Installing a towbar on a Renault Duster with your own hands: video installation instructions, photos

A towbar is a simple but mandatory device in a car, designed to tow it if it is impossible to continue driving “under its own power.” It can also be used in passenger cars to transport small trailers.

If you choose the right tow bar for your car, it can not only increase the car’s ability to transport heavy loads, but also help pull your vehicle out of the mud or a deep ravine, deliver it to a repair shop, or provide the same assistance to your fellow car enthusiast.

The purpose of a towbar is to securely connect your car to a trailer or another vehicle, depending on the circumstances. But at the same time, the car must maintain sufficient maneuverability. That is why the tow bar has a rounded shape - it allows the attached trolley to turn.

There are several types of towbars:

different in width (European and American standard);
stationary and removable;
flanged;
small, medium, large (divided according to load parameters, designed for trailers of different carrying capacity);
towbars with conditionally detachable fastening.

European and American towbars differ in the size of the ball. For products from Europe it does not exceed 50 millimeters. These devices are the most compatible with Russian-made cars.

As for stationary and removable towing devices, there are also varieties among them. Since a towbar for a passenger car is far from obligatory (few people carry any cargo other than what fits in the trunk), it can be attached either permanently or temporarily. A permanently mounted tow hook is usually screwed or welded to elements of the frame or body of the car, and after that it can no longer be removed. But recently, many quick-release devices for towing trailers have appeared on sale, which are not inferior in reliability to stationary ones. What could a twenty-first century towbar be like? Take a look at this photo.

Towbars of different types

Installation nuances for 2WD and 4WD versions

A towbar is suitable for Duster, which is held on by four M10 screws (see photo). Each screw is threaded into a sleeve, which is installed from inside. The standard length of bushings is 53-55 mm, and the bushing should end with a washer.

One of the branded Duster-Logan towbars

The holes are already drilled in the body, and the distance between them is 240 mm. And the distance between the brackets is 890 mm. Perhaps, knowing these numbers, the reader will decide to make a tow bar for Renault Duster with his own hands.

Front-wheel drive towbar version

Almost all towbars suitable for the 4x4 version are compatible with a single-wheel drive Duster. Only installation does not proceed without modifications. The “bumper tongue” is cut off, but more often a rectangular cutout is made. A drawing of this cutout should come with the towbar kit. You can also make a homemade tow bar according to our drawings.

Drawing from the installation instructions

The bumper is usually removed to modify it. In general, the tow bar is installed without dismantling the standard devices. But this applies to the 2WD version.

On sale you can find a design compatible with the Duster 2WD bumper. Make sure that this design itself does not interfere with the spare tire. Often you have to choose what to sacrifice - a bumper or a spare tire.

Some imports

It will be difficult to find an option that does not interfere with either one or the other. But such options also exist.

Please note that the towbars on the Renault Duster 4x4 are designed more simply. There is no need to make “outlines”, as shown in the photo. Everything that is suitable for the 2WD version is also compatible with the 4WD version. But why pay more?

Modification of a car with all-wheel drive

In general, installing a tow bar on a Renault Duster consists of two stages: we screw on the “cheeks” (brackets) and install the beam on them. So, when installing the beam you have to remove one part. It is not possible to return it back, but it is called a “protective screen”.

Muffler heat shield

According to owner reviews, you can operate a car without a protective screen for an indefinitely long time.

In the 4WD configuration there will be no need to file or remove anything except the muffler screen.

Have you chosen? Now we put

First of all, carefully read the instructions, remove everything from the trunk and prepare your tools.

Tools

To work you will need:

Bolts and nuts for fastenings
Keys for 17 and 19
Screwdrivers
A trailer hitch with a full set of parts, that is, the tow bar itself.

Instructions

Start by checking the hitch configuration. A standard towbar must have side bars, the necessary hardware and wiring to connect the warning lights to the trailer. Approximately as in the photo. Disassembled trailer hitch
After checking that everything is in place, you can begin installation. Open the trunk, which has been previously cleared of excess items, and use a screwdriver to remove the plastic plugs located on the sides inside. Insert the towbar bracket mounting bolts into the vacated holes. It is precisely the fact that the car designers left the necessary holes that seriously simplifies the work. Those same plugs that need to be removed. We insert the bolts in place of the removed plugs.
This must be done while under the bottom of the car.
Now you need to put the side plates on the inserted bolts. The reliability of your entire towbar system will depend on them. These elements should be securely fixed with the nuts and washers included in the kit. Don't over-tighten them the first time, as adjustments may be necessary. This is what a properly installed towbar plate looks like
When you are done with the plates, proceed to fixing the cross bar of the towbar. Special screws are used for this purpose. Make sure that the hitch bar is correctly positioned relative to the bumper, that is, it is completely covered by it and does not stick out. At this point, the installation of the main parts of the towbar is completed, only the most difficult part remains - the electrical wiring. The last main part of the towbar is installed

