In the traditional configuration, the Lada Granta does not have a tow bar. When purchasing a trailer, car owners are faced with the need to install it. In some machines, this requires drilling mounting holes or making other modifications. If you lack experience, the procedure should be entrusted to the employees of the nearest car service center. The owners of the Lada Granta liftback car were luckier - towing coupling devices were developed especially for their car, fastened with just a few bolts. True, you will have to tinker a little with the electrics.
Details on how to install a tow bar on a Lada Granta can be obtained from specialists. But even a novice car enthusiast can cope with this. The finished towing device for this vehicle is a U-shaped metal frame with a towbar attached to it. The structure is completely ready for installation, and there are already holes for bolts on the side members of the car and behind its bumper.
The towbar installation process consists of several steps:
- Fixing the car over the pit with a parking brake;
- Complete shutdown of all electrics - you need to disconnect the negative terminal from the battery;
- Installation of the towbar and securing it in its standard places;
- Connecting the towbar socket to the on-board power supply.
- Let's go through these steps in more detail.
How to install a tow bar on a Granta sedan and what is needed for this?
To do this, the car enthusiast will need a ratchet wrench. In most cases, no other tools are needed (at least at this stage). The installation process is simple - we take the trailer hitch frame and combine it with the standard holes. Next, we take the bolts included in the kit and screw them into the standard holes, from which the protective film is first removed. There are six bolts in total - four of them are screwed into the side members, two more are screwed behind the rear bumper. The place here is not the most convenient; there is a possibility that you will have to struggle with choosing a key.
Types and selection criteria
It is not difficult to find different types of trailer hitches for the Lada Grant on the market. This is explained by the fact that several companies are engaged in the production of these devices for the VAZ 2190 car. Among the companies, it is worth noting such as “Leader-Plus”, “Bosal” and “Trailer”. As for the traction coupling devices themselves, they, according to the type of design, are divided into:
The device has a removable coupling ball. It is attached to the car using bolts. After dismantling the ball, a coupling slightly protrudes from under the vehicle bumper.
As a rule, it has a non-demountable design. It is welded to the fastening points or screwed with powerful bolts. Dismantling such a towbar is quite a long and labor-intensive task.
This type of trailer hitch includes flanged towbars with two and four mounting bolts. In addition, retractable traction devices can be found on sale. They have a special vertical mechanism, and if necessary, after dismantling the ball, such a hitch can be removed under the bottom of the car.
Towbars are also divided into:
- Having low load capacity. This type of trailer hitch allows you to transport a loaded trailer weighing up to 1500 kg.
- With increased load capacity. This type of trailer hitch makes it possible to tow a trailer with a curb weight of 3000 to 3500 kilograms.
Terms of use
The main rule is that you cannot place a load in the trailer that exceeds the weight of the car. It is necessary to monitor the technical condition of the trailer, towing device, and electrical sockets. It is important to regularly lubricate the ball-shaped joint of the towbar with lithol, preventing its premature wear. When installing the hook, you must ensure that it is securely attached to the towing hitch.
Before purchasing and installing a towbar, you should check the documents for the purchased trailer hitch model. They must include a certificate authorizing its use for your brand of car. You should also pay attention to the hitch socket: it can contain nine or thirteen contacts, so you need to choose one similar to the trailer plug, otherwise you will have to spend money on remaking the connector.
Using a car not only as a means of transportation, but also as an assistant when transporting household goods, towing boats and boats requires the installation of special equipment on the car - a towing device. The choice of trailer hitch model depends on the weight of the cargo being transported and the frequency of use of the trailer. The procedure for installing a tow bar on a Lada Granta is simple and can be done with your own hands.
Where to buy a towbar for Lada Granta
- removing the trunk cover;
- removing all plugs;
- drilling out factory holes for a towbar standard;
- securing the trailer hitch;
- tightening nuts.
Depending on the type of towbar, the type of installation may also differ and require both drilling and bumper cutting.
A more detailed description can be found in the instructions.
Schematic drawing of a tow bar for Lada Granta from Bosal-Autoflex
Tow bar kit for Lada Kalina station wagon
Nowadays, such products, which can be purchased in specialized stores, are classified as collapsible devices. This option has a number of advantages over competitors, namely:
- easy transportation;
- simple installation;
- convenient storage.
The set of towed products for the hatchback includes:
- technical certificate;
- protective cap;
- fasteners;
- wires;
- socket with seven contacts.
Towbar kit for Lada Kalina 2 station wagon
Important to know! It is quite easy to purchase similar parts for Kalina station wagon, since they are sold in almost every car store. But, device models can differ significantly from each other in design and price terms. The cost of trailed products ranges from $25 to $30.
