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How do I Choose the right Towbar for my Vehicle?

If you're only just getting into the universe of towing, choosing the right towbar for your vehicle can be a baffling experience. Two of the most commonly found towbars are the FLANGE BALL and SWAN NECK, both come in two options (fixed and detachable) and offer top of the range towing abilities, but excel in different areas:

Fixed towbars: A fixed towbar is permanently attached to your vehicle, offering you the flexibility to tow when needed. A fixed towbar is usually the low-cost option as it has a simpler design and requires very little maintenance.

Detachable towbars: A detachable towbar is just as secure and robust as a fixed towbar, with the advantage of being able to remove the neck when not in use. Some detachable towbars allow you to tow and carry bikes at the same time and easy to conceal once removed.

To assist you further with your future choice Trailertek has put together this quick guide to help you understand the advantages and uses of each towbar.

Please make sure to first check what is your vehicle towing capacity
Towbar Fitting


Which Towbar?

Fixed Flange Ball Towbar

Traditionally used in the UK for all serious forms of towing and generally the most cost effective option. A 50mm towball is bolted to a two or four hole plate (vehicle dependant) that also allows the fitting of a 25mm spacer so that accessories such as a towbar mounted cycle carrier can be used.

  • Tow and carry cycles at the same time (subject to nose load limits)
  • Bumper shields can be fitted
  • AL-KO towballs can be fitted
  • The towing height can be adjusted on commercial and 4×4 four-hole plate towbars
  • A choice of towing couplings andaccessories can be fitted
 

Detachable Flange Towbar

Tow and carry cycles at the same timeand only recently introduced this version offers all the versatility of a fixed flange bar whilst leaving very little of the towbar visible when detached.

  • 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
 
Detachable Swan Neck Towbar

Detachable Swan Neck Towbar

Mainly used in the rest of Europe and slimmer than a flange bar this style was the first to offer a detachable version. Cycle carriers are available for this type of bar but you cannot tow at the same time.

  • Towball is removed when not in use preserving ‘shins’
  • Unrestricted access to the boot
  • AL-KO and other friction type stabilisers can be fitted
  • Won’t trigger reversing sensors when not towing
 
Fixed Swan Neck Towbar

Fixed Swan Neck Towbar

Mainly used outside the UK and the least flexible design as no additional accessories can be used. Cycle carriers are available for this type of bar but you cannot tow at the same time.

  • Compatible with AL-KO stabilisers
  • Less likely to trigger reversing sensors
  • Slightly more expensive than the flange towbar
  • Cannot be fitted with a bumper shield
 


Trailer Socket Wiring Diagrams:

For those who have bought 12V sockets or plugs from us, please use the diagrams below to help with the wiring of your 7pin and 13pin setup. (Please note that the diagrams are for the socket, as seen from the rear. Pins are mirrored for the plug, or when viewing the socket from the front).