How to install and connect the electrical yourself

Make sure that all mechanical parts of the hitch are installed correctly and are secure. Only then can you install the platform with the towing hook and socket, and then finally screw in all the nuts holding the device.

With electrics, everything is not as scary as it seems at first glance. In general terms, it is enough to lead the wires from the socket into the trunk through the corresponding holes, fix their ends in the terminal block provided by the manufacturer and located in the luggage compartment, and then just connect them to the standard connector, as shown in the instructions.

Here is a diagram of the socket of one of the Russian towbars. Many others are made on exactly the same principle.

This is how the towbar socket contacts are located

The socket is placed on the towbar platform and attached to it with screws. Then you need to find another plug in the trunk in the floor itself, which closes the hole intended for the wires. We run the wiring harness there. It is necessary to strictly follow the instructions so that the on-board network of the machine does not fail. In general, you only need to perform three steps:

Place the wires from the outlet into the trunk.
Fix their ends in the terminal block
Connect to the standard connector.

Video tip: “How to install a towbar socket on a Renault Duster with your own hands”

https://youtube.com/watch?v=-3ASG94rAnE

Since the towbars are supplied with all the necessary parts, there should be no problems with installation. After all the manipulations, do not forget to check how the light signaling on your trailer works. The safe operation of the towbar depends on your personal responsibility, and what is written is enough to understand how to install it correctly.

In my free time, I read a lot, play airsoft (a team military sports game) and amateur radio communications. Lots of professional connections. My strengths: communication skills, endurance, responsibility.

Installation nuances for 2WD and 4WD versions

One of the branded Duster-Logan towbars

We recommend: We get the Duster radio code for other models

Front-wheel drive towbar version

Almost all towbars suitable for the 4x4 version are compatible with a single-wheel drive Duster. Only installation does not proceed without modifications. The “bumper tongue” is cut off, but more often a rectangular cutout is made. A drawing of this cutout should come with the towbar kit. You can also make a homemade tow bar according to our drawings.

Drawing from the installation instructions

The bumper is usually removed to modify it. In general, the tow bar is installed without dismantling the standard devices. But this applies to the 2WD version.

Some imports

It will be difficult to find an option that does not interfere with either one or the other. But such options also exist.

Please note that the towbars on the Renault Duster 4x4 are designed more simply. There is no need to make “outlines”, as shown in the photo. Everything that is suitable for the 2WD version is also compatible with the 4WD version. But why pay more?

Modification of a car with all-wheel drive

Muffler heat shield

According to owner reviews, you can operate a car without a protective screen for an indefinitely long time.

In the 4WD configuration there will be no need to file or remove anything except the muffler screen.

Wiring diagram

The left and right terminals are different in wiring. On the left, the contacts go in a simple order:

Free
Fog
Mass (black)
Turn signal
Stop signal
Dimensions

Almost the same will happen on the right:

Free
Reverse
Mass (black)
Turn signal
Stop signal
Dimensions

There is no point in running a cord from each terminal to the outlet. On the left side, you can generally take only two signals. And then the diagram looks simple (Fig. 1).

Option for 7 contactsSimplified option for 7 contacts

The circuit will look even simpler if you connect pins 5 and 7 (Fig. 2). The cord from terminal 6L is then not used.

On Renault Duster, it is better to connect the towbar socket according to diagram 1. Otherwise, three lamps will “hang” on one cord (6P). Ask yourself where this will lead.

The right harness, which is pulled from the coupling to the “square,” will have nowhere to hide. Well, all the cords on the left are perfectly hidden under the plastic.

Left-hand side

It turns out to be a paradox - where there are a lot of wires, they go “openly”. But the scheme can be reworked.

Be aware that pin 2 can be connected to a “licence light”. And then do the following: in the socket, connect terminals 2 and 7 or 2 and 5. This does not lead to negative consequences.

