Whether you are towing a caravan, trailer or fitting cycle carrier that requires a towbar, it is important to make sure that you have the right towbar for your requirements. There are several different considerations to take into account, including your vehicle type and what you will be using the towbar for.

 

There are so many different variants of towbars available to suit all vehicles and loads, so here is some guidance to help make sure you select the right one:

 

Is your vehicle right for towing?

 

The first consideration is regarding your vehicle and whether it is suitable to tow the loads that you are planning to tow, for example, a caravan will require a vehicle capable of towing the laden mass, which you will be able to find out in the vehicle manual.

 

Choosing the type of towbar

 

There are several types of towbar to choose from in terms of the design:

 

Fixed flange – This type of towbar fits the underside of the vehicle using bolts and is very visible but it can tow and carry cycles at the same time. This is the most common choice of towbar for towing heavier loads such as caravans, due to the sturdiness of the design.

 

Detachable flange – If you want a towbar that you can easily remove when it is not being used, the detachable flange is an alternative option.

 

Fixed swan neck – This style is less obtrusive if you do not like the idea of a big towbar structure being visible on your vehicle. This fixes onto the underside of the vehicle.

 

Detachable swan neck – While this type of towbar is usually more expensive than a flange, it is less likely to trigger reverse sensors due to its sleeker design and it can also be detached when out of use.

 

Regulations

 

Any towbar that you purchase should meet the European Standard R55 in terms of manufacturing and testing. You should also check the laws around towing weights and limits.

 

Choosing an electric kit

 

Your towbar will require an electric kit as a legal requirement. You can buy a dedicated or universal electric kit, which will sync the safety features in your car with the electrics in your caravan. The electrics kit powers indicators, brake lights, fog lights, reverse lights etc. so it is a vital accessory before you set off on any journey when you are towing to ensure safety on the road.  Most modern electrics kits will also provide power to the interior of your caravan as well as the external electrical requirements.

 

Breakaway cable attachment points

 

If your towbar will be used for towing a caravan, UK law stipulates that there must be a breakaway attachment point on the towbar. This means that in the unlikely event of the caravan uncoupling from your vehicle, the breaks of the trailer will be applied, which is a safety device all caravans must have.

 

Make sure you notify your insurer

 

A lot of people do not realise that having a towbar fitted does not constitute a modification that your vehicle insurer must be made aware of. In many cases, it will not impact insurance premium, or will only affect it slightly but not providing the information to your insurer could cause problems if you needed to claim in the future.

 

Getting your towbar fitted

 

It is possible to fit a towbar yourself but unless it is an area you have experience in, it is probably better left to the experts. A poorly fitted towbar can have disastrous consequences, both in terms of safety of other road users and damage to your property.

 

An expert towbar fitter can ensure that you have the right towbar to suit your vehicle and towing usage, as well as providing guidance on all of the other essential accessories and considerations before you start towing.

 

PF Jones is the UK’s largest towbar specialist and on our website, you can use the towbar finding tool, which will find the specific towbar you need, based on the exact make and model of your vehicle.

 

Find your perfect towbar and electrical kit.