Honda Prelude (1996 - 2000) - Towbar for 5th gen Prelude? | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

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Wed 12 Dec 2007 11:28

Towbar for 5th gen Prelude? - chakaping

I've got myself in a bit of a bind and I'm hoping one of the knowledgeable regulars on here may be able to help, or at least point me in the right direction.

Two weeks ago I bought a 1998 S Honda Prelude, got an excellent deal and was generally delighted with my purchase and very pleased with myself.

This week I have called my local towing specialist to take them up on a quote they gave me before purchase to fit a tow bar (because I need to fit a bike rack).

They then discover the item they quoted me on is discontinued by Witter - and nobody now makes a type approved towbar for my new car. (I don't actually need a type approved one, as I'm not towing anything - but all towbars have to be type approved, it seems).

No other specialists seem able to help (I've tried about six), and I can't seem to find a secondhand towbar online.

Perhaps somebody here knows the best places to find used towbars? Or perhaps somebody can direct me to a most-suitable Honda/Prelude forum to ask other owners? I'm a bit perplexed as to which is the most appropriate.

Hope somebody can help!

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Wed 12 Dec 2007 12:13

Towbar for 5th gen Prelude? - mike hannon

You could try Googling for the UK Honda Prelude Club - some members have useful info but it seems to be pestered by spammers a lot of the time these days.
Have you spoken to a Honda dealer?
I don't quite understand, though. If you aren't towing anything, why do you need a towbar?
I guess there's a simple answer that I've missed. ;-)

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Wed 12 Dec 2007 12:22

Towbar for 5th gen Prelude? - Ruperts Trooper

You do need a type-approved towbar - it's illegal to sell, or fit, one to a '98-on car.

Towsure don't list one for a Prelude, of any age.

Edited by Ruperts Trooper on 12/12/2007 at 12:25

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Wed 12 Dec 2007 12:35

Towbar for 5th gen Prelude? - injection doc

I would recommend using the Thule roof bars for bikes. It will be cheaper & easier. the honda is very softly sprung & two bikes on a rack will make it porpoise. If you need a tow bar I asume you need to make sure its not a swan neck if its for a bike rack.
Doc

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Wed 12 Dec 2007 12:41

Towbar for 5th gen Prelude? - bathtub tom

Scrapyards used to be favourite.

Edited by bathtub tom on 12/12/2007 at 12:42

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Wed 12 Dec 2007 13:06

Towbar for 5th gen Prelude? - Chuckie888

Roofbars - you will need a special short roof adaptor. Mont Blanc bike carriers are good too.

Edited by Chuckie888 on 12/12/2007 at 13:07

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Wed 12 Dec 2007 13:41

Towbar for 5th gen Prelude? - chakaping

Thanks for the quick replies everybody.

Injection doc - please elaborate on your porpoise comment. Are you implying that a rear rack with two bikes on the rear will affect the handling?

TBH, roof bars are my last resort. I was hoping to avoid them because of the increase in drag they're likely to cause on long drives to Scotland and Wales. And because of the likelihood of my driving under a car park height barrier and causing £000s of damage.

Also because of the short roof issue identified by another poster.

It'll probably come to either that or swapping the car though. It'd pain me to sell it on though, as it's fantastic in every other way.

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Wed 12 Dec 2007 14:57

Towbar for 5th gen Prelude? - Ruperts Trooper

Hedley's www.hedley-towbars.co.uk/HONDA-towbar.htm quote the Witter HN42 for the Prelude '97-on - is this what's now been withdrawn?

Edited by Ruperts Trooper on 12/12/2007 at 14:57

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Wed 12 Dec 2007 15:08

Towbar for 5th gen Prelude? - Ruperts Trooper

If you do sell the car on, then a word of warning - type approved towbars became obligatory in 1998 - as a consequence some versions/models simply aren't homologated for towing and cannot have a towbar fitted, even for a different purpose.

Examples are Ford Ka although the Fiesta it's based on does have type approval for towing.

Some BMW and Vauxhall models with lowered suspension aren't approved either, probably because the demand is low.

If you're buying a '98-on used car check the VIN plate/sticker - it should show 4 weights in kg - maximum axle 1 (front), maximum axle 2 (rear), maximum vehicle and maximum train - if maximum vehicle weight is the same as maximum train weight, or train weight is missing then it ISN'T homolgated for towing.

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Wed 12 Dec 2007 16:39

Towbar for 5th gen Prelude? - chakaping

Ruperts - Thanks for explaining that so clearly. I've now finally grasped the situation regarding towbars and homologation. Will check the VIN plate when at home.

I was told over phone that Witter had discontinued a towbar, so I presume that HN42 was the model number - and also presume it was due to lack of demand.

I'll contact that firm when they're open again on the off-chance they have one in stock - but I don't think it's very likely.

Further to another suggestion, have checked out UK prelude forum and another poster with same problem seemed to have no luck. So I'm now trying to reconcile myself to roofbars.

Edited by chakaping on 12/12/2007 at 16:40

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Wed 12 Dec 2007 17:37

Towbar for 5th gen Prelude? - mike hannon

5th gen Prelude softly sprung? Not mine.

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