The History Of The Towbar

The history of the towbar dates back to the early days of motor vehicles, evolving alongside the increasing need for transportation and utility.

Back as early as the 1890s the first automobiles began to appear with a growing movement of leisure seekers and the growing need to transport goods and people.

Early towbars  were simple metal frames designed to attach trailers to vehicles.

By the 1950’s car designers had improved and therefore towbars became more sophisticated. Manufacturers began creating dedicated towbar systems tailored to specific vehicle models enhancing its safety and reliability.

Up until the First World War towbars were for the wealthy and caravans only affordable for the rich but as the years went by and the growth of motoring began to expand with the rise in recreational activities such as camping and boating was now offering new affordable pastimes for many.

Despite the increasing popularity in the 1950s and no legalisation towbars were still being made as one off by blacksmith last and metal workers, which meant no two towbars were the same and often unreliable with no defined specifications on how much a vehicle could tow.

The industry needed a bracket that would be manufactured to a consistent design and blend in with the body work this was developed by 1960’s commercially available as a box kit.

In the 1990s towing was more popular than ever as vehicle became more powerful and reliable the road network made touring much easier. This increase drive the industry legalisation that we have today where all towbars are tested the type approval legislation. Features such as wiring systems and height adjustments brackets were introduced making the towing experience better for all road users.

The majortiy of vehicles now have complex management systems where the installation is required to have a core skills by a trained technician. So don’t try this at home! Call us on 01903 947771 ☎️

The technology of towbars has made huge  advancements and continues to evolve, with the manufacturers adapting to new vehicle technologies and consumer demands making towing safer and more convenient than ever.