Buying a Towbar: The Definitive Guide
A towbar is a small mechanical bar fitted to the rear of your vehicle that is used when towing a trailer, caravan or bike rack.
But if you’ve never bought a towbar before, or this is the first time you’ve used a towbar installed on your vehicle, then the vast number of towbars on offer can be a tad overwhelming.
No doubt you’re thinking:
“What is a towbar? What’s the difference between a flange and swan neck towbar? How do I know if this towbar is right for my vehicle?”
Fortunately, if you are feeling overwhelmed by the questions above, you don’t need to continue living this way.
By learning just a few simple elements about towbars, you will be able to make a confident purchase decision that’s right for your car.
What is a towbar?
A towbar is a small mechanical device installed at the rear of a vehicle. Connecting the car to a caravan, trailer or bike rack, the towbar offers a secure, trusted and legal connection when towing. The towbar also offers a wired electrical connection between your vehicle and the object you are towing.
What are the different types of towbars?
As the vehicles we drive continue to evolve and change, so must our towbars.
This means that instead of having just one towbar available for your vehicle, you could have as many as five different types of towbar available.
It is important to remember that towbars are vehicle specific, so the options available to you may be limited by the make and model of your vehicle.
So what are the five different types of towbars?
Fixed Flange Towbar
A fixed flange towbar describes the shape of the towbar. First, the “flange” is fixed directly underneath the bumper of your vehicle. The towball/towbar is then attached to the plate with either 2 or 4 bolts. Unfortunately, this towbar type cannot be removed when you are not towing. However, you can adjust the height of the towbar on commercial towbars or 4 hole faceplates if needed.
Search prices on Fixed Flange Towbars here.
Detachable Flange Towbar
A detachable flange towbar refers to the shape of the towbar neck and plate. First, the “flange” is fixed directly underneath the bumper of your vehicle. The towball/towbar is then attached to the plate with either 2 or 4 bolts. In this model, the plate can be easily detached when you are not towing so only the part where the towbar attaches is visible.
Search prices on Detachable Flange Towbars here.
Fixed Swan Neck Towbar
A fixed swan neck towbar refers to the shape of the towbar which is a long curved neck, like a swan neck. Both the neck and towball are in one piece and the neck emerges from underneath the bumper so most of the metal is hidden from view. Because the neck and ball are in one piece there is no need for a faceplate, making the design much sleeker.
Search prices on Fixed Swan Neck Towbars here.
Detachable Swan Neck Towbar
A detachable swan neck towbar is curved like the shape of a swan neck. The towbar design is sleek and flows straight into the towball, so the whole towbar is in one piece. There is no faceplate and the towbar can be removed from underneath your bumper when it is not being used, so it is almost invisible when detached.
Search prices on Detachable Swan Neck Towbars here.
Retractable Towbar
A retractable towbar is a slim, swan neck shaped, towbar which can rotate beneath your bumper when you are not using it. The towbar neck and towball are all in one piece and you can easily rotate it by hand in seconds, where it will sit neatly in the space between the rear panel and bumper of your vehicle. A retractable towbar is the newest and most innovative towbar design - it is there when you need it and hidden when you don’t.
Search prices on Retractable Towbars here.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using each towbar type?
Fixed Flange Towbar
Detachable Flange Towbar
Fixed Swan Neck Towbar
Detachable Swan Neck Towbar
Retractable Towbar
How do I know which towbar type I need?
When it comes to choosing the right towbar type for your vehicle, there is one simple way to find the perfect towbar for your car.
Registration search.
Towbars are vehicle specific. This means that the options available to you may be limited by the make and model of your vehicle.
Fortunately, we offer a registration and vehicle search tool that you can access here. Simply enter your car registration details and find the specific towbar for your car.
You may be offered a range of towbars. If this is the case, return to this guide and compare the different advantages and disadvantages listed above.
What is a towbar electric kit?
A towbar electric kit is the wiring set that connects the electrics in your car with the electrics on your trailer, caravan or bike rack.
If this is your first time buying a towbar, no doubt you will find towbar electrics quite confusing.
Fortunately, wiring kits are really quite simple and you only need to learn a little jargon to make a confident purchase decision.
So what should you know about towbar electric kits?
Dedicated wiring kit
Connecting the electrics in your car with the electrics in your caravan or trailer, a dedicated wiring kit is a specific type of electrical wiring designed specifically for the individual make and model of your vehicle.
