Which tow bar

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.

UNECE Regulation 55 UNECE Regulation 55, requires the centre of the towball, when the towing vehicle is fully laden to its gross vehicle weight to be between mm and mm from the centre of the towball to the ground.

Height of coupling device For optimum stability the caravan should be level or slightly nose down when hitched and static, and not above level when being towed. Towball horizontal clearance Make sure you leave at least 65mm clearance between the towball centre and the nearest vertical part of the vehicle body.

Noseweight Noseweight is the downwards weight the caravan exerts on the back of the towing vehicle when stationary.

Breakaway cable attachment points UK law requires that all caravans are fitted with a safety device to provide protection in the unlikely event of the separation of the main coupling while in motion. Second-hand towbars Small ads, online auctions and car boot sales often advertise second-hand towbars. Providing electric to both the exterior and interior of a caravan, this is the ideal electrical socket when you wish to charge the caravan battery or power the fridge in a caravan built before Lights on a caravan, trailer or cycle carrier indicator, fog lights, brake lights Interior appliances of a caravan fridge, caravan battery Reverse lights caravan, cycle carrier, trailer.

The modern socket type on the market, the pin socket is ideal for all your towing needs. Powering the lights on a caravan, trailer or cycle carrier, a pin socket can also provide power to the inside of your caravan. All UK caravans manufactured after will have a pin connector as standard. Once you've figured out which towbar and which electric kit you want from the selection available for your vehicle, you're ready to purchase a towbar. Our website offers you a simple process for getting your order started with the towbar and fitting all-in-one package.

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. Why choose Towbar2U? Do I have the right car for the job? Types of tow bar There are three main types of tow bar available within the UK, and they are as follows: 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.

Do I need vehicle specific wiring? Towbar heights: why does it vary from car to car? What are the Maximum Towing Weights? Do you need a special type of license for towing? We provide towbars for all major car manufacturers Click on your car manufacturer below for an email quotation. Can't find the car manufacturer you're looking for?