The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Right Towbar For Your Vehicle- Dive into the various towbar types available and tips for selecting the ideal match for your vehicle
- Southern Towbars
- May 8, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 22, 2024
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Towbar for Your Vehicle
Whether you’re towing a trailer, caravan, boat, horsebox or bike rack, choosing the right towbar is essential for safety, functionality, and longevity of both your vehicle and the towed load. This guide will take you through all the factors to consider before making your decision.
1. Understanding the Types of Towbars
Towbars come in different shapes, sizes, and types depending on the towing requirements. Let’s break down the three most common types:
Flange Towbar: The tow ball is bolted onto a metal plate. This type is very common in the UK and Europe, suitable for a range of towing purposes.
Pros:
Affordable Option: Fixed flange towbars are generally more affordable than other types, such as detachable or swan neck towbars. This makes it a good budget-friendly choice for those who regularly tow but don't need the flexibility of removal.
Always Ready: Since it's permanently attached, the towbar is always available for use. You don’t have to worry about fitting and removing the towbar every time you want to tow, making it ideal for frequent towing.
High Towing Capacity: Fixed flange towbars are known for their durability and robustness. They can handle heavy loads, making them a good choice for towing trailers, caravans, or even industrial equipment.
Accessory Mounting: The flange plate allows you to attach towing accessories, such as a bumper protector, cycle carrier, or stabilizer. This versatility makes it convenient for users who have different towing or transport needs.
Low Maintenance: Since it's a fixed structure, there are fewer moving parts, reducing the potential for mechanical issues and lowering long-term maintenance costs.
Always Visible: Because it's always visible, a fixed flange towbar can serve as a deterrent to rear-end collisions. Drivers behind may take more care knowing there's a towbar attached.
Multiple Towing Options: You can use both a towing ball and pin system with a fixed flange towbar, allowing for different types of coupling with various trailers and equipment.
Convenient for Frequent Towing: If you use your towbar frequently, there's no need to detach or store it between uses, which saves time and hassle compared to detachable options.
Use with Stabilizers: This type of towbar allows the mounting of a towing stabilizer, which can be very useful when towing large loads such as caravans, helping to prevent sway and improve road safety.
While a fixed flange towbar offers many benefits, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Some downsides include the aesthetic impact (since it’s always visible) and that it may interfere with parking sensors. However, for regular or heavy-duty towing, the pros can outweigh these concerns.
Cons:
Constant visibility: The fixed flange towbar is always visible, which can detract from the overall look of the vehicle when it's not in use.
Potential bumper interference: Depending on the vehicle, it can stick out or be placed close to the bumper, which some users find unsightly.
Limits access to the trunk: Since the towbar is always present, it can make accessing the boot or tailgate trickier, especially in tight spaces like parallel parking.
Increased length: The towbar can add to the length of your vehicle, making parking in tight spots more difficult, especially if the towbar protrudes significantly.
Potential hazard: The fixed towbar protrudes from the back of the vehicle, creating a risk of someone accidentally bumping into it or injuring themselves while walking behind the vehicle or loading/unloading the trunk.
In some vehicles, the towbar may reduce ground clearance, which can be a problem when driving over speed bumps, steep driveways, or off-road conditions.
On some modern vehicles, the permanent towbar might interfere with rear parking sensors, causing them to beep or malfunction, particularly when reversing.
Despite these downsides, fixed flange towbars are often favored for their durability, strength, and flexibility, especially for towing heavy loads or when using tow-mounted accessories like cycle racks. However, the cons, particularly around aesthetics and parking, are important to consider depending on how often you tow.
Swan Neck Towbar: The tow ball and neck form a single unit, offering a sleeker look.
Pros:
A fixed Swan towbar offers several advantages, especially for those who frequently tow trailers, caravans, or other equipment. Here are some of the pros:
Stability and Strength: Fixed towbars are generally more robust and provide better stability when towing heavy loads. This is especially important for larger trailers or caravans.
Durability: They are typically made from strong materials and designed to withstand heavy use, making them a long-lasting option.
Ease of Use: Fixed towbars are always attached to the vehicle, making it quicker and easier to hook up and disconnect trailers without needing to install or remove the towbar each time.
