The question of self-installation of traction coupling device (TCC) arises from every second owner of the car planning the transportation of goods or trailer. Self-installation It seems to be a cost-effective solution that allows you to save a significant amount on the services of a service center. However, the design simplicity often hides complex technical and legal aspects, ignoring which can lead to serious problems.
Before grasping at the tools, it is necessary to clearly understand the difference between the physical installation of metal on the body and the legalization of this action in the documents. Legal purity The procedures are more important today than the quality of the weld or the tightening of bolts. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances in detail so that you can make an informed decision.
The modern market offers a variety of solutions, from cheap Chinese counterparts to certified European kits. Choice of specific farcope It directly affects the complexity of its installation and subsequent registration. If you plan to use the trailer regularly, the savings in the device purchase phase may become false.
The main fear of motorists is loss guarantee for a new car. Many dealers do use any intervention in the design as a reason to refuse warranty service. Therefore, understanding the procedure of paperwork is a critical skill for the owner.
Legal side of the issue and registration in the traffic police
From the point of view of the current legislation, the installation of the farcop refers to the introduction of changes in the design of the vehicle. According to the Customs Union Technical Regulations, any changes must be certified. However, there is an important caveat: if your model of the car and a specific model of the farcope is certificate, and the car manufacturer has provided for the possibility of installing a TSU, then a complex registration procedure in the traffic police is not required.
You need to have a package of documents on hand, which includes a copy of the certificate of conformity for the farcop and a copy of the document confirming the possibility of installation on your car. These papers are usually provided by the equipment seller. Without them. DIBD They have the right to issue a fine and demand the dismantling of the device.
⚠️ Note: If the PTS has a mark on the possibility of installing a farcrow, but in the column "Special marks" is empty, and in the registration certificate (STS) there is also no record of TSU, this does not always mean a problem. The main thing is the presence of certificates on hand during the inspection.
If the manufacturer of your car did not provide for the installation of a farcrow, or you install an uncertified device, the procedure becomes more complicated. You will have to undergo an examination in the testing laboratory, get a safety report and only then register changes in the traffic police. This process is time-consuming and expensive, so certified solutions are usually chosen for passenger cars.
In the absence of a mark in the PTS and CTS, but with all the certificates, you have the full right to operate a car with a farcrep. However, for complete peace of mind and to avoid bureaucratic delays when selling cars, many owners prefer to make changes to the registration data.
Impact on warranty and dealer relationship
The most pressing issue for new car owners is preservation. warranty. The law “On protection of consumer rights” states that the seller is obliged to prove that it was the actions of the consumer (in this case, the installation of the farcop) that led to the breakdown. In practice, however, dealers often take an aggressive stance.
If you install the farcop yourself and you have problems with the electrics or body in the mounting area, the dealer is almost guaranteed to remove the car from the warranty on these nodes. Electrical circuit The most vulnerable place where it is easy to find a reason for refusal.
What does the guarantee law say?
According to the article. 16 of the Law of the Russian Federation "On Protection of Consumer Rights", the terms of the contract that infringe the rights of the consumer in comparison with the rules established by laws are recognized as invalid. The dealer can not simply refuse the guarantee, he must conduct an examination at his own expense and prove your guilt.
To minimize the risks, it is recommended to notify the dealer in writing before installation. Some official services are ready to install the farcop on their own, retaining the guarantee, but taking for it an increased fee. This is a compromise option that is worth considering if the car is under warranty.
- 🛑 The risk of loss of warranty for electrical equipment when self-connection.
- 🛑 The possibility of refusal in warranty repair of the rear suspension with improper installation.
- 🛑 Problems with the sale of a car, if the documents do not indicate the changes made.
Selection of equipment: types of fasteners and electrician
The success of self-installation depends on the right equipment selection by 80%. Farcopes are divided into several types by the method of attachment: on the welded bracket, on bolts to spars or in regular places. For self-installation, models designed for installation in the staffing.
The most important element is the electrical part. The modern car is a complex computerized system. Simply “cutting” wires into the lights can lead to errors on the onboard computer, operation of the ABS system or even fire. For machines with multiplex wiring, a set of load-carver (Smart Connect).
Buy a farcop only complete with electricity. Cheap universal wire sets often lack the necessary fuses and can disable the body electrics control unit (BCM).
