together using 2 or 4 bolts, the hook is set according to the symmetry of the machine, the tow ball is installed, and the fasteners are completely tightened.
When installing a towbar with your own hands on VAZ 21099, 2114, 2109, 2115, 2108 cars, you need the instructions that are included with the trailer hitch. It is recommended that two people work together.
Description of the technical process
- Remove the rear bumper of the car. Under the bumper mount there are two holes that open cavities inside the side members.
- Measure the distance between the outer edges of the holes inside the side members. Cut a piece from the pipe with a length equal to this distance.
- Mark the middle of the resulting segment.
- At the edges of strips 20 cm long, cut holes 5 × 5 cm. Place the strips with holes in the middle of the pipe and weld to it at a distance that allows you to insert a hook with a ball between them. If the hook has mounting holes, drill the same ones in the plates, corresponding to them, and secure the hook between them using bolts and nuts 10.
Attaching the towbar to the side members
After completing point No. 11, you have practically made a towbar with your own hands. All you have to do is install it and connect the socket to the car wiring.
Useful tips
- Due to the fact that a breakdown of the structure while driving can cause a lot of trouble. Avoid butt welding metal. Therefore, it is preferable to attach steel strips to the edges of the beam by cutting holes in them to the size of the pipe section, putting them on its ends, and then welding them.
- Do not use an angle grinder without protective glasses, and do not cook without a mask: take care of your eyes.
- If you want to paint a new towbar with your own hands, then first, thoroughly prepare its surface for painting. To do this, pickle it with any product that contains phosphoric acid to convert rust. Then sand the surface with waterproof sandpaper, pouring water on it to wash away the waste. Dry the assembly, degrease it with solvent for nitro paints or acetone, and cover it with adhesive primer from a spray can. Dry the soil according to the instructions. Sand with 400 grit sandpaper and water until the surface is evenly matte after the water dries. The surface is ready - dry, degrease with alcohol or B-70 gasoline (the solvent will smear the fresh soil). Then you can paint. After this preparation, your paint will last a very long time.
Connecting the socket
After the tow bar has been installed, proceed to connecting the socket with wires. They provide an electrical connection to the vehicle's towbar. The pinout looks like this:
- Yellow (Left turn signal).
- Free.
- Black (Mass).
- White (Right turn signal).
- Free.
- Red (Stop light).
- Blue (Parking lights).
After making the connection, the wires are pulled into the holes in the niche for the spare wheel. The socket is powered from the car's rear headlight connectors.
Chevrolet Captiva › Logbook › Connecting the towbar electrical... 7 or 13 contacts
When the need arises to transport a trailer, we are faced with the issue of installing a towbar and connecting an socket to connect the towbar’s electrics. If everything is more or less clear with the hardware, then questions arise with the electrical connection.
How to connect the towbar socket to the car's electrical system?
The socket can be connected in two ways: standard; universal.
The use of the STANDARD method is only possible if the car has a socket for connecting the towbar electrics. In such cases, you won’t need a trailer connection diagram at all, you just need to purchase an original set of wires (we plug one end into the socket intended for it, and the other end ends with a towbar socket, install the socket and that’s it) Very often, the pinout of the towbar socket (provided that standard equipment is used) is present in the machine's operating instructions. This is an ideal option as it does not require any changes to the vehicle's electrical system.
But this is a rather rare option.
As a rule, a UNIVERSAL connection method is used.
UNIVERSAL method 1: The car is not equipped with a modern electronic control unit. Thanks to this, electrical wires can be directly connected to existing electrical circuits. That is, the wires that come from the connector are connected to those connected to the rear lighting equipment.
UNIVERSAL method 2: The vehicle is equipped with a multiplex bus. The control unit tests the rear optics. When it determines that it is drawing more current (as a result of the connection to the trailer optics), the driver will receive an error message. In such cases, a “matching block” should be used. The matching unit is connected to the standard electrical system of the vehicle, after which the unit itself transmits the corresponding signals to the trailer’s lighting equipment. The car's control unit does not “see” this device, so problems with connecting the towbar no longer arise.
When connecting the towbar electrics, we learn that there are various socket options for connecting the towbar electrics.
The most common types of sockets have 7 and 13 contacts. On passenger trailers for transporting various cargoes and equipment, 7-pin devices are usually used, but on house trailers 13-pin sockets are used. Essentially, the difference lies in the use of additional contacts necessary to activate the reversing lights and other electrical components of trailer houses (refrigerator, charging an additional battery, etc.)
Pinout of 7-pin socket - Europe (DIN / ISO 1724) 1 Left turn signal 2 +12V (optional) or Rear fog light 3 Ground 4 Right turn signal 5 Right marker and license plate light 6 Brake lights 7 Left marker
13 Pin Socket Pinout - Europe (DIN / ISO 11446) 1. Left Turn (Yellow) 2. Rear Fog Lamp (Blue) 3. Ground for Pins 1 to 8 (White) 4. Right Turn (Green) 5. Left Side dimensions and license plate lights (Brown) 6. Brake lights (Red) 7. Right side of dimensions and license plate lights (Black) 8. Reverse (Pink) 9. +12V from battery (Orange) 10. +12V with ignition ( Gray) 11. Ground for pin 10 (White-black) 12. Signal wire (usually spare) (White-blue) 13. Ground for pin 9
Recommendations for use
When operating a Lada car with a towbar, you must follow some rules for operating this part:
- After each trip, the traction element is treated with special anti-corrosion solutions, dirt and moisture are removed from it.
