Towbar Fitting Information

There are 2 types of towbar, one is flange type tow bar and the other is a swan neck towbar, named due to their shape.

Each of them come as a fixed version or a detachable version, the detachable version being more expensive than the fixed version.

So what towbar do you need for your car?

Choosing the right tow bar for your vehicle can be difficult but can depend on your car and its age because some cars can only take a specific type of tow bar.

The most popular type of tow bar is the flange type generally because it is cheaper and is versatile.
To explain what a flange tow bar is like, is to say its tow ball is bolted to the tow bar with bolts.

It is versatile because it can be used with tow ball accessories like cycle carriers, bumper protectors and stabilisers, all mounted between the tow bar & ball.

So one way to choose the right tow bar is to think also about how you want to use your tow bar in the future.

Here is further information about the different towbars to make choosing your towbar easier

Fixed Flange Towbar

Fixed Flange Towbar
  • Versatile tow bar capable of using accessories like some models of cycle carriers whilst towing
  • Tends to be cheaper
  • Can be used with bumper guards
  • Can be height adjustable
  • Bulky
  • Not compatible with reversing sensors
  • May need an Alko ball
  • Gets in the way when using your boot or walking round the back of the vehicle

Fixed Swan Neck Towbar

Fixed Swan Neck Towbar
  • Compact design
  • Looks nice with a sleek feel
  • Less chance to interfere with parking sensors
  • Capable of carrying all types of ball mount cycle carriers
  • Less chance of getting in the way when using your boot or walking round the back of the vehicle
  • Cannot use a bumper guard
  • Only compatible with clamp on bike carriers

Detachable Flange Towbar

Detachable Flange Towbar
  • When removed no signs of tow bar being fitted
  • When removed will not interfere with parking sensors
  • No chance of getting in the way when using your boot or walking round the back of the vehicle
  • Accessories can be carried behind the towball like bumper plates and bike plate adapters
  • Alko balls can be specified
  • If the neck is lost after taking off, this can be very expensive to replace
  • Detachable tow bars tend to be more expensive

Detachable Swan Neck Towbar

Detachable Swan Neck Towbar
  • When removed will not interfere with parking sensors
  • When removed will not interfere with parking sensors
  • No chance of getting in the way when using your boot or walking round the back of the vehicle
  • Alko compatible
  • Fits clamp on bike carriers
  • If the neck is lost after taking off, this can be very expensive to replace
  • Detachable tow bars tend to be more expensive
  • Tow bar height cannot be changed
  • Detachable tow bars tend to be more expensive
  • Not as sleek as the fixed version