Wanted desperately: towbar for a mk2 gs300

[bigegg]

I've reached the point where I don't have the space for both my shogun and the lexus...

I need to get rid of one of them, and obviously I'd prefer to keep the lexus.

But... I need to tow a trailer quite regularly so I need a towbar.

Does anyone have one for sale? or can point me towards one that isn't going to cost me 1200+ from the dealer?

Or one that could be adapted? I can weld, but can't afford the £££££ to have a self-built one tested.

It has to be euro CE plated, so no US imports, unfortunately.

It's a 99 plate, MK2 gs300 UK spec

 

Thanks

 

Edited August 1, 2017 by bigegg
More info added

[bigegg]

Phoned a different Lexus dealer in the area where I will be working next week:

Turns out I can get a towbar only (no oil cooler or electrics), self fit, for 459 quid.

As I only tow a small trailer (<750kgs) a short distance (20 miles or so maximum), an oil cooler won't be necessary, and an aftermarket electrics kit is only about 12 quid, so jobs a good'un.

 

 

 

[Farqui]

That's some saving, still pricey but I see that towbar prices have increased since I last looked for a new 'un (approx 10yrs ago).

Well found, who'd have thought it'd be worth calling the stealer?

Did you phone any towbar specialists for prices?

[bigegg]

I phoned *everywhere* - westfalua p f Jones.  Bosal.  

All the installers I could find on Google within 100miles. 

 

There is no type-approved after market towbar for a 99 gs300.

 

I'd love to be proved wrong! 

[bigegg]

Update to this topic.

Towbars are NLS at Lexus.

Not available ANYWHERE in country - I had them send an email request to all the dealers.

 

 

However...

I managed to pick up a second hand one on the bay for £65, delivered :)

Now... 

Anyone have any idea of whats needed for the electrickery part?

I know I need a buzzer and there'll be some some sort of black box to bypass the faulty bulb detector?

 

[AndrewSavage]

Do I get an award, or a slap for digging up this old thread? 🙂 Thought it could be useful to someone.

I had a Brink detachable towbar fitted to my 98 GS300 about 12 years ago at David Murphy Towing in Belfast but sadly sold that with the car a few years back and the towbar is now out of production.  Anyway I phoned them again today to price one for my 01 GS430 and they have quoted me £450 fixed or £550 detachable fitted, shipped from Belgium with a lifetime warranty.  They can make a towbar for cars registered before 1st August 1998 however after that date they have to type approved.   

My old GS300 was fantastic for towing our 6 berth caravan over many years, though awful on petrol at about 15-17mpg.  As Towing is something we don't do every day then this isn't too much of a problem. 🙂  
Here is a thread from when I ordered the towbar for the GS300

Andrew