About connecting the “ground”

If the ground, that is, pin 3, is connected according to all the rules, you need to remove the right lamp. Underneath there will be a “pin” (not shown in the photo) onto which the nut is screwed.

Hairpin – slightly higher

The pin itself is located on top, that is, above the lantern.

Make a “petal” that fits over the stud and is pressed with a nut. The ground cord is soldered to the petal.

Those who do not want to remove the flashlight solder the cord to the connector pin. The terminal number in the connector is number 3, both on the left and on the right. There is an even simpler way - the “petal” can be soldered to the body. Use just one thing.

When connecting ground to the socket, use a cord with a larger cross-section than you use for the other contacts. Standard calculation method: per 1 sq. mm accounts for 10 Amperes.

About technology

To connect to any of the terminals, do the following:

Disconnect the connector, open the lid on it;
The terminal is removed from the connector by pressing it with a screwdriver;
Another one is soldered to the “standard wire”, and “heat shrink” is put on top;
Assembly is carried out.

The result of all efforts is shown in the photo.

This is where the turn signal was connected

If any trace remains on the standard wiring, the warranty for the “electrician” will end! You can buy male-female connectors to make extension cords. Bends are made from extension cords, and standard units are not affected. Connector code: 0988211060, 0988251060.

Installing a tow bar on a Renault Duster also includes installing a socket. Take care of the following:

Let two harnesses be connected to the outlet.
Then use a corrugated splitter. If there is no suitable part, use two corrugations (see photo); A couple of corrugations won't hurt anyone
If only one harness is supplied, still cover it with corrugation. The material may be plastic.

Any discrepancy can be solved with electrical tape.

Be aware of the durability of plastic sockets: one such socket, judging by reviews, is “enough” for one season. It is better if the body is made of carbolite, silumin or aluminum. Well, prices for high-quality equipment are not budget-friendly.

Automaker help

It should be noted that the automaker took care of ease of installation, providing:

Fastening points, providing them with protective plugs;
A hermetically protected place in the luggage compartment for the output of the wiring harness;
Self-installation of a towbar by car owners.

Note! The car is based on the Logan platform. For Renault Duster, the wheelbase was only increased by 40 mm. Therefore, installing a tow bar on a Renault Logan yourself is done in the same way.

Top 5 best manufacturers of towbars for cars such as VAZ 2110, Toyota Hilux

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3ASG94rAnE

The price of the coupling device from this manufacturer is quite high (approximately 11,500 rubles). But when installing the device, you do not need to remove the bumper. Withstand loads:

vertical – up to 75 kg;
horizontal – 1.5 t.

Belgian towbars costing 8,500 rubles have lifting characteristics similar to Slovak towing devices, but installation/removal of the towbar will require removing the bumper.

Towbars produced by this company cost around 10,000 rubles. The traction device is designed for a horizontal load of no more than 2 tons.

Polish towbars are somewhat cheaper (up to 10 thousand rubles). Loading capacity of Polish equipment is up to 1.5 tons.

The Russian-made traction device can withstand loads weighing up to 1.2 tons. They are much cheaper than foreign analogues - samples are on sale from 1000 rubles.

Swedish-made towbars are distinguished by the highest cost in comparison with the equipment listed above. Traction devices from this manufacturer are designed to transport loads weighing up to 1.5 tons.

There are three coupling options:

Basic - represents the optimal ratio of performance and price. Attached to the car frame either by welding or screws. However, according to external data, it is not suitable for cars with a small engine capacity, but for the Renault Duster crossover, including 4x4, this option is optimal.
Removable (with a hook that can be removed) - will transform the design of the car. But, the price will be 2 times higher, while the reliability is no worse than the basic version, and the ability to remove it improves the appearance of the car. Another advantage is that the hole in the frame is invisible, and installation is quick and easy.

Flange is represented by two or four grooves. A complete set with this option is possible provided that there is a separate platform on the machine, and you also need to know how to install it correctly.

Today, in modern cars, the presence of electronics is a prerequisite and manufacturers pay significant attention to this point. Need to know: all automotive electrical communications must be provided with a sufficient level of insulation

Basic tips when installing a towbar device on a car:

The hole must be coated with a corrosion protection agent;
When connecting the wires of the tow bar device to the vehicle's electrical system, you must ensure the quality of soldering and insulation;
When installation is complete, apply lubricant to the hitch ball;
Then put the protective cap on it.

