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[YZ250]

Point being the factory kit will go straight in whereas aftermarket will invariably require some level of bodgery.

In don't know these days.. I fitted a Brink towbar to the Jag and it just bolted on like a factory one, and the supplied electrics was a CAN box that just plugged into the factory towbar connector and hooked up to a 7 pin plug on the tow bar. No bodgery at all.

Did Brink supply the factory ones?

It makes sense that the provision should be there if the car is type approved for it and therefore no excuse for it not bolting straight in, but..., likewise the electrics on a newer car.

Even the GM kit for the Omega was essentially plug and play. That doesn't prevent bodgery though.

Both Brink (Swan Neck) and Witter (Fixed Plate) had collaborations with many car companies when I worked in the car industry. They had access to the chassis design so would know all of the threaded fitment points, the clearance holes for anti-crush bushes and where spreader plates were required. Going back then, If you purchased a towbar from a main dealer, the box may have Jaguar/Audi etc on it but inside the box there would be a car company badged Brink towbar.
It’s not in the interest of car manufacturers to make towbars. My BMW towbars were factory fit but the actual towbar was made by either Westfalia or Oris. 

[YZ250]

that a hardwired dashcam is classed as a modification, whereas a dashcam plugged into a 12V socket is not[/highlight]. Anything to wriggle out of a claim I guess. 

Yes, dickheads with dashcams should have to pay an excessively high premium. In the same way that dickhead cyclists with helmet cams should be allowed to be run over.

They encourage bad behaviour.

I agree with the cyclist part of your post.   

As for the dashcam, I have it to record my impeccable driving standard.    I have never reported anyone and I’ve certainly never shouted whilst pointing at my dashcam “I’VE GOT A DASHCAM”.   
Insurance wise, I’m guessing it would be double standards, where the insurance company would want to view the footage, find you NOT at fault but then argue over whether the dashcam was hardwired or just plugged in. 

[STEMO]

that a hardwired dashcam is classed as a modification, whereas a dashcam plugged into a 12V socket is not[/highlight]. Anything to wriggle out of a claim I guess. 

Yes, dickheads with dashcams should have to pay an excessively high premium. In the same way that dickhead cyclists with helmet cams should be allowed to be run over.

They encourage bad behaviour.

I agree with the cyclist part of your post.   

As for the dashcam, I have it to record my impeccable driving standard.    I have never reported anyone and I’ve certainly never shouted whilst pointing at my dashcam “I’VE GOT A DASHCAM”.   
Insurance wise, I’m guessing it would be double standards, where the insurance company would want to view the footage, find you NOT at fault but then argue over whether the dashcam was hardwired or just plugged in. 

....and not be amused by your excessive speed 

[YZ250]

that a hardwired dashcam is classed as a modification, whereas a dashcam plugged into a 12V socket is not[/highlight]. Anything to wriggle out of a claim I guess. 

Yes, dickheads with dashcams should have to pay an excessively high premium. In the same way that dickhead cyclists with helmet cams should be allowed to be run over.

They encourage bad behaviour.

I agree with the cyclist part of your post.   

As for the dashcam, I have it to record my impeccable driving standard.    I have never reported anyone and I’ve certainly never shouted whilst pointing at my dashcam “I’VE GOT A DASHCAM”.   
Insurance wise, I’m guessing it would be double standards, where the insurance company would want to view the footage, find you NOT at fault but then argue over whether the dashcam was hardwired or just plugged in. 

....and not be amused by your excessive speed 

 

That’s all in the past now.   

[johnnydog]

Point being the factory kit will go straight in whereas aftermarket will invariably require some level of bodgery.

In don't know these days.. I fitted a Brink towbar to the Jag and it just bolted on like a factory one, and the supplied electrics was a CAN box that just plugged into the factory towbar connector and hooked up to a 7 pin plug on the tow bar. No bodgery at all.

Did Brink supply the factory ones?

It makes sense that the provision should be there if the car is type approved for it and therefore no excuse for it not bolting straight in, but..., likewise the electrics on a newer car.

Even the GM kit for the Omega was essentially plug and play. That doesn't prevent bodgery though.

Both Brink (Swan Neck) and Witter (Fixed Plate) had collaborations with many car companies when I worked in the car industry. They had access to the chassis design so would know all of the threaded fitment points, the clearance holes for anti-crush bushes and where spreader plates were required. Going back then, If you purchased a towbar from a main dealer, the box may have Jaguar/Audi etc on it but inside the box there would be a car company badged Brink towbar.
It’s not in the interest of car manufacturers to make towbars. My BMW towbars were factory fit but the actual towbar was made by either Westfalia or Oris. 

My GM supplied towbar on my 3.2 Omega is an Oris....and when I wanted a replacement key for the detachable swan neck, my local Vauxhall dealer directed me to the Bosal factory in Bamber Bridge nr Preston (who have since closed a good while ago). I don't know the actual connection between Oris and Bosal though.....

[johnnydog]

https://www.bosal.com/en/our-towbar-bicycle-carrier-history
To answer my own question, and for anyone that might be remotely interested.....

[TheBoy]

When I switched the Range Rover from LV to Aviva ( quote me happy ) motor insurance last year they actually asked me if the vehicle had a towbar , it made no difference to the premium I had already been quoted .

In my experience, most mods don't actually impact premium, although might impact what is covered - eg, a new head unit probably won't increase premium, but it would no longer be covered for theft.

[TheBoy]

....and not be amused by your excessive speed 

 

That’s all in the past now. 

I heard you didn't pick up a single point, or any patronisation courses for weeks while you were cooped up in hospital

[YZ250]

When I switched the Range Rover from LV to Aviva ( quote me happy ) motor insurance last year they actually asked me if the vehicle had a towbar , it made no difference to the premium I had already been quoted .

In my experience, most mods don't actually impact premium  …………..

How about a remap with an extra sixty ponies, cat delete, adblue delete and six pot calipers? Asking for a friend. 

[YZ250]

....and not be amused by your excessive speed 

 

That’s all in the past now. 

I heard you didn't pick up a single point, or any patronisation courses for weeks while you were cooped up in hospital

 
I’ve had a good run. I watch where I my speed religiously now, determined not to get caught again. 

[TheBoy]

When I switched the Range Rover from LV to Aviva ( quote me happy ) motor insurance last year they actually asked me if the vehicle had a towbar , it made no difference to the premium I had already been quoted .

In my experience, most mods don't actually impact premium  …………..

How about a remap with an extra sixty ponies, cat delete, adblue delete and six pot calipers? Asking for a friend. 

Yeah, that could

Good job you are a reformed character, and don't need more than 100bhp....