The materials of manufacture are also important. Low-quality steel hooks can burst under load, and cheap coatings can rust after the first winter. Give preference to devices with a removable hook, if you do not plan to constantly drag the trailer - it is convenient and aesthetic.
| Porcelain type | Difficulty of installation | Necessity of drilling | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removable conditional | Medium | Often required | For old cars. |
| Removable on bolts | Tall. | Yes. | For commercial transport |
| Removable on a spring | Low. | No (in regular seats) | Optimal for passenger cars |
| Flancing (USA) | Low. | No. | For SUVs |
Tools and workplace preparation required
Before starting the work, it is necessary to prepare workplace. You will need an observation pit or overpass, as the main work is carried out under the bottom of the car. The work of “lying on the ground” is extremely uncomfortable, dangerous and often leads to errors when tightening the fastener.
The basic toolkit includes end keys (usually sizes 10, 13, 17, 19), a rattle, an extension cord, a set of screwdrivers and passages. To work with electricity, you will need a multimeter, tape, corrugated and, possibly, a soldering iron or crimping mites for contacts.
☑️ Preparation for the farcope installation
It is also important to take care of security. The car must be securely fixed. When working with electricians, be sure to remove the negative terminal from the battery to avoid short circuit. It's rule-of-factA breach of which can cost you expensive electronics repairs.
Don’t forget to prepare a sealant for bodywork. If the farcope design involves drilling or using existing technological holes, they must be protected from moisture and dirt to prevent corrosion of the body.
Step-by-step instructions for installation of TSU
The installation process begins with the removal of the rear bumper elements. Depending on the model of the car, it may be necessary to remove the bumper completely or only its lower part. Be careful with plastic clips – they often break when handled carelessly.
After gaining access to the spars, try on the farcope. Make sure all the holes match. If the farcop requires drilling, mark the drilling places according to the instructions. The diameter of the drill must correspond exactly to the diameter of the fastening bolts specified in the instructions for the TSU. After drilling, be sure to treat the edges of the holes with anticory.
Install the brackets and the main beam of the farcope. Tighten the bolts gradually, cross-cross to avoid distortions. The final puff is made with the force recommended by the manufacturer (usually indicated in the instructions, for example, 80-100 Nm). Use a dynamometer key to control the force.
The most important step is to connect the electrician. Find the taillight connectors. Use special transition harnesses that are inserted into the break of the standard wiring (plug-and-play). This eliminates the need to cut wires and ensures that all vehicle systems work properly. If there is no adapter, connect gently using crimping connectors, not twists.
After assembly, conduct testing. Turn on the dimensions, turn signals, brakes and reverse. Ask the assistant to monitor the signals on the trailer (or simulate its presence by load). Make sure there are no errors on the dashboard.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the wires just lying under the bumper. Fix the wiring screeds to the body or spars to exclude getting into moving parts and overheating from the exhaust system.
Typical errors and security measures
One of the most common mistakes is to ignore the timing of tightening bolts. Not enough tight fasteners will lead to backlashes, knocks and eventual break of the structure on the go. Excessive effort can rip the carving off in the spangeron, requiring costly recovery.
The second mistake is the wrong selection. deal-making. If you connect the trailer headlights directly to the on-board network of a modern car, the system can perceive this as a short circuit and turn off the lighting, or the light control unit will burn. Always check the compatibility of the electrician.
The third problem is corrosion. If you drilled holes, but forgot to prime them or use bolts without corrosion coating, in a year or two you will get a rotten body in the attachment places. Use galvanized fasteners and high-quality sealants.
- ❌ Use of conventional isolating tape instead of thermal shrinkage and corrugation.
- ❌ Lack of lubrication on threaded joints (graphite lubrication will facilitate future dismantling).
- ❌ Ignoring the gap check between the hook and bumper.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register a porcelain in the traffic police if I have a certificate?
In most cases, if the farcop and the car have certificates of conformity, and the PTS provides for the installation of TSU, a separate registration in the traffic police is not required. It is enough to carry a copy of the certificate. However, if you want to have a mark in the CTC, the procedure for registering changes will have to go through.
Will I be released from the warranty if I put the farcop myself?
No, not technically, unless the problem is related to the smear. But the dealer might be trying to find a connection. To avoid disputes, keep all checks, equipment certificates and photos of the installation process. The best option is to install at the official dealer with a mark in the service book.
Can I drive with a porch without a trailer?
Yes, the operation of a car with a set farcop without a trailer is allowed if the farcop is certified and installed legally. However, if the farcop strongly protrudes beyond the dimensions or closes the license plate / lighting devices, this may be the basis for a fine.
What class of car to choose for a car?
For most cars and small trailers (boats, onboard up to 1500 kg) a class A (with a ball of 50 mm) or V (conditionally removable) farcope is enough. For heavy-duty SUVs and commercial use, consider the F or H classes.
Self-installation of the farcope is possible and legal with certificates, but requires high accuracy when working with electricity and bodywork. Savings on installation should not come at the expense of safety and legal purity.