When operating a vehicle, situations arise when it is necessary to transport large items and some cargo. A car trailer is used for transportation. However, to make towing possible, a trailer hitch must be installed on the vehicle. To install a towbar on the VAZ 2114, standard places are provided for attaching a towing hitch, which allows motorists to equip their vehicles with this part.
Types and criteria for choosing a traction coupling device
The choice of towbar model largely depends on the operating conditions of the given traction element. TSUs are divided into:
- Removable.
Fairly easy to install. Thanks to this, they are very popular among owners of VAZ 2108, 2109, 2114 and 2115 models. They are mounted with 2 or 4 bolts. The process of installing or dismantling the product takes 20-30 minutes.
- Fixed.
They are a massive non-demountable structure. They are attached to the car by welding or “fitting” onto massive bolts. Devices of this type allow you to tow other cars and trailers with increased load capacity.
- Quick release.
Collapsible structures, often equipped with a mechanism that allows the towbar frame to be folded. The coupling ball is dismantled. Devices of this type are suitable for transporting low-capacity trailers.
Also, the tow bar for the VAZ 2114 has the following varieties:
- With low load capacity. The total weight of the loaded trailer must not exceed the load rating of 1500 kg.
- With increased load capacity. The curb weight of the trailer varies from 3000 to 3500 kilograms. To be able to transport such a trailer, you must have a category E driver's license.
When installing a towbar on a VAZ 2115, VAZ 2114, VAZ 2109 and VAZ 2108, the corresponding trailer hitch is used. Experienced motorists recommend purchasing traction coupling devices manufactured by "Trailer", "Leader-Plus". To determine which towbar to install on the car, you will need to study the markings. It is indicated on the body of the part.
As for the selection criteria, it is worth paying attention to the following factors:
- Manufacturing company.
Manufacturer's arguments
Every car owner who has encountered such a problem has wondered: why didn’t the developers initially provide a tow bar?
Indeed, it would be easier that way. But AvtoVAZ employees who work on designing passenger cars have a professional opinion on this matter. Naturally, they are aware that owners install towbars on the VAZ-2115 with their own hands, but they strongly do not recommend doing this.
By all means, trying to prevent:
- the body design of this passenger car does not provide space for attaching a special towing coupling device;
- the standard wiring does not have connectors for connecting the electrical equipment of an additional trailer;
- It is not possible to connect the brake system of a trailer attached to a passenger car as a trailer.
At the same time, the instructions for the VAZ-2115 car have a clause that states that trailers can be towed, but the total weight of additional luggage should not exceed 500 kg.
In this case, how will it be possible to tow the same luggage without a trailer hitch?
What you need to prepare before installation
Before the installation process of the towbar, you will need to prepare the vehicle, as well as the tools necessary for installation. The vehicle is driven to an overpass or inspection hole, the car is de-energized, and, if necessary, the bumper is dismantled.
Among the tools for installation, you need to prepare a set of keys, an electric drill with a cutter, as well as a tow bar, wires and a socket.
Installation process
Installation of a towbar on a VAZ 2114 is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- The cross beam of the trailer hitch is attached to the side members. The rear holes are drilled using a drill with a cutter.
- Afterwards, you need to remove the soundproofing coating from the trunk side and place the plates in the rectangular holes of the side members. Fasteners are already welded to them. The holes are expanded using a drill.
- Next, a transverse beam is applied to the side members and secured with bolts. The nuts will need to be tightened, but do not tighten them.
- The final stages of installation will be the installation of a longitudinal metal part with a towbar. To do this, insert fasteners into the holes in the spare tire niche, attach the element to be installed to them, and lightly tighten the nuts. Two metal structures of the towbar are fastened together using 2 or 4 bolts, the hook is set according to the symmetry of the machine, the tow ball is installed, and the fasteners are completely tightened.
When installing a towbar with your own hands on VAZ 21099, 2114, 2109, 2115, 2108 cars, you need the instructions that are included with the trailer hitch. It is recommended that two people work together.
Rules for choosing a tow bar
You can choose the right tow hitch based on the make, model, and year of manufacture of your vehicle. Experts advise purchasing exclusively certified structures. Such devices are most often used by hunters, summer residents, motor tourists and fishermen. The towbar is attached to the frame or body of a passenger vehicle, which provides mechanical and electrical connections between the vehicle and the trailer.