Tow hitch installation
The towbar on the Lada Kalina is installed in the same way as all other cars of the VAZ line. It is attached to the subframe at the rear of the car, protruding slightly beyond the rear bumper. The installation process begins with the purchase or manufacture of the device itself. The towbar externally consists of a pipe frame to which brackets are welded for their future fastening. You can weld this structure yourself; you only need the ball itself and the metal for welding. But you can also buy a ready-made version; a universal towbar may well fit both a station wagon and a hatchback.
So, we have a ready-made device in front of us, which just needs to be properly secured. We will need the following tool:
To do this, we find a point that will be equidistant from the edges of the car and will be the center of the width of the car. This is where the ball should be located. Now we attach the brackets to the subframe under the rear bumper and mark the places where the holes will be drilled. Next, you will need to make these holes and carefully screw the towbar so as not to damage the rear bumper, because it is plastic and is very expensive.
Installing a tow bar on Lada Kalina
A towbar is a towing product designed to connect a trailer to a vehicle. Installing a new towbar on Kalina NA has a number of features. The Kalina hatchback car has a trailer that is not capable of withstanding heavy loads. Therefore, installing a towbar for this vehicle is necessary if it is planned to be used for transporting goods. It will help to use a removable trailer and make the car more versatile.
What exactly do you need to buy for a station wagon?
Let's turn to the official documentation, more precisely, to the catalog of assembly units. In this document, one of the drawings shows the body frame:
Rear floor frame, station wagon
All parts, in addition to the 12th, make up the floor frame. A towbar must be attached to parts “14” and “3”, as well as to channel “13”. These parts are provided with holes (their total number is 6).
The distance from part “13” to the first side hole in our case is 145 mm, to the second – 245 mm. For the “first Lada Kalina” these distances were different. Towbars suitable for the VAZ-1118 are not necessarily suitable for the Kalina-2. However, there are also universal solutions. A drawing of one of them is presented below.
A universal tow bar will have 4 or 5 holes on the sides:
How to choose a trailer hitch
Now directly about how and what kind of tow bar the Lada Granta will wear.
It depends on your decision. There are quite a lot of options.
But we should start with the installation capabilities. Using the example of a trailer hitch for the Polo Sedan, you already know that the installation of a towbar is not always provided for such a car from the factory.
As for whether a tow bar is provided for a car like the Lada Granta, the answer is clear. Yes. The manufacturer allows the use of a towbar on such a machine. From the factory there are 4 mounting holes on the rear side members. If you choose an original trailer hitch that is suitable specifically for the Granta, you will not have to drill any additional holes. And therefore, problems in the form of fines for the towbar can definitely be avoided.
That's sorted out. Installation of trailer hitch is provided.
The next step is to select a suitable tow bar.
There are several options for towbar balls for the Lada Granta. Namely, this car is suitable for balls of types A, C, E and H.
When choosing, pay attention to such points. Hood deflector: why is it needed, pros and cons, do-it-yourself installation
Hood deflector: why is it needed, pros and cons, do-it-yourself installation
- Ball type. This has already been sorted out. Therefore we move on;
- Type of trailer hitch. These are mainly conditionally removable models. But you can find welded and quick-release ones. I am both for the last option;
- Load. It can be vertical or horizontal. For vertical it is better to take at least 900 kg, and for vertical from 50. But it is better to take 75 or even 100 kg;
- Manufacturer. In terms of brands, the choice is not as great as we would like. Among the favorites I would like to mention the company Leader Plus, the manufacturer of the trailer hitch, as well as the joint venture Bosal Autoflex. It’s worth reading about Bosal separately;
- Body type. For different body types, different trailer hitch models can be provided;
- Trimming the bumper. I have never heard of the need to trim the bumper on any domestic manufacturer's trailer hitch model.
It’s natural to find out how much such a purchase will cost.
Below, I present several options at prices current for 2020.
Review of Manufacturer Prices
| № | Name / OEM part number | Price, rub.) |
| 1. | Leader-Plus (101030) | from 2500 |
| 2. | VFM (844947MS) |
Lada Granta Liftback / Lada Kalina
*prices are as of September 20, 2018.
The cost of a towing coupling device ranges from 2500 to 4200 rubles.
Obviously, in the first case, this is a budget option, which is purchased by most motorists. The quality and service life are at an average level, not comparable to top-end options made from high-quality steel.
A little about the car
Before we talk about what trailer hitches you can take for the Grant, it’s worth saying a few words about the car itself.
Oddly enough, Granta has gained enormous popularity in the Russian market. Largely due to how much such a car costs.
The Lada Granta model is a comparative novelty for AvtoVAZ. The car first appeared only in 2011. The only problem is that it’s not 2021 or even 2021 anymore. And during this time, no improvements or global changes occurred. The car was the same as it was almost 10 years ago, and is still sold in this form. Although it is worth being fair and saying that in 2013 AvtoVAZ pleased us with a conditional novelty in the form of a liftback body. As a result, buyers are offered a choice of liftback, sedan and station wagon. And 2021 introduced us to the restyled version. Alas, nothing significant.
