A towing device (TSU or popularly “tow bar”) allows you to attach a trailer to a vehicle, which significantly increases the vehicle’s cargo capabilities. Let's look at the process of installing a tow bar, which is specifically designed for Lada Largus.
Main parameters of towbars
Such coupling modules exist in several design types. They are classified according to basic technical characteristics. For passenger cars, the following types of ball-shaped coupling elements are distinguished:
- categories “A”, “H” (maximum load-bearing capacity of the trailer - up to 150 kg of cargo);
- types “F”, “G” (trailer load capacity reaches 3500 kg and in addition there is the ability to adjust the height of the fasteners);
- type “V” (devices are not adjustable, but the load capacity approaches a maximum of 2500 kg);
- category “VMA” (have quick-release fasteners of the vertical type).
Among practical car enthusiasts, it was the last of the considered types of coupling devices that received maximum popularity.
Depending on the mounting method, the tow bar is divided into:
- non-removable components (here the hook is rigidly fixed by welding);
- removable products where the working hook is attached using bolted joints or a special device.
Before choosing a towbar for the Lada Largus, you need to decide on the type of trailer and the weight of the most frequently transported cargo. You should not strive to achieve loads in excess of the regulatory values specified in the device passport, since increased material stresses are transferred to the car body, inevitably causing deformations. For your information! The factory coupling element for Lada Largus can withstand a peak traction force of 1300 kg, and the maximum vertically applied load on the product is 75 kg.
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Design options
Let's start with choosing a trailer hitch and try to determine which one is better.
There is a wide selection of manufacturers and suppliers on the market. So the list of those in demand includes:
But you shouldn’t rely only on the brand, since a smart choice requires a comprehensive approach to the issue.
The various types of towbars available on the market are confusing to the buyer. Therefore, first of all, let’s understand this.
Based on the mounting method, all trailer hitches can be:
- fixed (Largus are equipped with these from the factory);
- removable (quickly and easily removed using a special mechanism);
- flanged (fastening is carried out by bolted connections on a special platform).
I will say right away that it is better to choose removable ones, since they are much easier to handle, easy to remove when not needed, but just as easy to put back in place if you are going to travel with a trailer.
TSU balls
There are also different types of balls that are used to attach a trailer hitch.
- Ball A. The load on it is up to 1500 kg;
- Ball N. The load is similar, but the price is lower compared to the previous option;
- Ball F and G. Load up to 3500 kg with the function of changing the fixation height;
- Ball V. Has a load capacity of up to 2500 kg, but is not adjustable;
- B.M.A. It has a vertical mount that is easy and quick to remove;
- Square mount.
The type A ball has recently become popular among Largus owners due to its practicality and ease of use.
I would call the main criteria horizontal and vertical maximum load. To calculate it, you need to understand what kind of cargo you are going to deal with and what trailers to carry with you.
It’s one thing when the tow bar has to support a Bee, and quite another thing if it’s a whole trailer, a motor home.
How to install a coupling product?
The sequence of installation steps is reflected in the technical manual, which is necessarily attached to the towbar itself. In general terms, the algorithm looks like this.
- We empty the luggage compartment of the Lada Largus from excess luggage.
- The car is hung with a lifting device, and in its absence it is installed above the pit.
- The on-board network is de-energized by “resetting” the terminals from the battery terminals.
- To gain access to the working area of the bottom, we dismantle the thermal protection and loosen the muffler fasteners.
- It is recommended to purchase and install devices whose design is adapted for installation specifically on the LADA Largus body, since the corresponding holes are already made in the stern side members. They are not difficult to find; they are closed with special plugs.
- To secure the product, the delivery set includes a set of fasteners.
Advice! When installing, treat both standard and drilled mounting holes with anti-corrosion substances.
Regarding the device for LADA Largus, we note that this product has a U-shaped design, the legs of which must be fixed to the car body components, and in the middle part of the existing cross member there is a mounting area for a hook. Some modifications of towbars require the presence of reinforcement plates in the kit, which must be installed in places where there is a bolted connection.
- We carry out the installation “operation” from the bottom of the car. The help of a partner will not be superfluous here.
- We insert bolts together with bushings into the side member holes.
- We put the coupling device bracket on them from the outside of the body and fix it with nuts. Do not tighten them to full torque yet.
- Having installed and centered the towbar, we make sure that there is no interference with the bumper and exhaust system.
- Only now do we begin to fully tighten the entire list of fasteners.
- We return the heat shield to its original place.
So that during subsequent dismantling of the device you do not have to “mess around” with rusted fastening components several seasons later, mercilessly cutting them off with a grinder, we recommend treating all butt joints with mastic for anti-corrosion work.
Towbar installation steps
Selection of tools
In order for the installation of the towbar on Largus to proceed correctly, it is necessary to prepare the necessary tools in advance. This procedure cannot be accomplished with just a Phillips screwdriver or an adjustable wrench.
Here you should pay attention to lifting devices: working under a car raised with a jack is very dangerous. Taking this into account, installation of the towbar is carried out only in the inspection pit. Of course, you can resort to using a stationary lift.
If you plan to drill holes, then a torque wrench will greatly simplify this task. In addition, most fasteners also need to be tightened with them.
You should first study in detail the instructions for the installed mechanism, where, as a rule, step-by-step installation of the towbar is prescribed. Particular emphasis is placed on ensuring an appropriate level of tightness.
