When you have decided upon size of the load you need to tow, the right choice of vehicle can be made a lot simpler. Fixed flange ball tow bar: These are traditionally used in the UK for serious towing, and are considered an extremely cost effective option, allowing drivers to tow whilst simultaneously carrying cycles, and allow for total adjustment of towing height and additional accessories to be fitted.
Detachable swan neck tow bar: These tow bars, used throughout the rest of Europe, are a slimmer option than the flange bar, and can be used to carry cycles but not tow at the same time. Fixed swan neck tow bar: These tend to be used outside of the UK, and have the least flexible design as no additional accessories can be used with them. They are, however, compatible with AL-KO stabilisers; a factor accounting for their slightly higher price. Though not always necessary when towing, it does improve the practicality of the towing experience, as well as the safety and the sheer pleasantness of the drive.
Many cars nowadays have electric systems that are able to recognise the connection of a trailer or caravan, so if you are looking to get a tow bar fitted and tow a vehicle on a regular basis, it may well be worth looking into getting a car with this technology. Here at Towbar2u, we are proud to provide an expert tow bar fitting service to our customers and their vehicles across the country.
Find your towbar with our number plate tool or select from our drop-down menu here. The great thing about buying a towbar with Witter is our huge network of approved fitters. With over 60 years of experience going into engineering our towbars, we only work with the very best to fit them. Not only does that ensure you have a legally fitted towbar, but it also allows you to relax knowing that your towbar is fitted by an experienced, verified professional. Of course, you could fit a towbar yourself.
But why would you? Towing is a serious business that, when done incorrectly, can endanger your life and the lives of others around you.
We have spent many years designing quality, safe towbars. We want to ensure the people who buy our towbars use them in the safest manner possible. In insurance terms, fitting a towbar is classified as a car modification.
Therefore, it is imperative that you notify your insurance provider about this change to your vehicle. Always notify your insurance provider when fitting a towbar. This website uses cookies. Using this website means you are okay with this but you can find out more and learn how to manage your cookie choices here. OK, got it. Towbar Overview Detachable Flange Towbar The Witter detachable flange towbar offers you all the versatility of the traditional flange version while only a small part of the towbar remains visible when detached.
Advantages Tow and carry cycles at the same time The towball is removed when not in use preserving 'shins' AL-KO towballs can be fitted Won't trigger reversing sensors when not towing A choice of towing couplings and accessories can be fitted.
Disadvantages Generally one of the most expensive types of towbars Some people believe the design of this towbar to be quite ugly. Advantages Compatible with AL-KO stabilisers Less likely to trigger reversing sensors More aesthetically pleasing than a flange towbar.
Disadvantages Towball height cannot be altered Slightly more expensive than the flange towbar Cannot be fitted with a bumper shield. Detachable Swan Neck Towbar The Witter detachable swan neck towbar is slim, secure and simple to use. Types of Towbar. What is a Flange Towbar? What is a Swan Neck Towbar? What is a Fixed Towbar? What is a Detachable Towbar? Towbar Electrics Once you've found the right towbar, then it is a case of deciding which electrics are best for your car and your towing needs.
Do I need electrics for my towbar? What are the electrics used for? Number plate obstruction. It is an offence to obscure the rear number plate on a car with your towbar or any associated equipment, such as a bumper protection plate. If your towball or any accessory fitted to it overlaps the number plate, it must be removed when you are not towing.
Where the height of the number plate means this problem cannot be avoided, consider fitting a detachable towbar, to avoid the difficulty of having to regularly unbolt a fixed towball. Legal requirements. Vehicles registered before these dates are exempt. Most manufacturers market their own approved towbars and some imply that these alone should be used. In reality, car manufacturers cannot object to the fitting of a Type Approved product irrespective of who has made or sold it.
Specialist towbar manufacturers such as Witter or Brink will be able to advise on appropriate products for your particular car. You should also ensure that the towbar manufacturer guarantees their product against any damage to the car which is attributable to the towbar.
Whole vehicle Type Approval introduced for coach built commercial vehicles on 29 October , as such chassis cab based motorhomes registered in the UK after this date require a Type Approved towbar. For motorhomes registered before this date, our advice is as for cars registered before 1 August Choosing the right towbar There is a huge choice of towbars designed for towing caravans on the market.
Towbar types Towbars broadly fall into two categories: swan neck and bolt-on ball. Bolt-on Ball The bolt-on ball is the traditional form of towbar used in the UK, and remains popular with caravanners with accessories such as cycle carriers. Swan neck The swan neck towball is integral with the rearward-projecting part of the towbar. Information We advise that any towbar you choose should be manufactured and tested to the European Standard R Towball height In theory, all towbars should set the ball at the correct height.
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