But a Cross version appeared. In fact, this is a slightly raised Grant with a crossover appearance, but the filling of a classic passenger version.
I can't say it's a bad car. It's definitely worth the money. And there aren’t really any alternatives. That’s why Granta’s popularity is prohibitive.
Connecting the Lada Granta tow bar (electrical)
As you know, most towbars have a special connector for connecting electrical wiring. In order to be able to connect electrical appliances to it (for example, for a trailer with headlights, brake lights, etc.), it is necessary to stretch the wires and connect them correctly. It is best to lay the wires through a special technical hole located behind the rear bumper of the Granta on the left side. Pass the wires through the rubber seal.
Next, the procedure is as follows:
- On the left side, remove the trim, as well as the plastic trunk lining.
- Next, you need to connect the towbar socket connector to the power supply circuit for the rear lights. To make the correct connection, please read the instructions included with your product.
Click to enlarge
- After connecting the outlet, return the trunk trim to its original condition.
- We install the trailer hitch ball and secure the fastenings for the sub-cutter.
This completes the installation of the product.
“Take note! When the towbar is installed on the Lada Granta, apply a layer of lubricant to the coupling ball. Thus, you will reduce its friction and premature wear during operation. In addition, we recommend that you treat the connecting contacts of the socket with a special liquid insulation agent. This way you will avoid oxidation of electrical connectors.”
Reviews
| from 3200 | ||
| 3. | Bosal (1237-A) | from 2900 |
| 4. | Leader-Plus (T-VAZ-22A) | from 2600 |
| 5. | Bosal (1229-E) | from 2900 |
| 6. | Bosal (1218-A) | from 3900 – 4200 |
| 7. | Bosal (2190.01.С) | from 3500 |
| 8. | Baltex (27.2208.12 – 1) | from 2800 |
| № | Positive |
| 1. | Kirill , 41 years old: before buying a trailer, I purchased a tow bar from Leader-Plus (101030). Despite the budget price of the product, the quality is good, the welds are even, the socket fits tightly to the metal base. My recommendations. |
| 2. | Konstantin , 36 years old: I bought a trailer for trips to the dacha, a necessary thing on the farm. The previous owner installed a towbar on the car. It is in good condition, no corrosion, although the paint is a little cracked. I didn’t change it; Leader-Plus is happy with it. |
| 3. | Vyacheslav , 44 years old: after an accident, the trailer hitch had to be replaced in the rear bumper. I didn’t invent anything, I bought Leader-Plus by analogy. |
| 4. | Gleb , 33 years old: as befits a novice entrepreneur, he bought a trailer. The only thing left is the tow bar. The store recommended several models, I settled on Leader-Plus. I don’t need particularly sophisticated ones; I won’t transport large loads. |
| 5. | Alexander , 40 years old: the previous owner sold Grant together with a towbar and trailer. Condition is good, no corrosion. For objectivity, I took it to a service station to diagnose the bottom, no comments. My garage mates advised installing a more powerful tow bar, but I’m happy with the standard one. |
| 6. | Gennady , 37 years old: I’ve had Granta since 2011, I made cosmetic repairs, tinted it a little, treated it with anti-corrosion agent. Due to frequent transportation of goods, the bottom is heavily damaged by gravel, stone, and rust in some places. At the service center they said that it was still ok, the tow bar was normal and didn’t need to be changed. |
| 7. | Vladimir , 29 years old: bought a trailer for the Granta, all that remains is to buy a trailed one. The store recommended Leader-Plus, Bosal, Baltex. I wanted to take Bosal, but the price was prohibitive, so I settled on Leader-Plus. Despite the cheapness, it turned out to be quite good. No complaints, I'm happy. |
| Negative | |
| 1. | Alexey , 34 years old: I was looking for a trailer hitch in a store, I immediately refused the budget Leader-Plus, I heard a lot of negative things. I didn’t check it, I bought Bosal. 1000 more expensive, but the quality is obvious. |
| 2. | Victor , 39 years old: I bought a trailer for commercial purposes, the only thing left is the tow bar. Various modifications were offered on the car market, I immediately refused the budget version and opted for VFM (844947MS). |
| 3. | Igor , 35 years old: the previous owner of Granta installed a trailer hitch from Leader-Plus. Since I heard negative reviews, I replaced it with a new one from Bosal. The cost is more expensive, but the quality is above average. |
Conclusion As for the choice of towbar for the Lada Granta, it is necessary to proceed from the size of the allocated budget and the weight of the goods being transported. If we are talking about large numbers, it is obvious that there is no need to save. Buy more expensive models, for example, Bosal Baltex. Weight does not exceed 500 - 600 kg in total - a budget solution from Leader - Plus is enough. Subject to moderate use, the service life of each modification is approximately equal. The process of installing a towbar on a Granta liftback is not at all complicated, it is intuitive.