On average, the cost of a towing system for an all-wheel drive Renault Duster, including 4x4, ranges from 5 thousand rubles. up to 20 thousand rubles. without hole in bumper. The best option would be a trailer towbar, which is also suitable for Renault Duster all-wheel drive.

It should be noted that the automaker took care of ease of installation, providing:

Fastening points, providing them with protective plugs;
A hermetically protected place in the luggage compartment for the output of the wiring harness;
Self-installation of a towbar by car owners.

Read more: Do-it-yourself instructions for decoking piston rings, video

Electrical connection

After installation on the Renault Duster, the towbar must go through the stage of connecting the electrical wiring kit to provide the vehicle with duplicate car signals at the rear, on the trailer. In this case, the towbar socket is used. Before carrying out work, disconnect the battery and proceed:

Install the plug socket on a special platform of the traction device, securing the structure with screws.
Open the wire plug located in the luggage compartment of the car, in the floor.
At the next stage, pull the cable into the resulting hole carefully and slowly so as not to damage anything.
After running the indicated wires into the trunk and securing the ends in the terminal block, find there the wires that need to be connected: fog lights (green), left turn (purple), right turn (green), brake lights (their wires can also be green), wire, side lights (blue), as well as leading to the body (black).
Connect the specified wires to the outlet using copper wires with a diameter of at least one and a half square millimeters (from 1.5 to 2.5 sq. mm).

Please note that the electrical connection is carried out as follows (counting comes from the top connector of the socket and to the right in a circle):

into the first connector - left turn signal,
second and third - depending on the specific trailer layout,
fourth - right turn signal,
fifth - right side marker light,
sixth - stop signal,
the seventh (located in the center of the towbar socket) is the left marker.

The connection diagram may vary slightly depending on the individual characteristics of the distribution of electrical wiring in the towed vehicle.

Installation

On Renault Duster SUVs, installation of the towbar is carried out in several stages:

The first thing you need to do before starting work is to check the equipment. The standard set includes a side strip, bolts, nuts, and electrical wiring for connecting the dimensions on the trailer.
Remove the plug that is located inside the trunk and, being under the car, screw in the bolts that will secure the tow bar
Read also: Meet the completely new CFMOTO X8 HO EPS!
It is necessary to put the side plates on the installed bolts using washers and nuts; there is no need to tighten the nuts too much, since they will still need to be adjusted
At the coupling device, use screws to fix the transverse beam so that it is completely covered by the bumper
We make an electrical connection through special holes in the trunk, into a standard connector, and install a socket using screws. The process of connecting electrical wiring is quite responsible, so this part of the installation should be taken seriously; the included instructions with drawings can help with this.

Electrical component

Before installing the towbar electrics, read the instruction manual for your Renault Duster. Here you will need to deal with the matching block. What it is and why it is needed, I already wrote HERE.

We proceed something like this:

First, the negative terminal from the battery is disconnected;
now we find the terminals in the rear lamp shades, which are responsible for their operation;
we lay a cable with wiring from the outlet to our trunk;
we separate the wires by color so that the trailer hitch wiring matches the color of the wiring on the car (this is where the operating manual and the factory instructions for the towbar come in handy);

wires must be copper and stranded with a minimum cross-section of 1.5 mm2;
the ends are clamped and insulated;
the trailer hitch socket is mounted on the cross beam of the towbar using several screws;
the wiring goes into the trunk and is neatly hidden there;
the ends of the wiring are fixed in the terminal harnesses and connected in a standard hole.

As you can see for yourself, there is nothing particularly difficult with installing towbars on the Renault Duster crossover. And there shouldn’t be any problems with the choice. So go for it!

Installing the tow bar

Before installing the towbar, you need to consider several nuances:

If you bought a ready-made kit, it will most likely contain self-locking nuts. This means that they can only be screwed once.
M10 nuts must be finally tightened last, applying a force of about 45-50 N*m.
If you purchased a ready-made 4WD version of the trailer hitch set, then in the process of tightening the fastening nuts, the tow bar itself will need to be pulled back.
M10 screws must be lubricated with lithol or cyatim.

This is interesting: How to paint rims on a car yourself. Video lesson

Knowing these subtleties, you can begin the preparatory process. To do this, empty the luggage compartment of the SUV, remove the muffler and spare tire. After this, install the car over the inspection hole or use a jack. Prepare a screwdriver, 2 keys for 17 and 2 for 19. You will also need to disconnect the battery; to do this, just disconnect the negative terminal.