Less Maintenance: Since they are permanently mounted, there’s no need for regular maintenance related to attaching and detaching the towbar, which can save time and effort.
Better Ground Clearance: Fixed towbars usually provide better ground clearance compared to detachable options, reducing the risk of scraping on uneven terrain.
Cost-Effective: Fixed towbars are often less expensive than detachable models, both in terms of purchase price and installation costs.
Improved Towing Capability: They usually have a higher towing capacity, making them suitable for heavier trailers and loads.
Simplicity: With a fixed towbar, there’s no need to worry about losing components or dealing with complicated mechanisms that come with detachable towbars.
While fixed towbars are great for many situations, it’s worth considering your specific towing needs and whether the convenience of a detachable option might be more suitable for occasional users or those who prioritize aesthetics.
Cons:
A fixed swan neck towbar has its advantages, but there are some cons to consider:
Less Versatile: Unlike detachable towbars, fixed swan neck towbars can’t be removed when not in use, which may be inconvenient if you don’t need to tow frequently.
Aesthetic Impact: A fixed towbar can alter the appearance of your vehicle, which some people may find unattractive.
Reduced Ground Clearance: Fixed towbars can lower the rear ground clearance of your vehicle, which might be a concern if you often drive off-road or on uneven terrain.
Potential for Damage: The fixed design is more exposed to bumps and scrapes, making it susceptible to damage, especially in tight spaces.
Weight Limitations: Depending on the design and your vehicle, there may be weight limits that could restrict what you can tow.
Installation Challenges: Fixed towbars can sometimes require more complex installation, which might be a hassle for some users.
Limited Features: Some fixed towbars lack additional features that can enhance towing, such as integrated wiring systems for lights.
Compatibility Issues: Not all vehicles are compatible with fixed swan neck towbars, which can limit your options.
These factors may vary based on your specific needs and how often you plan to use the towbar.
Detachable Towbar: Allows you to remove the tow ball when not in use.
Pros:
Invisible When Not in Use: One of the biggest benefits of a detachable towbar is that it can be removed when not in use, preserving the clean lines and aesthetics of your vehicle.
No Permanent Attachment: Unlike fixed towbars, a detachable towbar doesn’t permanently alter the vehicle's appearance.
Easily Removable: You can attach or remove the towbar depending on your needs, providing flexibility for those who tow infrequently.
Multi-Vehicle Usage: Some detachable towbars can be used across multiple vehicles, depending on the towbar system and hitch type.
No Interference with Sensors: Since it can be removed when not towing, it won’t trigger parking sensors or cause issues when parking, which is common with fixed towbars.
No Obstruction: When detached, the towbar won’t stick out from the rear of the car, reducing the risk of injury or damage while walking around the vehicle
Easy to Resell: The fact that the towbar can be removed without leaving a mark or permanent attachment is appealing to potential buyers. This can help maintain the resale value of your car, as not all buyers want a towbar.
Prevents Rust and Damage: Since you can remove the towbar, it’s protected from environmental elements like rain or snow, which reduces the risk of rust or damage over time
Cons:
Detachable towbars can offer flexibility and convenience, but they also come with some drawbacks. Here are some cons to consider:
Cost: Detachable towbars can be more expensive than fixed ones, both in terms of the initial purchase and installation.
Installation Complexity: Installing a detachable towbar can be more complex than a fixed one, potentially requiring professional installation.
Wear and Tear: The mechanism that allows for detachment can wear out over time, leading to potential reliability issues or the need for replacements.
Storage Space: While detachable towbars can be removed when not in use, you’ll need to find a place to store the detachable part, which can be cumbersome.
Potential for Misalignment: If not properly attached, there’s a risk of misalignment, which could affect towing safety and performance.
Limited Compatibility: Some vehicles may have restrictions on the types of detachable towbars that can be used, limiting options.
Maintenance: The detachable mechanism may require more frequent maintenance and checks to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
Security Concerns: Detachable towbars can be more susceptible to theft since they can be removed easily.
Appearance: Some people prefer the aesthetic of a fixed towbar, especially if it’s designed to blend in with the vehicle's lines.
Considering these factors can help you decide whether a detachable towbar is the right choice for your towing needs.
