Nissan Micra ('11-'15) aftermarket towbar (for bikerack)

[Fisan]

Hi all,

 

As the title says: does anyone have any experience with fitting an aftermarket towbar on a Nissan Micra (2011-2015 model)?? The official dealers do not have any official parts for this one. 

 

If not, what reliable after-market suppliers could I approach?

 

I currently have a Thule Clip-On which does the job as well but it puts a significant compressive force on the bootlock and surrounding rubber supports when loaded with two MTBs. 

 

TIA ????

 

 

[Shebeen]

for your DH bike?

[ChrisF]

Most of the smaller cars are not built to accommodate a towbar.

 

The "tie-down" points which was previously used are now to flimsy, and the panels too thin for a balancing point.

 

 

As such the warranty is gone when fitting a towbar on most of these cars.  Sounds like this vehicle might already be out of warranty though.

 

 

That said, places such a "Towbars Cape" custom make towbars for most vehicles.  Really should add, having dealt with them once, I will not let them touch another car of mine ever again ....

[Fisan]

Yeah, my impression is that they don't have stock towbars for this model for a reason... I'll ask around a bit more about the towbar but it seems that I should maybe go for something like the Saris hatch rack - it spreads a bit of the weight to the rear bumper which would help in my case.

 

Alternatively there's the clip on roof rack + bicke rack system (eg Holdfast) but I'm not to keen on that option.

[Eddy Gordo]

check with towbars cape.

 

also see who does bosal towbars

Edited September 29, 2020 by Eddy Gordo

[Darko]

Call any Rack & Road. They are the stockist of a lot of Thule products and they do aftermarket Thule / Brink towbars. See if they are able to assist. 

 

https://www.towbarsrus.co.za/towbartypes/

Edited September 29, 2020 by Darko

[wildwindfr]

Our shop does towbar fitment.

I can check tomorrow at work what is available for it.

Where are you located?

I can then try and point you in the right direction.

[Reme Le Hane]

When I was looking at buying a smaller car, i10 I think it was I learned that the reason they don’t make tow bars for such small cars was that it was illegal for such light vehicles to tow trailers.

 

More recently a friend explained the legality around towing, basically the car being soo light, any trailer, even an empty one would result in a significant impact to breaking capability.

 

The dealer however did say it was possible to install a tow hook, which is rated for up to 45kg, which should suffice for 2 to 3 bikes on one of the simpler racks

[Mojoman]

When I was looking at buying a smaller car, i10 I think it was I learned that the reason they don’t make tow bars for such small cars was that it was illegal for such light vehicles to tow trailers.

 

More recently a friend explained the legality around towing, basically the car being soo light, any trailer, even an empty one would result in a significant impact to breaking capability.

 

The dealer however did say it was possible to install a tow hook, which is rated for up to 45kg, which should suffice for 2 to 3 bikes on one of the simpler racks

You can imagine in SA how one could load up a Venter trailer to be equal to or greater than the weight of the car towing it!

[RobertWhitehead]

Autobar here in PTA will be able to assist

[Reme Le Hane]

You can imagine in SA how one could load up a Venter trailer to be equal to or greater than the weight of the car towing it!

I think in the case of them smaller cars, that may actually just be an empty venter.

[PhilipV]

Most of the smaller cars actually lose value when fitted with a towbar come trade in time. Even if it has never done any towing and was only for a bike rack.

 

OP, seriously reconsider the roof rack idea. Yes drag will be more, but the likelihood of creasing the chassis would keep me awake at night. Remember, the weight on the towbar is dynamic. Jeez,'n that reminds me how badly my VW Fox's handling were when loaded with two people's gear and bikes.

Nee wat, rather keep the weight centrally located, albeit higher, and remember to not drive into garages.

[BaGearA]

I think in the case of them smaller cars, that may actually just be an empty venter.

I can push around our venter really easily when it's empty and it's one of the larger ones

 

I definitely can't push an i10 around with the same ease

[wildwindfr]

Morning, I just spoke to our suplier.

It seems that this model was not rated to tow, so no towbar available.

It seems a roof option would be your best bet.

Hope you find a solution.

[Jewbacca]

I actually can't wait to sell my Landy and buy a lower car so I can put my bikes on the roof.

 

Roof racks are the bitz!

[ChrisF]

Well worth considering buying a Thule ROOF system.  It basically comes down to THREE parts:

 

1) "Foot pack" - this is very specific to each vehicle, and the only item you should need to buy for your next vehicle

 

These units looks NICE, but is very specific to each vehicle ... my old set from the RAV wont fit on many other vehicles .... https://www.thule.com/en-za/roof-rack/car-roof-racks/thule-edge-wingbar-_-95xx

 

 

These units stand a bit higher, but the cross bar can be used on the next vehicle - https://www.thule.com/en-za/roof-rack/car-roof-racks/thule-evo-wingbar-_-711xxx

 

 

2) Cross bars ... the aero bars are very nice

 

3) The actual bike rack, or cano rack, or whatever alse from the Thule range you want to fit on the roof ...

 

 

 

Yes, pricey the first time round.  By the second vehicle you only replace the footpacks, and it is immediately cheaper than the second towbar.