After this, it is necessary to divide the trailer hitch into its component parts and begin installation, which will require:

Remove the factory plugs located under the trim on the right and left. To do this, carefully lift the trim and pry them off with a screwdriver.
Insert the mounting bolts into the vacated holes. To protect them, use bushings that are installed inside the side members.
Make sure the fasteners are installed correctly. Look under the car and make sure you can see the ends of the fasteners.
Place the side brackets on the ends of the bolts, secure them with washers and tighten the nuts using a 19 mm wrench (give yourself the opportunity to adjust them, so do not over-tighten).
Install the cross beam.
Align the holes on one side of the beam and the side and attach a nut in this place. Repeat similar manipulations on the other side.
Adjust the position of the beam and tighten all nuts.
Install the tow hook.

After this, all that remains is to install the wiring in the towbar socket so that when connecting it to the trailer, the lights on the latter will work.

Towbar installation process

In Renault Duster, for the convenience of installing the tow bar by users themselves, the developers have provided:

mounting holes that are closed with special plugs;
a rubber plug for sealing the electrical connections in the trunk compartment.

To correctly and quickly assemble the entire towbar structure and connect its headlights to the car, carefully study the drawing and instructions.

Observe safety precautions by wearing rubber gloves and not touching bare wiring. The order of work is as follows:

empty the car trunk, remove the spare tire, the muffler located on the rubber suspension;
prepare a working tool - a screwdriver and 4 keys (a pair - 17, a pair - 19);
install the Duster on an overpass or inspection hole. Use a jack if necessary;
disconnect the battery (this can be done by disconnecting the minus terminal).

Disconnect the battery

After preparing the machine, divide the towbar into its component elements. Open the luggage compartment to remove the factory plugs. They are located under the car trim, 1 each on the left and right. Lifting the casing, open access to them, pry them off with a screwdriver and remove. Next, take the bolts from the towbar kit for the Duster and insert them into the holes located under the plug. To protect the bolts, install bushings inside the side members. You can see the end of the fastener by looking under the car.

Take the towbar brackets that attach to the side and place them on the ends of the bolts. After this, attach the washers to them and tighten the nuts, tightening them with a 19mm wrench. Start installing the main part - the beam, but first try it on to find out the correspondence between the trailer hitch plates.

Installing a towbar on a Renault Duster

To check that the holes of the part and the car match, insert the bolt from the wheel side and tighten it with a nut. Perform a similar action on the other side. After this, correct the position of the beam and tighten the nuts on it (before this, lubricate the threads on them).

The process of installing the towbar ends with the installation of the towing hook, which also needs to be secured using nuts and bolts of the “self-stop” type, which are included in the kit, using a 17mm wrench.

We select it for your car

There is a difference not only in size between American and European towing devices. They differ significantly in the type of fastening, as well as the center-to-center distance between fastening points. Naturally, this must be taken into account when choosing a device for your car. Their electrical connectors are also arranged differently, but if you have the necessary adapters, this will not create any obstacles to the installation and subsequent operation of the towbar on a car, no matter what model it is.

However, there are exceptions. In some cases, when installing American towbars with your own hands, due to the larger diameter of the ball, incompatibility with Russian trailers occurs. Roughly speaking, it is not always possible to connect such a hook to a domestic trailer, and sometimes you have to resolder the wiring.

We recommend: Replacing the Renault Logan reverse sensor

The American towbar consists of four parts, the main one of which is the bracket for attaching the tow hook to the rear bumper of the car. Usually it is located on a special rigid frame, which is attached to the car body. Only after taking these features into account can you begin to select a tow hitch for the Renault Duster.

Renault Duster is a mid-size car, endowed with the features of a passenger car and an SUV, that is, it belongs to the crossover class. The most preferable for this car are towbars with a type A ball, for example, Bosal or some products from Enganches Aragon. This type of ball has a conditionally removable design and is secured to the hook with two bolts.

You can also turn your choice towards the best-selling devices on the Russian market:

Galia (Slovakia).
Bosal (Belgium).
Enganches Aragon (Spain).
"Leader-Plus" (Russia).
Thule (Sweden).
Imiola Hakpol (Poland).