2. Check Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity
Every vehicle has a maximum towing capacity, specified in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s plate. This is a critical figure, as overloading can damage your vehicle’s engine, suspension, or brakes, and may even be illegal.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): This is the total weight of the trailer and its load. Ensure the towbar is rated to pull this weight safely.
Nose Weight: The vertical force exerted by the trailer on the tow ball. Ensure your towbar can handle the nose weight as specified for your vehicle.
3. Electrics – 7-Pin vs. 13-Pin Connectors
Towing requires electrical connections for things like lights, indicators, and brakes. There are two main types of towbar electrics:
7-Pin Electrics: Provides basic functions like brake lights, indicators, and tail lights. This is sufficient for smaller trailers or light loads.
13-Pin Electrics: Offers additional features like reverse lights and power for onboard caravans (for fridges, charging, etc.). This is essential for towing caravans or larger loads that require more functionality.
If you’re towing modern caravans or trailers, a 13-pin system is often a better investment. Some vehicles may also require specific wiring kits to avoid electrical faults.
4. Fixed vs. Detachable Towbars
Once you've decided on the towbar type, consider if you want a fixed or detachable model.
Fixed Towbars: These are permanently attached, always visible, and are usually more affordable. They are perfect if you tow frequently.
Detachable Towbars: Can be easily removed when not needed, which is ideal if you want to maintain the vehicle’s appearance and avoid interference with parking sensors.
5. Towing Accessories
Depending on what you are towing, you may need additional accessories:
Towbar Mounted Bike Carriers: A detachable towbar is often the best for bike carriers since it allows easy mounting and removal of the rack.
Coupling Locks: To prevent theft of your trailer or caravan, consider investing in a coupling lock that secures the trailer to your towbar.
Stabilizer Kits: These kits provide extra stability and control for towing heavy loads, especially caravans, reducing the risk of sway.
6. European Type Approval and Legal Compliance
In many countries, tow bars must comply with European Type Approval (94/20/EC), meaning the towbar must meet specific safety standards. In the UK, for example, this is legally required for all vehicles registered after August 1998. Ensure the towbar you choose is compliant, especially if you live in a country with strict regulations.
7. Installation Considerations
Fitting a towbar is not a DIY job for most people, as it involves complex electrical connections and may require specific vehicle modifications. Professional installation is recommended for several reasons:
Safety: A poorly fitted towbar can be dangerous for both you and other road users.
Warranty: Improper installation may void your vehicle’s warranty.
Electrics: Professional installers ensure that the towbar’s electrics integrate properly with your vehicle’s system.
8. Towbar Material and Build Quality
Towbars are typically made of steel, but the quality can vary:
Coating: Ensure your towbar is corrosion-resistant, especially if you live in coastal areas or use your vehicle in harsh environments.
Brand Reputation: Choose a towbar from a well-known and trusted brand. Quality matters when towing heavy loads.
9. Cost Considerations
Towbars range from budget-friendly to high-end options. Expect to pay:
£400–£600 for a fixed towbar, depending on the brand and type.
£600–£800 for a detachable model.
10. How Often Will You Tow?
If you tow only occasionally, a detachable towbar may be the best option as it allows you to remove the tow ball when not in use, preserving the vehicle's aesthetics. However, if you’re towing frequently (e.g., for work or travel), a fixed towbar offers convenience and durability for regular use.
11. Impact on Vehicle Sensors and Features
Some vehicles have advanced driving systems that rely on sensors. Certain types of towbars may interfere with rear parking sensors, automatic braking systems, or adaptive cruise control. Choosing a detachable or swan neck towbar can help minimize this interference.
12. Vehicle Make and Model
Towbars are often custom-designed for specific makes and models. When choosing, ensure the towbar is compatible with your vehicle. Check with the manufacturer or your installer for recommendations.
Key Takeaways for Choosing the Right Towbar:
Towbar Type: Choose based on your towing needs (flange, detachable, or swan neck).
Towing Capacity: Ensure your towbar and vehicle can safely handle the load.
Electrics: Decide between 7-pin or 13-pin connectors depending on the trailer’s requirements.
Fixed vs. Detachable: Fixed is ideal for frequent towing; detachable offers flexibility for occasional use.
Installation: Professional installation is crucial for safety and compliance.
By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your towbar fits your vehicle, meets safety standards, and is tailored to your towing needs.
Comments