The major benefit of choosing a dedicated wiring kit is that the electrics in your caravan or trailer can integrate with your car manufacturers safety features. This helps keep you and your family as safe as possible when towing.
Benefits of a dedicated wiring kit
- Waste less fuel as the wiring kit optimises your car engine for trailer operation
- Reduce your chances of snaking as the wiring kit offers EPS trailer stabilisation
- A dedicated wiring kit will alert you to dangers with failure messages in the cockpit
- No constant beep when reversing as the wiring kit shuts off parking sensors when in towing mode
- Dedicated wiring kits do not invalidate a car manufacturers warranty
- Dedicated wiring kits usually have lane assist technology. This helps you navigate busy roads and motorways
Universal wiring kit
As the title suggests, these wiring kits will be suitable for most vehicle types.
Fitting a universal wiring kit is the cheapest and easiest way to legally wire your car and caravan.
Please keep in mind that while a universal kit may work with most vehicle types, it does offer you limited functionality and control over the caravan or trailer.
Note: This type may not be suitable for certain vehicles, especially those with sophisticated electrical systems.
Benefits of a universal wiring kit
- The cheapest way to legally connect the electrics in your car with those in your caravan
- Fastest and easiest way to connect the electrics in your car with those in your caravan
Should I Buy a Dedicated or Universal Electric Kit?
If you want to keep you and your family safe on the road, then a dedicated wiring kit is essential.
A dedicated wiring kit integrates with the car manufacturers safety features. This helps coordinate things like ABS and power steering.
Plus, a dedicated wiring kit can also save you money by stopping your car engine from wasting fuel. In the long run, a dedicated wiring kit will save you money.
What towbar electric socket should I get?
There are two main types of towbar electric sockets.
These are: the 7-pin and the 13-pin.
The sockets are simply the connecting points between your car, trailer and caravan.
7-pin electric socket
This is the most common and basic type of connector currently used in the UK. A 7-pin electric socket will power the lights at the back of your trailer or caravan, but not the inside of your caravan. 7-pin electrics are perfect if you are just towing a trailer.
Usually installed when towing:
- Bike rack
- Basic trailer
13-pin electric socket
You will need a 13-pin socket if you are towing a caravan and need the electrics to run inside whilst you’re travelling.
For example, if you want your food or drinks to be chilled once you reach your destination, you need electricity to power the fridge. A 13-pin electric socket can also power the reverse lights on a trailer or cycle carrier.
Usually installed when towing:
- Caravan
- Advanced trailer
Should I get a 7-pin or 13-pin electric socket?
13-pin electric sockets can be a little bit more expensive than a 7-pin electric socket, but they do allow you to pump electricity throughout the interior of your caravan.
This is important if you’re driving a long way to your holiday destination and would like to keep food or drinks cold.
A 13-pin electric socket will also help you charge items like mobile phones, ipads and laptops.
Do I Need a Towbar Bar Electric Kit?
Yes, you will need a towbar electric kit to tow any object with your vehicle. This is a requirement by law. People who use a towbar without an electric kit can face hefty fines and even prison time.
It is illegal to sell a towbar without an electric kit. For your safety, and the safety of others around you, do not use a towbar without an electric kit.
Towbar Fitting
If you’ve decided on the towbar type and the electrics kit, you now need to get your towbar fitted.
Here at Ixplor, we offer two options:
- Fitting centre service
- Mobile fitting service
Our fitting centre service is free of charge, but the mobile fitting service will require a small fee.
How do I fit a towbar to my vehicle?
Yes, it is possible for you to fit a towbar to your car. But why would you? Towing is naturally quite dangerous. The extra weight, less control. You want to ensure that you are towing as safely as possible. That’s why we encourage you to have your towbar fitted by a professional towbar fitter. This is safer for you, your family and those on the road with you.
Can Fitting a Towbar Affect My Insurance?
Fitting a towbar is classified as a car modification.
In your car insurance policy it probably requires you to notify your insurance provider about any changes to your vehicle.
Car modifications can affect how your insurance premium is calculated and, if you don’t tell your insurance provider, they may use the modification to invalidate your policy in the event of an insurance claim.
This does not mean that your insurer should charge you more.
Always notify your insurance provider when fitting a towbar.