The towbar kit includes instructions for its installation. It is required to mount it to the body through brackets, to its power elements and to the floor in the trunk. Installing a tow bar on a VAZ 2114 is quite simple due to the presence of standard mounting points. Similar points are provided in the VAZ 2108-2115 and Chevrolet Niva models.
When installing the towbar on the 2108, you will need to remove the rear bumper. In some VAZ models, the bumper is cut according to the template that comes with the towbar. The mounting holes must be carefully treated with an anti-corrosion agent. The TSU has 2 elements:
- hook;
- cross beam.
The first element is fixed on the spare wheel niche, and the 2nd element is fixed between the side members at the rear. Both parts are held together with 4 bolts. There are mounting points on the body that only need to be slightly expanded to create a rigid structure.
Connecting the socket
After the tow bar has been installed, proceed to connecting the socket with wires. They provide an electrical connection to the vehicle's towbar. The pinout looks like this:
- Yellow (Left turn signal).
- Free.
- Black (Mass).
- White (Right turn signal).
- Free.
- Red (Stop light).
- Blue (Parking lights).
After making the connection, the wires are pulled into the holes in the niche for the spare wheel. The socket is powered from the car's rear headlight connectors.
Recommendations for use
When operating a Lada car with a towbar, you must follow some rules for operating this part:
- After each trip, the traction element is treated with special anti-corrosion solutions, dirt and moisture are removed from it.
- The coupling ball, when not in use, is covered with protective lubricant and a special cap.
- When transporting a fully loaded trailer hitch, the vehicle speed should not exceed 90 kilometers per hour.
- Transportation of extra-heavy, large-sized trailers is carried out using a towbar with increased load capacity.
- After installing the trailer hitch, the part is registered with the traffic police.
The towbar expands the vehicle's capabilities. A machine equipped with a trailer hitch is capable of towing trailers or other vehicles. However, you should select towbars that are suitable for your specific vehicle model.
A few secrets on how to install a towbar on a VAZ 2114
Some motorists regularly use a trailer. In order to couple a trailer and a car such as a VAZ 2114, a special device is required. It's called a tow bar. This device allows motorists to transport any cargo on pre-attached trailers. If a car enthusiast does not know how to install a towbar on a VAZ 2114, then he should act according to the plan given below in the text.
The most popular types of towbars:
- flanged;
- welded;
- removable.
Each of the listed types of towbars has its own characteristics. Welded towbars are highly reliable, and removable towbars can be dismantled. Flange towbars must be installed on a special platform.
Features of installing trailer hitch on vehicles of the Samara-2 line
Traffic rules do not prohibit additional installation of trailer hitches on cars, so owners do not deny themselves this. Moreover, you can buy a tow bar for a very reasonable price.
Since 2010, AvtoVAZ has slightly revised its policy and makes cars for the purpose of sales abroad, therefore the installation of a trailer hitch on a car produced later than this time requires support with official recommendations. Manufacturers of towbars focus attention on this and warn car owners.
It's no secret that VAZ cars tend to inherit the features of their predecessors. So, for example, model 2115 is the successor to the “ninety-ninth”, and that, in turn, received the form of the VAZ-09. Thanks to this, towbar installers were able to gain specific experience, and now provide customers with do-it-yourself trailer hitch installation kits.
Therefore, before you go to a specialized store to purchase a towbar, find out the design features of the rear of your car.
Even the neighboring models 2114 and 2115 differ in the method of attaching the tow bar:
- cars produced in 1997, 2004 and 2007 have changes in the power elements of the body;
- The towbar can be easily selected according to the year of manufacture of the car, based on the specific design of that particular period.
If you have difficulties with this, you can go to the technical center and ask the specialists or discuss with the seller of the trailer hitch kit the possibility of an exchange in case of discrepancy with a specific model.
How to install a tow bar on a VAZ 2114
The first thing you should pay attention to before installing towbars is the towbar. It must be of high quality and well cooked. It will be better if the towbar is made of thick enough metal.
The dimensions of the towbar (as well as the holes) must be consistent. Under no circumstances should it be necessary to bend any parts or drill holes in order to couple the vehicle and trailer.
It is believed that before installing the towbar, you should check the quality of the paint. It must reliably protect the device from any environmental influences. This also applies to rust.
