We often get asked about the types of towbars available. What a client is wanting to know is information about the different types of towbar.
These are split between fixed, detachable, or retractable? Flange or swan neck?
The great range of choices for a towbar can make choosing difficult. Since the types of towbars are vehicle specific, the choices of towbar kinds may be restricted depending on the vehicle make and model. Most contemporary vehicles, however, provide choices for all types and forms of tow bars.
Different kinds of flange tow bars
The flange towbar is the most often used kind of towbar in the UK; it is where two 24mm bolts fasten the tow ball to the towbar. Certain variants of the flange towbar type additionally have four bolts rather than two.
They are the most flexible type of towbars. This is because it may be utilised with tow ball mounted accessories. Such accessories are cycle carriers, bumper guards and other kinds of stabilizers – all attached between the towbar and ball.
Fixed flange towbar
Here is a list of fixed flange towbar advantages.
- Capable of towing attachments like certain brands of cycle carriers.
- Generally speaking, flange towbars are less expensive.
- Capable of installing a towbar and pin system needed to haul generators and plant trailers.
- Designed to suit a bumper protection plate.
- Possible to get various towing heights and clearances by employing drop plates and spacers, height-adjustable couplings.
- Able to have placing of a butterfly step on (often used on commercial trucks).
- Owners can update a Tow Ball to use with an AL-KO stabiliser.
Things to consider before buying a fixed flange towbar
If you have parking sensors on your vehicle this towbar may interfere with the reversing sensor.
The appearance of the towbar on the rear of your vehicle is less appealing than alternative designs.
With this fixed towbar the towbar can get in the way when opening the boot or walking around the back.
Detachable Flange towbar
Apart from the advantages of a fixed flange towbar, detached flange towbars provide the further choice where it can be removed when not in use.
The removable flange towbar has several advantages.
Removing the neck of the towbar leaves the vehicle seeming to have no towbar mounted and towing capability equal that of a fixed bar.
Should parking sensors be applied to a car, the detachable towbar won’t interfere once removed.
Using your boot or wandering around your car while the neck is removed, you will not trip on the towbar or smash your legs.
Capability of carrying any type of tow ball mount carrier
Compatible with AL-KO and other friction style stabilisers (after the 50mm ball part is stripped of paint).
Neck device locks to the car to prevent theft.
It is capable of matching a tow ball and pin system used to haul generators and plant trailers.
One can match a choice of towing couplings and accessories.
Things to consider before buying a removable flange towbar
Should you lose the neck at any moment the replacement is costly.
Detachable swan neck towbars generally are more costly than permanent towbars.
Swan necks are lighter than flange tow ball necks.
Fitment of detached flange tow ball necks results in less streamlined designs.
Emergence of swan neck towbars
Swan neck tow bars are the most often used kind in the E.U. Here the tow ball and the neck form one complete component of the towbar. The U.K. is seeing increasing demand for this kind of towbar since the bar looks cleaner and the thinner bar is less likely to set off your parking sensors.
Unlike flange style, this kind of bar is rather less flexible; you can either tow or connect a bike carrier but cannot utilise both simultaneously. Without modification, an AL-KO stabiliser may likewise be utilised with the swan neck towbar. One can get both a detachable or fixed style for the swan neck kind.
Fixed swan neck towbar
Advantages of a fixed swan neck towbar
This type is popular because they tend to be one of the cheaper types of towbars.
They are also more better looking than a flange type towbar visually.
Less chance of interfering with reverse parking sensors.
They are compatible with AL-KO and other friction style stabilisers (after the 50mm ball part has been stripped of paint).
The price is far more competitive than that of its detachable relative.
It’s competent of hauling every kind of ball mount cycle carrier.
Things to consider before buying a swan neck towbar
They still may interfere with the reverse parking sensors.
There is still the possibility of banging your legs on it when using the boot or walking around the back of the car.
Some necks are less flexible than the flange design, meaning they cannot accommodate couplings, steps, or height adjustments.
One cannot simultaneously tow and use a towbar mount cycle carrier.
Dependent on make and model, these might be more costly than a flange.
Apart from its removal when not in use, a detachable swan neck towbar has all the advantages of a fixed swan neck towbar.
Detachable Swan neck towbar
Advantages of a swan neck towbars
Removing the neck of the towbar leaves the vehicle seeming to have no towbar mounted and towing capability the same as a fixed bar.
Should parking sensors be applied to a car, the detachable towbar won’t interfere once removed.
Using your boot or wandering around your car while the neck is removed, you will not trip on the towbar or smash your legs.
Capability of carrying any type of tow ball mount carrier.
Compatible with AL-KO and other friction style stabilisers (after the 50mm ball part is stripped of paint).
Neck device locks to the car to prevent further theft.
Things to consider before buying a detachable swan neck towbar
Should you lose the neck at any one point, replacement is expensive.
The towbar height cannot be changed.
One cannot fit alternative tow balls.
In general Swan neck towbars cost more than flange tow bars.
Retractable towbar
Modern, upscale towing solutions that let you conceal the towball behind the bumper when not in use are retractable tow bars. This combines the simplicity of a fixed towbar with the convenience of a detachable one – you won’t have to physically remove it.
Advantages of Retractable towbars
Simple & User-Friendly – Retraction or deployment of the towbar requires no equipment.
Aesthetic & Discreet – Maintaining the car’s sleek appearance, stays concealed when not in use.
No Storage Needed – Unlike removable towbars, the towball cannot be stored separately.
No Interference with Parking Sensors: It folds away, hence not triggering rear sensors when not in use.
Excellent & Dependable Designed for towing large weights, they are just as robust and safe as fixed and detachable towbars.
Things to consider before buying a retractable towbar
Because of their complex technology, retractable towbars cost more than fixed or detachable ones.
They usually need expert fitting and, for electric variants, an integrated control system, complex installations call for.
Not many vehicles are compatible with retractable towbars, therefore limited availability of vehicles.
We hope this has been helpful in explaining what types of towbars are available in the UK.
Of course you can simple call us or complete our enquiry form and we will get back to you with all the towbar options for your vehicle.
If you are within the Midlands area like West Midlands, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire or Shropshire we should be your first call for towbar fitting. Our reputation has been based on our mobile towbar fitting so wherever you are located we can fit your towbar.