As we have already said, it is necessary to take into account the differences in the towing parameters of towbars from different manufacturers. Most Russian devices for trailers do not allow you to tow loads weighing more than 1200 kg, while some foreign analogues can pull 1800 without any problems. The main thing is to never take a towbar that has been used. It is already worn out and may break at the most inopportune moment.

Tips for use

In order to prolong the operation of the towbar and ensure the safety of other road users, it is necessary to carry out periodic maintenance of the towbar and its fastenings. The main thing is to inspect the bolted fastenings of the trailer hitch , as well as the reliability of the contacts of the trailer’s electrical equipment. Bolted connections require periodic tightening.

If you do not use the trailer for a long time, coat the hitch ball with a protective lubricant against corrosion and put a protective cap .

Important! Do not operate the machine with a trailer loaded with a weight of more than 1200 kg and driving at speeds exceeding 90 kilometers per hour.

A protective cap will protect the ball from rust
Source

Features of fastening the towbar

Let the towbar assembly consist of a beam with brackets. Then:

Four holes for screws are prepared in the body;
The brackets are secured to the body using an assembly of an M10 screw, a washer, a bushing, a second washer and a nut. None of the nuts have been tightened yet!
The beam is attached to the brackets - usually M12 bolts are used;
Tighten the nuts on the brackets (force 40-50 N*m). If we are talking about the 4WD version, the towbar beam must be pulled back.

Before step 2, the threads of all screws must be lubricated with lithol or cyatim.

All nuts included in the kit can be self-locking. They are twisted once! You will need an open-end wrench: “17” (screw or nut M10), “19” (M12).

Installation "step by step"

In the luggage compartment we find plastic plugs on the side members and remove them. To do this, open the hatch on the right side. Then use a screwdriver to find the opposite holes in the bottom and remove the protective film.
Hatch and two plugs
Next, the installation of the towbar on the Renault Duster is carried out according to the standard instructions: you need to install the screws, and the lubricant can be applied “from the street”.
Each screw is installed with a sleeve
Install the brackets and install the beam. The fastening nuts are not immediately tightened.
M10 nuts are not fully tightened
When all the “standard” elements are mounted, do the following: it is advisable to pull the beam back, while tightening the nuts. Lastly, tighten the nuts on the brackets (40-50 N*m). A torque wrench is rarely used, but not everyone knows how to dose force. We'll leave the choice to the owner.

More information about connecting a towbar to the car's electrical system: connecting the electrical system (wiring) of a towbar on a Renault Duster and a socket diagram.

Common mistakes

They forgot about cyathim and lithol;
The tightening sequence was violated (first M10, then M12 - incorrect);
The beam was not pulled back;
We did everything according to the instructions, but when tightening the M10 nuts, no force was applied to the beam. For the 4WD version, this option will not be acceptable.

Have you chosen? Now we put

First of all, carefully read the instructions, remove everything from the trunk and prepare your tools.

Tools

To work you will need:

Bolts and nuts for fastenings
Keys for 17 and 19
Screwdrivers
A trailer hitch with a full set of parts, that is, the tow bar itself.

Instructions

Start by checking the hitch configuration. A standard towbar must have side bars, the necessary hardware and wiring to connect the warning lights to the trailer. Almost like in the photo. Disassembled trailer hitch
After checking that everything is in place, you can begin installation. Open the trunk, which has been previously cleared of excess items, and use a screwdriver to remove the plastic plugs located on the sides inside. Insert the towbar bracket mounting bolts into the vacated holes. It is the fact that car designers left the necessary holes that greatly simplifies the work. The same plugs that need to be removed. We insert the bolts in place of the removed plugs.
This must be done while under the bottom of the car.
Now you need to put the side plates on the inserted bolts. The reliability of your entire towbar system will depend on them. These elements should be securely fixed with the nuts and washers included in the kit. Don't over-tighten them the first time, as adjustments may be necessary. This is what a correctly installed towbar plate looks like
When you are done with the plates, proceed to fixing the cross bar of the towbar. Special screws are used for this purpose. Make sure that the hitch bar is correctly positioned relative to the bumper, that is, it is completely covered by it and does not stick out. At this point, the installation of the main parts of the towbar is completed, only the most difficult part remains - the electrical wiring. The last main part of the towbar is installed

How to install and connect the electrical yourself

Here is a diagram of the socket of one of the Russian towbars. Many others are made on exactly the same principle.

