Types of Towbars

There are 3 types of towbars available. There are so many people searching towbar fitting near me we thought its a good idea to explain everything about towbars. We explain about each type from fixed flange towbar to the detachable flange towbar.

Whichever one you end up choosing they can be professionally fitted by our mobile towbar fitting team.

Fixed Towbars

Fixed towbars are permanently connected towing devices that are affixed directly to a vehicle’s chassis. This allows the driver to tow trailers, caravans, or other cargo without having to remove or modify the towbar. Fixed towbars, as opposed to detachable towbars, stay in place at all times, including when not in use.

Believe it or not there are different types of fixed towbars.

Types of Fixed Towbars:

Flange Towbar:

This style features a flat metal plate (or flange) to which the tow ball is fastened. The tow ball may be removed or changed as needed, and other attachments can be added.

Swan Neck Towbar:

This design has a sleeker, curved neck that connects the tow bar to the tow ball. It is often less noticeable than the flange style.

We explain the features of fixed towbars as:

Advantages

Fixed towbars are often less costly than detachable towbars since they do not require the additional complexity of removable pieces or locking systems.

Fixed towbars offer a high towing capacity, making them ideal for hauling heavier trailers, caravans, and horseboxes.

There is no need for storage because removable pieces are always on the vehicle.

Disadvantages

Because they cannot be removed, they may alter the appearance of the vehicle, particularly if the towbar is visible while not in use.

Fixed towbars can occasionally interfere with parking sensors or make reaching the boot more difficult, particularly on vehicles with low ground clearance.

Some users may dislike the towbar’s constant visibility and risk running into it while strolling around the rear of the vehicle.

Our towbar fitters will explain fixed towbars are ideal for individuals who tow regularly, such as tradespeople, frequent caravanners, or those who regularly haul trailers. They provide a convenient, low-maintenance, and durable towing solution.

Retractable Towbars

Retractable towbars are towbars that may be stored underneath the vehicle when not in use. Unlike fixed towbars, which are constantly visible, or detachable towbars, which must be removed and stowed. Retractable towbars provide a straightforward, space-saving option that can be readily deployed or concealed using a simple manual or electrical system.

The key features of them are:

Concealable Design:

When not in use, the towbar retracts below the car, totally out of sight. This helps to preserve the vehicle’s original look and keeps the towbar from interfering with parking sensors or cosmetics.

The retractable towbar may be easily extended or retracted, commonly using a lever, knob, or, in more sophisticated versions, an electronic push button. This makes it considerably easier than manually attaching or removing a towbar.

Durability:

Retractable towbars, like other towbars, are built to withstand heavy loads like trailers, caravans, and bike racks. They are often as durable as permanent or detachable alternatives and can withstand heavy hauling.
No need for removal.

Unlike detachable towbars, retractable towbars do not need to be removed or stored. It is always attached to the vehicle yet hidden while not in use, making it ideal for frequent towing.

Minimal aesthetic impact:

Because the towbar may be covered, the vehicle maintains a clean appearance, which is especially essential for luxury car owners or those who do not want the towbar to be visible at all times.

Retractable towbars also come with 2 different mechanisms, manual and electric.

Manual retractable towbars:

To change the position of the towbar, you either pull a lever or turn a knob. It’s easy and requires no electrical components.

Electric retractable towbars:

With these versions, the towbar may be extended or retracted by pressing a button inside the car or in the boot. This is particularly prevalent in high-end models and luxury vehicles.

Retractable towbars are towbars that may be stored underneath the vehicle when not in use. Unlike fixed towbars, which are constantly visible, or detachable towbars, which must be removed and stowed, retractable towbars provide a straightforward, space-saving option that can be readily deployed or concealed using a simple manual or electrical system.

Ratractable towbar Features

When not in use, the towbar is concealed, so it does not detract from the car’s beauty.

Unlike detachable variants, the towbar does not require physical removal or attachment, making it easier to operate.

Because the towbar retracts when not in use, it does not interfere with the vehicle’s parking sensors or rear cameras.

A detachable towbar does not need to be stored separately, and you don’t have to worry about where to put it.