You should also prepare a complete set of necessary tools. This may require keys, as well as an electric drill with a cutter.
A few words about workmanship
Made well, the metal is thick. Well cooked. All holes and geometric dimensions were accurately maintained; nothing had to be bent or re-drilled during the installation process.
One minus – the paint job is, to put it mildly, lousy. They simply blew black paint onto the metal for show; there was no talk of any preparation (priming, degreasing the surface, etc.). As a result, bare metal sticks out in some places, and paint remains on your hands in some places as soon as you pick up the tow bar in your hands. Of course, I understand that the thickness of the metal of the towbar is enough to survive a couple of cars without rotting. But a rusty piece of iron sticking out from under the car spoils the whole appearance of the car. And it will be rusty in a couple of days.
In general, I decided to paint the part of the towbar protruding from under the car. I bought a can of black paint, sanded it a little, degreased and blew out 3-4 layers with intermediate drying for 15-20 minutes.
Installing a tow bar on a VAZ 2114
- First you need to install the cross beam. To expand the side members on the rear, use a drill with a cutter. After this, you should raise the sound insulation, which is located in the trunk area.
- The next step is to insert the plate into the holes of the side members located at the rear. If there is a need to expand the hole, this can be done using the same electric drill with a cutter. It is best to carry out such work together.
- The next step requires attaching the cross beam to the side members. After this, it must be secured with bolts as soon as possible. Next, you need to fasten the plates with already welded nuts directly onto the bolts.
- Then you need to remove the muffler. You can also simply disconnect it from the 2 rubber bands located at the back. This is necessary so that the muffler falls down under its own weight. The nuts can be tightened, but not tightened.
- Now it’s the turn to secure the longitudinal metal part with the towbar. Another stage of work is installing bolts. They should be installed in the holes that can be found in the spare tire. When this is finished, you need to attach the metal part, and then lightly tighten the nuts.
- It is necessary to connect 2 metal parts using 4 bolts. In order to do this as quickly as possible, you need to tighten the nuts not all the way. After baiting all the elements, you need to align the hook along the axis of symmetry of the machine. The fasteners should also be firmly secured.
When this work is completed, you should connect the towbar to the car's wiring. These works should be performed strictly according to the instructions supplied with the device. In any case, the wire must be cut into several parts. They should be the same. When the wire parts are ready, you should strip the ends and screw them to the socket. The back of the socket should be sealed with sealant. This is needed for insulation.
The socket itself must be secured with self-tapping screws on the bracket. Instead of self-tapping screws, you can use bolts. After this, the socket should be connected to the wires of the harness. Wires should also be placed inside the trunk. This can be done through several holes that are located in the spare tire niche.
From the luggage compartment side, the wires should be tightened into knots so that they do not “come out”. Otherwise, all the work will be done in vain. If the wires are located at the bottom, they can be secured using electrical tape. Everyone can cope with this task.
Step-by-step installation instructions
The towbar on the VAZ 2114 must be well welded and made of thick metal. The geometric dimensions and holes must be precisely maintained so that there is no need to drill and bend parts during installation.
Experts recommend checking the quality of paint on the product, which protects it from rust and maintains an attractive appearance. Self-installation of a towbar on a VAZ is carried out using the following tools:
- set of keys;
- electric drill with cutter.
Pre-install the cross beam. To widen the holes of the side members at the rear, use a drill with a cutter. Then you need to raise the sound insulation (from the trunk side) by inserting the plates into the rectangular holes in the rear side members. Nuts are welded to the last elements. The holes are expanded if necessary, similar to a drill with a cutter. Such tuning is done by two people.
In the 2nd stage, one person places a cross beam on the side members and secures it with bolts. An assistant inserts plates with welded nuts onto the bolts (from the trunk side). The muffler is removed or disconnected from the 2 rear rubber bands so that it lowers under its own weight. The nuts need to be tightened, but not tightened.
At the 3rd stage, a longitudinal metal part with a tow bar is attached. An assistant needs to start installing bolts into the holes in the spare tire on top. Then apply the metal part and lightly tighten the nuts.
The next stage involves connecting 2 metal parts using 4 bolts. This process can be completed quickly by not fully tightening the nuts in the previous stages. Then, after all the parts are attached, the hook is aligned along the axis of symmetry of the car, and all fasteners are firmly tightened.