- The coupling ball, when not in use, is covered with protective lubricant and a special cap.
- When transporting a fully loaded trailer hitch, the vehicle speed should not exceed 90 kilometers per hour.
- Transportation of extra-heavy, large-sized trailers is carried out using a towbar with increased load capacity.
- After installing the trailer hitch, the part is registered with the traffic police.
The towbar expands the vehicle's capabilities. A machine equipped with a trailer hitch is capable of towing trailers or other vehicles. However, you should select towbars that are suitable for your specific vehicle model.
Manufacturer's arguments
Every car owner who has encountered such a problem has wondered: why didn’t the developers initially provide a tow bar?
Indeed, it would be easier that way. But AvtoVAZ employees who work on designing passenger cars have a professional opinion on this matter. Naturally, they are aware that owners install towbars on the VAZ-2115 with their own hands, but they strongly do not recommend doing this.
By all means, trying to prevent:
- the body design of this passenger car does not provide space for attaching a special towing coupling device;
- the standard wiring does not have connectors for connecting the electrical equipment of an additional trailer;
- It is not possible to connect the brake system of a trailer attached to a passenger car as a trailer.
At the same time, the instructions for the VAZ-2115 car have a clause that states that trailers can be towed, but the total weight of additional luggage should not exceed 500 kg.
In this case, how will it be possible to tow the same luggage without a trailer hitch?
A few secrets on how to install a towbar on a VAZ 2114
Some motorists regularly use a trailer. In order to couple a trailer and a car such as a VAZ 2114, a special device is required. It's called a tow bar. This device allows motorists to transport any cargo on pre-attached trailers. If a car enthusiast does not know how to install a towbar on a VAZ 2114, then he should act according to the plan given below in the text.
The most popular types of towbars:
- flanged;
- welded;
- removable.
Each of the listed types of towbars has its own characteristics. Welded towbars are highly reliable, and removable towbars can be dismantled. Flange towbars must be installed on a special platform.
How to install a tow bar on a VAZ 2114
The first thing you should pay attention to before installing towbars is the towbar. It must be of high quality and well cooked. It will be better if the towbar is made of thick enough metal.
The dimensions of the towbar (as well as the holes) must be consistent. Under no circumstances should it be necessary to bend any parts or drill holes in order to couple the vehicle and trailer.
It is believed that before installing the towbar, you should check the quality of the paint. It must reliably protect the device from any environmental influences. This also applies to rust.
You should also prepare a complete set of necessary tools. This may require keys, as well as an electric drill with a cutter.
A few words about workmanship
Made well, the metal is thick. Well cooked. All holes and geometric dimensions were accurately maintained; nothing had to be bent or re-drilled during the installation process.
One minus – the paint job is, to put it mildly, lousy. They simply blew black paint onto the metal for show; there was no talk of any preparation (priming, degreasing the surface, etc.). As a result, bare metal sticks out in some places, and paint remains on your hands in some places as soon as you pick up the tow bar in your hands. Of course, I understand that the thickness of the metal of the towbar is enough to survive a couple of cars without rotting. But a rusty piece of iron sticking out from under the car spoils the whole appearance of the car. And it will be rusty in a couple of days.
In general, I decided to paint the part of the towbar protruding from under the car. I bought a can of black paint, sanded it a little, degreased and blew out 3-4 layers with intermediate drying for 15-20 minutes.
Installing a tow bar on a VAZ 2114
- First you need to install the cross beam. To expand the side members on the rear, use a drill with a cutter. After this, you should raise the sound insulation, which is located in the trunk area.
- The next step is to insert the plate into the holes of the side members located at the rear. If there is a need to expand the hole, this can be done using the same electric drill with a cutter. It is best to carry out such work together.
- The next step requires attaching the cross beam to the side members. After this, it must be secured with bolts as soon as possible. Next, you need to fasten the plates with already welded nuts directly onto the bolts.
- Then you need to remove the muffler. You can also simply disconnect it from the 2 rubber bands located at the back. This is necessary so that the muffler falls down under its own weight. The nuts can be tightened, but not tightened.
- Now it’s the turn to secure the longitudinal metal part with the towbar. Another stage of work is installing bolts. They should be installed in the holes that can be found in the spare tire. When this is finished, you need to attach the metal part, and then lightly tighten the nuts.
- It is necessary to connect 2 metal parts using 4 bolts. In order to do this as quickly as possible, you need to tighten the nuts not all the way. After baiting all the elements, you need to align the hook along the axis of symmetry of the machine. The fasteners should also be firmly secured.
When this work is completed, you should connect the towbar to the car's wiring. These works should be performed strictly according to the instructions supplied with the device. In any case, the wire must be cut into several parts. They should be the same. When the wire parts are ready, you should strip the ends and screw them to the socket. The back of the socket should be sealed with sealant. This is needed for insulation.
The socket itself must be secured with self-tapping screws on the bracket. Instead of self-tapping screws, you can use bolts. After this, the socket should be connected to the wires of the harness. Wires should also be placed inside the trunk. This can be done through several holes that are located in the spare tire niche.
From the luggage compartment side, the wires should be tightened into knots so that they do not “come out”. Otherwise, all the work will be done in vain. If the wires are located at the bottom, they can be secured using electrical tape. Everyone can cope with this task.
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It just so happened in our country that a passenger car was never considered by its owners only as a means of transport for the comfortable movement of the driver and his passengers.
On the contrary, its functions also include cargo transportation, including towing all kinds of trailers.