Why do the prices of towbars vary so much?

If you are looking to purchase your first towbar, after some quick research you will soon come to the conclusion that the prices of towbars vary considerably. Most of these towbars look very similar to a non-towbar expert and ultimately serve the same purpose, so why the big difference between the towbars at the lowest and highest price ranges?

There are many different factors to that influence the price of towbars and essentially, the higher quality you need, the more you will pay. The cost will also vary depending on the type of vehicle it is being installed on and the style of towbar required.

There are two main types of towbars, swan neck and flange, with both available in detachable or fixed designs:

Fixed flange

The fixed flange is the most common type of towbar in the UK, and it has a more versatile functionality than the detachable versions. For instance, it can be used to mount cycle carriers securely, as well as for towing trailers and caravans.

The only real negative to this type of towbar is that it is a permanent fitting, so will be visible even when you are not using it. This type of towbar may also interfere with parking sensors if you have them.

Detachable flange

If you do not want to have your towbar permanently attached to your vehicle the detachable flange towbar can quickly be removed after use. This means that you can remove it so that it won’t set off your parking sensors and you can return your vehicle to how it usually looks. The neck mechanism locks to the vehicle to stop it from being stolen and there is a choice of towing couplings and accessories that can be fitted.

Detachable towbars can be more expensive than fixed towbars and the flange towbars generally do not look as sleek as a swan neck.

Fixed swan neck

The fixed swan neck towbar can carry all types of ball mounted cycle carriers and is usually a cheaper option than the detachable alternatives. It has a slim appearance that many people prefer to the design of the flange towbar.

However, the swan neck towbar is less versatile as the towball height cannot be adjusted like with the flange.

Detachable swan neck

While the detachable swan neck is usually more expensive than the fixed option, you have the choice to remove it when you are not using it. The neck mechanism locks to the vehicle to prevent it from being stolen and it is capable of carrying any towball mount cycle carrier.

Wiring kits

When you are considering the type of towbar to purchase, you also need to consider which wiring kit to use. A wiring kit is required by law to synchronise electrics from your vehicle to signal lights on your caravan, trailer or bike rack.

There are four different types of wiring kit that vary in price (listed in order of most expensive to least):

• 13-pin dedicated electrics kit
• 7-pin dedicated electrics kit
• 13-pin universal kit
• 7-pin universal kit

Th electric kits will usually cost between £50-£120 and depending on your vehicle, you may also require an auto electrician to fit your electric kit correctly.

Towbar fitting

To ensure that your towbar is fitted securely and to the legal standards required, using a professional towbar fitting service is recommended. PF Jones cover 98% of the country and offer a mobile towbar fitting service. We also have a massive range of towbars for fitting on most makes and models of vehicle.

Book your towbar fitting service today at PF Jones and we can advise you on the most suitable towbar for your vehicle and your towing requirements.