Disadvantages

Retractable towbars are often more expensive than permanent or detachable towbars due to their sophisticated construction and, in the case of electric variants, additional components.

Installing a retractable towbar is sometimes more difficult and time-consuming than installing other types of towbars.

Over time, the retraction mechanism (particularly in electric models) may require maintenance or repair.

In summary, retractable towbars strike the ideal blend of utility, convenience, and aesthetics. It makes them a fantastic alternative for drivers who often tow but do not want a conspicuous towbar when not in use.

Detachable Towbars

Detachable towbars are towbars that may be readily removed from a vehicle when not in use, providing greater flexibility, convenience, and aesthetic appeal than fixed towbars. These towbars have the same towing capability as fixed ones, but they allow users to maintain the vehicle’s original look and avoid having the towbar visible at all times.

Key features of detachable towbars are their removable design.

A detachable towbar’s main benefit is the ability to attach and detach as needed. When you’re not towing, simply disconnect and store the towbar, leaving no visible pieces on the car.

Once the towbar is removed, the car appears to be without a towbar, keeping its original appearance. This is especially significant for drivers who are concerned about the appearance of their vehicle or who drive automobiles with sleek designs.

Types of Detachable Towbars:

Vertically detachable:

The towbar is entered or withdrawn from beneath the car, making the attachment point nearly undetectable when disconnected.

Horizontal Detachable:

The towbar is inserted from the side. While some of the mounting mechanism may be seen when separated, it is far less obvious than a permanent towbar.

Detachable towbars offer the same towing capacity as fixed variants, allowing them to pull trailers, caravans, horseboxes, and bike racks. They are intended to carry the same weights while providing the extra benefit of removability.

These towbars have a quick-release system that allows the user to attach and detach the towbar without using tools. Depending on the model, the procedure may take only a few seconds.
Detachable towbars often contain an integrated electric plug that can be folded away or hidden when not in use. This allows the caravan or trailer lights to be simply connected without any visible wire.

Benefits of Detachable Towbars:

One of the primary advantages is that it does not change the appearance of the car while not in use. This makes them excellent for design-oriented or premium automobiles.

Fixed towbars can interfere with parking sensors, however detachable towbars, which can be removed when not towing, avoid this problem.

There’s no need to be concerned about hitting your shin on the towbar when walking behind the car, and you won’t have to manoeuvre around the towbar when loading the trunk or utilising rear parking assistance.

Once removed, the towbar may be kept in the boot or garage until the next time you need it.

It’s an excellent choice for those who tow just rarely. You may attach the towbar when necessary and remove it for regular drive.

Disadvantages:

The main disadvantage is cost.

Detachable towbars are often more expensive than fixed towbars due to additional components and the detachable mechanism.

When not in use, the towbar must be stored someplace, so make space in your boot or garage for it.

Because the towbar is removable, it is easy to misplace, especially if not properly kept.

The detachable mechanism may require periodic maintenance to keep it in excellent operating condition, and the locking mechanism must be secure to avoid theft or accidental detachment.
Ideal for occasional towing, a removable towbar allows you to maintain your car’s original appearance while not in use.
Aesthetically conscious drivers: Detachable variants are suitable for people who do not want a permanently visible towbar to interfere with the appearance of their vehicle.

Types of Detachable Towbars:

Detachable Swan Neck towbar:

This towbar curved in one piece and connects to the car. When removed, the ball and neck separate as a single unit, leaving no visible components.

Flange Detachable Towbar

This towbar employs a flange plate to which the tow ball is fastened. Detachable variants allow you to remove the complete towbar assembly, however they are less popular than swan neck models.

To summarise we say detachable towbars combine convenience, practicality, and attractiveness. They are great for folks who don’t need to tow often but want the option without sacrificing the beauty of their vehicle. These towbars have the strength and capacity of fixed variants while allowing drivers to easily remove them when not in use.

Mobile towbar Fitting

There are so many people searching towbar fitting near me. So we have our mobile towbar fitting to cover all the geographic locations around the midlands and central England. This enables our towbar fitters to visit clients at their house or business to install a towbar on their car. Instead of driving your car to our garage or workshop, the installation is completed on-site, providing a simple and time-saving alternative for vehicle owners.

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