www.jec.org.uk

Has anyone fitted a towbar to an XK8/R?

I'm toying with the idea of fitting one to my 99 XK8 coupe to enable dragging a small M/C trailer long distances, rather than 'humdrum' it with a Fiesta.
I've seen them advertised - but not for my model year.

If I do fit one, it should be the fastest my old Francis-Barnett's ever travelled..!

Any thoughts? (C'mon - no sniggering...).

Michael

Hi Michael ,
Don't think Jaguar ever listed or intended a towbar for out XK's
your problem may be getting a towbar fitted that meets the approval of your insurance company ,

All the best ,

Nik

I seem to recall that a similar query put to Jaguar produced the response that Jaguar does not approve of towing with an XK8. Mike.

I called our local Jag dealer for advice and I could hear laughing from the guys in the shop - quote "You don't put a TOWBAR on a SPORTSCAR!"
I wanted to tow a small caravan on my convertible just because it would look awesome and attract attention.
They also mentioned that the electrics were so specialised you would have difficulties getting the connectors sorted without having a separate switch to put the brake lights on, also some of the wires are not just electrical connectors but IT info wires too, and you don't want to be splicing into one of those by accident.
Still, if you get the answer I would be very keen to hear how!
Ta
Tara x

Don't know if they do an XK8 towbar exactly but Watling Engineers can do just about anything with towbars http://www.watling-towbars.co.uk

Thanks AJK and Tara - I'd already checked these suppliers out but they only list MY1996-98 towbars
I'm aware of the wiring problems, as my Ford has similar CanBus(?) wiring which necessitated incorporating a 7-way relay to make the sensitive electrics system work.
Might still investigate further though, as there can't be that much chassis/bodywork difference between a '98 and '99 XK8.

Michael

Hi;

If you check out the US ebay site (ebay.com) I have seen a firm on there sometimes list pattern towbars for the XK100. No idea if they are any good but might be worth an email to explore ??

Good hunting.

H.

I believe that it is illegal to fit a towbar to an XK8 registered after 1 August 1998. It is not that the car cannot tow perfectly satisfactorily, but at that date EC regulations came in which meant that 'type approval' had to be sought. Jaguar decided not to obtain type approval for the XK8 - it might be the case that you could be prosecuted (if it is noticed) and, much more importantly, you could find that you are uninsured........

I believe that it is illegal to fit a towbar to an XK8 registered after 1 August 1998.

Anyone care to guess the date mine was registered on

Yep............. 1st August 1998

Not that I'd ever consider putting a tow bar on her

But you buy a car and takes your choice ,

All the best ,

Nik