This is how the towbar socket contacts are located

Place the wires from the outlet into the trunk.
Fix their ends in the terminal block
Connect to the standard connector.

Video tip: “How to install a towbar socket on a Renault Duster with your own hands”

https://youtube.com/watch?v=-3ASG94rAnE

Important selection features

Renault Duster comes in all-wheel drive 4×4 and mono-wheel drive (drive goes to the front wheels). Because of this, when buying a car from 2013, 2014, or maybe 2021 or our current 2021, not forgetting about 2015, be prepared to face some problems.

Most trailer hitches are compatible with all-wheel drive and single-wheel drive versions of the crossover. But installation will require some adjustments. For example, you often have to file a tongue on a bumper. There are versions of the trailer hitch that fit under the crossover bumper, but here you have to choose - leave the bumper intact or be able to carry a spare tire.

If this is an all-wheel drive version, then everything is somewhat simpler at first glance. You mount the brackets (in common parlance, cheeks), and then install them on the beam. But there is a nuance here. You will have to dismantle the protective screen, but you won’t be able to put it back. Although car owners claim that there is nothing wrong with this.

Manufacturers

After reading the thematic forum, hearing the opinions of people from different cities, such as Moscow, Ufa, St. Petersburg, and visiting Astana, where Duster is very popular, I made several conclusions regarding the towbar models themselves.

There are several leaders on the market:

Bosal VFM;
Trailer;
Leader-Plus.

But before you buy a towbar and figure out how to install it on the car and connect the electrical system, I would like to discuss several countries that produce good towbars. All of them are available on the Russian market.

Slovakia (Galia company). The price is quite high, up to 11-12 thousand rubles, but the bumper does not have to be removed during installation, it can withstand high loads and serves flawlessly;
Belgium (Bosal). Excellent quality at a lower cost. But you can’t do without dismantling the bumper;
Spain (Enganches Aragon). You will have to pay about 10 thousand rubles for them, but their horizontal loads of 2 tons will not leave you indifferent. Excellent quality;
Poland (Imiola Hakpol). The most expensive models cost 9 thousand with a load capacity of 1.5 tons. The price corresponds to the quality;
Russia (Leader-Plus). Designed for operation with loads up to 1.2 tons. They are cheap, so they are in great demand;
Sweden (Thule). Excellent characteristics, but the minimum price is 11 thousand rubles per trailer hitch.

Frankly, I strongly advise you not to save money. Installing a low-quality tow bar can have dire consequences.

Knowing how much a particular towbar costs, how well it fits your Duster and wallet, you can choose a decent option.

Features of fastening the towbar

Let the towbar assembly consist of a beam with brackets. Then:

Four holes for screws are prepared in the body;
The brackets are secured to the body using an assembly of an M10 screw, a washer, a bushing, a second washer and a nut. None of the nuts have been tightened yet!
The beam is attached to the brackets - usually M12 bolts are used;
Tighten the nuts on the brackets (force 40-50 N*m). If we are talking about the 4WD version, the towbar beam must be pulled back.

Before step 2, the threads of all screws must be lubricated with lithol or cyatim.

All nuts included in the kit can be self-locking. They are twisted once! You will need an open-end wrench: “17” (screw or nut M10), “19” (M12).

Installation "step by step"

In the luggage compartment we find plastic plugs on the side members and remove them. To do this, open the hatch on the right side. Then use a screwdriver to find the opposite holes in the bottom and remove the protective film.
Hatch and two plugs
Next, the installation of the towbar on the Renault Duster is carried out according to the standard instructions: you need to install the screws, and the lubricant can be applied “from the street”.
Each screw is installed with a sleeve
Install the brackets and install the beam. The fastening nuts are not immediately tightened.
M10 nuts are not fully tightened
When all the “standard” elements are mounted, do the following: it is advisable to pull the beam back, while tightening the nuts. Lastly, tighten the nuts on the brackets (40-50 N*m). A torque wrench is rarely used, but not everyone knows how to dose force. We'll leave the choice to the owner.

We recommend: DIY Renault Logan generator repair

More information about connecting a towbar to the car's electrical system: connecting the electrical system (wiring) of a towbar on a Renault Duster and a socket diagram.

Common mistakes

They forgot about cyathim and lithol;
The tightening sequence was violated (first M10, then M12 - incorrect);
The beam was not pulled back;
We did everything according to the instructions, but when tightening the M10 nuts, no force was applied to the beam. For the 4WD version, this option will not be acceptable.