Other tools you will need include clamps, drills, wrenches, bolts and nuts. If you intend to connect the Largus tow bar, or more precisely, the headlights and lights on the trailer, then you should prepare wire cutters, wires and electrical tape.
Preparatory work
Before direct installation, you need to make sure that you purchased exactly the device that is suitable for the Lada Largus. Reading the instructions and checking the installation location are some of the important actions that are primarily performed by the car owner.
It is strictly forbidden to start connecting a trailer if the coupling points are subject to corrosion or mechanical damage. In addition, the safety measures of the car owner himself - the use of special tools for their intended purpose and protective devices can protect him from injury.
Installation should not begin when the machine is tilted. After all, even a few degrees of deviation from the norm can have catastrophic consequences. The transmission should be in neutral, the front wheels locked, and the parking brake raised.
After the car has been installed in the inspection hole, it is firmly fixed with jacks. The terminal is removed from the battery, and the trunk is cleared of flammable parts. This will prevent the spread of fire in the event of an unexpected fire.
Fixing the towbar
When the Largus towbar drawings are used before attaching the towbar, this greatly simplifies the process of the same name. If the holes have been drilled in advance, the mechanism is simply attached using a pair of clamps. If they are missing, a drill will be useful, which will quickly make them in the bottom of the trunk.
The towbar is tightened using nuts and bolts with a diameter of 14 mm. In this case, the holes themselves must fully correspond to the fasteners.
In addition, two additional holes are made on the inside of the trunk using reinforcing linings, which help securely fix the device and remove part of the load from the body. Upon completion of installation, it is recommended to lubricate all attached parts with a special compound.
Wiring connection
First of all, you need to think about where it is best to place the wire connections and sockets. Here you need to purchase a good kit that will be universal for any vehicle, including the Lada Largus. This significantly reduces the likelihood of short circuits or other faults. In addition, the instructions for it describe in detail the entire connection diagram, and the car owner will only have to do it himself.
It is recommended to carry out the wiring connection with the trailer itself, since there are non-standard wiring diagrams on trailers
Connecting the power supply
Attention! For many owners, this stage can cause the most difficulties. We recommend that you carry out the procedure for switching the socket of the coupling product in the “presence” of the trailer, which is to be used with the car. This is explained by the presence of a non-standard electrical wiring diagram in some trailer modifications.
We fix the socket on the bracket, and put the insulated cables in a metallized sleeve. It is subsequently fixed with ties.
Next, the wiring through the hole made in the body is laid inside the luggage compartment of the LADA Largus. This hole is initially blocked by a plug and is located close to the muffler, between the rear bumper and the wheel arch. Next, the cable outlets are connected to the on-board network.
Now we present the standard pinout of wires for the Largus station wagon.
From the left side:
- the orange wire is responsible for the brake light;
- black cable - ground;
- pink wire – PTF stern;
- green outlet - left turn signal;
- blue - dimensional lighting equipment.
On the right side:
- orange cable – second brake light;
- black wire – ground;
- beige outlet – reverse lamp;
- green cable – right turn signal;
- blue wire – side light.
Having completed the cable network switching, we check the functioning of the entire list of trailer lighting devices.
Reviews from Largus owners about towbars
Undoubtedly, a towing device is a useful thing, especially if a trailer is often used. This is confirmed by reviews. Victor from Barnaul writes: “After installing the towbar with my own hands, problems with the electrics began; the on-board computer goes into emergency mode and cuts off the power to the network. I don’t know what to do yet. There seems to be no compatibility. Apparently I'll have to go to the service center. I wanted to save money, but it didn’t work out. I took the removable version, since I only use the trailer in the summer and I don’t need it for the winter.”
Semyon, Samara: “In my opinion, the best option for the Lada Largus is a tow bar with rigid fixation. Yes, welding was required, but the connection turns out to be eternal, cheap and cheerful - just what we need for our conditions.”
Alexander, Izhevsk: “Once I decided to make a homemade towbar, I even developed a drawing. After suffering for some time, I realized that I couldn’t do without the factory one. I bought a new one in the store, removable. You can quickly put it on and take it off, very convenient.”
A towbar for the Lada Largus is a necessary mechanism, given that this car is purchased largely for business or as a household assistant.
Such devices must actually be installed from the factory in any configuration. But this, unfortunately, is not the case. One of the most popular station wagons from AvtoVAZ is still characterized by a standard approach. What should be in the database, car owners are forced to purchase as a separate option.
LADA brand cars are traditional sales leaders in our country. According to statistics, more than 266 thousand different models were sold in 2020 alone, including Kalina, Granta and Largus. It is logical that when choosing a car trailer of this brand, you need to take into account the features and capabilities of the car, so as not to cause problems on the road for other car owners. So, how to choose a trailer for LADA Granta or another model of this brand?
Which tow bar to choose for Lada Largus
In the selection process, it is better to be guided by real needs. Think about what exactly you most often have to transport, what is the weight of the transported cargo. If we are talking about fairly light consignments of goods, then there is no point in overpaying for an expensive modification with a reinforced design.
An important point is the frequency of operation and the need to maintain the appearance of the vehicle. If you don’t want to spoil its exterior, it makes sense to purchase a quick-release towbar.
It is necessary to be guided by the electrical diagram. There are both standard 7-pin connectors and “Smart Connect” type circuits. The latter option is significantly more expensive, but also much safer during operation. It allows you to use the most complex electrical equipment and completely eliminates the possibility of short circuits or overheating. However, you can refuse contacts if the tow bar is used exclusively for vertical securing of the load.
