Towing tips

Having the right suspension for towing

We are a nation that loves to tow trailers. Whether it be for business or recreation, towing a trailer, caravan, boat, jet-ski, farm implements, or construction equipment requires the tow vehicle to be suitable and up to the task.

While on paper a vehicle may have enough power to tow the trailing load, the way the vehicle handles while towing is critical to performance and safety.

Having the right suspension will help the vehicle to handle in a predictable manner while towing. When we talk about suspension we can say: ‘the springs hold the weight while the shocks manage the load’. It is important to have the balance between the two correct. A spring that will carry the increased load of the trailer and a shock absorber that will continue to perform with the increased demands of towing placed on it.

When weight is placed on the tow bar, the rear of the vehicle will sink down, and correspondingly the front will rise up. If the rear of the vehicle sinks too much, the effect of the front rising will cause the wheel alignment to be incorrect and the handling of the vehicle compromised, especially when towing.

Ironman 4x4 has designed and developed suspension that can be applied to your particular situation.

Tow bars

Ironman 4x4 has designed and developed tow bars to suit 4x4s, maximising clearance to ensure that off-road performance isn’t hindered and are designed to work with the original bumper.

Ironman 4x4’s new range of tow bars feature a square tube design, 3.5T rating, ADR compliance and are powdercoated black.

All Ironman 4x4 tow bars come with an included 50mm tow ball and tongue and a

3.5T rating, ensuring you’re set up and ready to tow.

Rear protection bars

Designed to provide maximum protection for your vehicle’s tub, whilst providing convenient high lift jack points, integrated tow hitch and maximising clearance, the Ironman 4x4 Rear Protection tow bar is the ultimate in rear protection and styling for your dual cab 4x4.

Made from thick 4mm steel to ensure maximum strength and protection, the bars are coupled with stylish side tubing that provides protection for the vulnerable rear sills and sides of the tub as well as reenforcing the bar.

Built into the bar are rear tow points, as well as two high lift jack points that allow for the safe and stable application of high lift jacks on either side of the vehicle. Also included is a 50mm tow ball and tongue.

The integrated hitch receiver is rated for a towing capacity of 3500kg (check manufacturers maximum towing capacity for your vehicle’s application) and there is a (separately sold) plug-and-play wiring loom to hook up to the vehicle, ensuring simple no cut installation for seamless

compatibility. Space to install a seven-pin flat trailer plug is also incorporated into the bar to securely connect trailers and vans.

Key Design & Functional Elements:

Rated to a maximum of 3500 kg tow capacity and 350 kg ball weight.*

• Integrated sensor holders.

• Integrated Rated 50 mm tow hitch.

• Provisions for trailer plug, Anderson plug and recessed number plate lights.

• Comes complete with 50 mm tow ball, tongue, and pull pin.

• Exceptional clearance and departure angles.

• 4 mm, high-grade steel for maximum strength and protection.

• Integrated high lift jack points.

• E-coat and powder-coat finish for wear and chip resistance.

• Comes standard in a satin black finish, can be colourcoded on request (additional costs may apply).

Tow bar looms

Wiring tow bars for trailer connections has become more complex in recent times. With the introduction of more complex electrical systems including the Digital CANbus standard, it wasn’t a simple task. Until now.

Ironman 4x4 has released a range of vehicle specific Plug and Play wiring solutions for quick, easy DIY installation that are fully compatible with LED and incandescent globes. Featuring OEM quality looms, waterproof connects and

OEM compatible plugs, these looms are designed to go everywhere your vehicle goes.

The Ironman 4x4 looms require no cutting or splicing during installation and include comprehensive instructions mapping plug locations.

The looms are pre-wired for electric brake controllers with the inclusion of a waterproof plug connector. A seven-pin flat trailer plug is also included.

Rear recovery hitch

Ironman recovery bow shackle fits neatly into your tow bar to provide an easily accessible recovery point. With Bow Shackle 4.75T.

The Ironman 4x4 range of accessories is extensive. For a full rundown see the website www.ironman4x4.co.nz or phone 0508 IRONMAN.