running towbar cable

[pfield69]

I have fitted a second hand tow bar but have needed to add a new socket.
Where should I run the cable into the engines bay? Drill & Grommet or is the an existing option?

metal bumpers if that makes a difference

[bigherb]

There should be a hole that goes into the chassis rail you can run the cable through.

[pfield69]

Thanks.
I can't quite figure that point out.
Is it nearside (RHD) rear engine compartment?
I have a hole on the inner panel but nothing in the bottom.
If this is right how did you run cable from centre to left?

[bigherb]

There is one either side. Sometimes the panels are not aligned so you only get half a hole.

[pfield69]

Thanks

Found it (I think).

Do you just run the cable inside the bumper until you get to there?

[bigherb]

Do you just run the cable inside the bumper until you get to there?

Yes basically, depends on what towbar you have mine I just cable tied them to the bar.

[pfield69]

Thanks, my bar is pretty much the same but round.
Once in all the wires are on one side or is there a preferred side to entre for indicators?

[bigherb]

The black towbar lighting socket you make all the connections to the vehicle wiring in the big black box in the engine bay so you run out the left chassis rail.



If you are fitting the grey accessory socket as well, the easiest place to pick up power is from the back of the alternator so comes out of the right chassis rail.

[pfield69]

This what I appear to have.

This hole is blocked by the tow bar so I can't get in here
[url=https://flic.kr/p/Kz2W6T][img]http ... .jpg[/img]20160731_161601 by Pete, on Flickr[/url]

I found this convenient point (note a grommet will be fitted)
[url=https://flic.kr/p/KfPe2j][img]http ... .jpg[/img]20160731_161610 by Pete, on Flickr[/url]

This is my junction box. I couldn't see any scotch block on your picture. How did you break into the circuit?
[url=https://flic.kr/p/KFVmBn][img]http ... .jpg[/img]20160731_161615 by Pete, on Flickr[/url]

[bigherb]

This is my junction box. I couldn't see any scotch block on your picture. How did you break into the circuit?

I replace the terminals in the connector housing and crimp both cables into the terminal.

[pfield69]

wow!
that is a proper job.
I don't think I can stretch to finding the right pins.
I might have a few mil std connectors

[boatbuilder]

I just refitted mine recently. I removed the scotch locks and soldered the connections instead and put glue lined heatshrink on them. Then wrapped it with loom tape to tidy it up. All spliced in on the left rear of the engine bay. There was already a 10mm hole in the rear valance for the wire to go through and I wrapped it around the towbar and used a couple of cable ties. I left a good bit of slack on the cable so I can pull the towbar and bumper outvabout a foot as a single unit without having to disconnect wires. Handy if you're replacing bumper end caps and have to undo that silly little carriage bolt.