Fastening the beam

Before installation, drive the car into the inspection hole, stop it with the parking brake and chocks under the wheels.

For reference: Installing a towbar on a Renault Logan with your own hands will be approximately the same as in the case of a Renault Duster. Today, one of the most popular among the owners of these cars is the kit of the domestic brand “Trailer”.

This is what the purchased device looks like

We start by installing the towbar beam, which is attached to the rear of your Duster’s body. It is installed on the side members in special holes, which are prudently closed with plugs.

Installation location - bottom view

Note! In this case, you don't even need to remove the rear bumper.

We will need to arm ourselves with a screwdriver, a pair of keys with heads 17 and 19, a towbar and accessories for connecting it. The side brackets of the towbar are connected to the side members with bolts and nuts. There is no need to tighten the fasteners ahead of time.

Use only the included elements for mounting

The basic instructions for carrying out the work will be approximately as follows:

We take the towbar beam (TSU) and attach it to the side brackets. If necessary, the beam must be pulled back along the vehicle. Be sure to place the tow ball along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Installing a beam under the rear bumper

Before tightening fasteners, lubricate all holes and bolts with grease.
We attach the coupling ball to the brackets.
You can return the thermal protection, spare tire and muffler.

All that remains is to install the tow ball

Types of towbars and features of choice

The towing device, which is the tow bar for Renault Duster 2013-2017, four- or single-wheel drive, can be of three main types according to the method of fastening: fixed, removable, conditionally removable. According to another classification, different models of towbars used to lift a load of a certain weight are divided into other categories (based on lifting capacity):

less than 1.5 tons - towbar article number A (conditionally removable, screwed with only two nuts and bolts);
one and a half tons - type B (easily removed, attached using a semi-automatic nut);
from 1.5 tons and more - type C (mounted and removed quite simply, divided into two subtypes: horizontal and vertical);
from 2 t - type F (forged tow bar, fastened with M16 bolts);
starting from two tons and more - G-towbar (also made using forging, the fastening is more powerful than in the previous case - with 4 M12 bolts);
1.5 tons - type H (welded coupling).

The choice of tow bar should not only be based on lifting needs and mounting method. There are several other factors to consider. This is the manufacturer, the shape of the towbar and body, and the equipment. For example, a towbar model for Renault in a new body may not be suitable for older models.

The Slovakian Galia towbars, the Belgian Bosal, the Spanish Enganches Aragon, the Polish Imiola Hakpol, the Russian Leader-Plus, and the Swedish Thule have proven themselves to be quite good.

Kinds

There are several varieties:

Removable
Fixed
Conditionally removable

In addition to types, they can be divided into categories:

Type A - it is used for loads up to 1.5 tons, it can be easily removed and installed, and is classified as conditionally removable
Type B - it is installed thanks to a semi-automatic nut and can be easily removed, used for transporting loads up to 1.5 tons
Type C - it can be both vertical and horizontal, it can be quickly removed, it can transport loads from 1.5 tons
Type F- is a forged product and is fastened with a pair of bolts; it can transport loads from 2 tons
Type G - attached with 4 bolts, and is forged, can transport loads from 2 tons
Type H - is manufactured by welding and is designed for transporting loads up to 1.5 tons

Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, for example, the removable type is more expensive, but due to the fact that it can be easily removed, it is more popular. But if the appearance remains in the background for the car owner, then a non-removable one is used.

Properties

The characteristics of each lubricant depend mainly on the dispersion index of the copper component, the consistency of the material and the types of additives included in its composition.

Properties of copper-containing lubricants:

protect surfaces in the maximum temperature range - from -50 to +1400 °C;
applicable for all common metals and alloys;
do not provide for replacement for a long time;
Can be applied under high pressure;
protect surfaces from the harmful effects of water and aggressive chemical-containing liquids;
do not contain lead, which allows them to lubricate threaded fasteners.

Copper lubricants minimize friction, noise and vibration while providing good electrical conductivity and a hydrophobic effect.

At temperatures above 1000 °C, the heated oil from the material containing copper particles evaporates, burns out, and the powder acts as a solid lubricant.

It effectively prevents the formation of scuffing due to friction, grips threads, and protects components and parts from aggressive environments. Provides protection against premature surface wear when applied to aluminum, nickel, alloys of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.