The popularity of detachable towbars
Detachable towbars have it all. In seconds the towball snaps into place when you need to tow a trailer, caravan or bike rack. When not towing, it is stored in the boot, keeping the rear of the car clean and tidy. It’s important for looks, but it’s important for real, too! A fixed towbar changes the rear silhouette of the vehicle, can block parking sensors and can have an impact on the crush zone in the rear bumper in case of an accident.
What is the money value?
The towbar assembly alone weighs anywhere from 150 to greater than five hundred lbs, relying on the vehicle make and model. There is then another fifty to two hundred from dedicated electrics which come in 7 pin or 13 pin models. The price of a professional fitting is in the range of one hundred fifty to three hundred at a specialist installer.
Comparing the detachable towbar price across suppliers before committing helps you understand the market and ensures you are getting a fair deal on a product that varies surprisingly in cost between sellers.
Selecting the appropriate rating
All towbars have a TOR (towing on rating) which should always be the same as or higher than the weight of what you wish to tow. Refer to the car’s manual for the towing capacity and choose the appropriate towbar. Another critical element is the towbar’s nose weight rating, or the downward force placed on the towball, by the trailer coupling which should not be exceeded. This is wrong, it would affect stability and would be a legal problem.
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Dedicated versus universal electrics
These are hardwired into the vehicle’s electrical system via the vehicle’s electrical wiring loom and work with the onboard computers. When a trailer is detected, they extinguish the parking sensors automatically and communicate with the car to change the stability control system. Universal electrics are less expensive, but do not engage the vehicle’s electronics, so parking sensors will keep working and stability systems won’t be aware of the trailer. Dedicated Electrics are strongly recommended for modern vehicles.
Installation considerations
Detachable Towbar will need to be bolted into or existing mounting holes in the chassis or subframe of a vehicle. Typically, the bumper must be removed or partially taken apart to gain access to the mounting area. A professional will take 3-5 hours to install including electrics. Confident mechanics can do it with a bit of care and the correct plugs and connectors, but there is a bit of DIY fitting to do.
Legal requirements
Towbar type approval is required in the UK to EC94/20 or UN Regulation 55. The towbar must have the following information clearly marked: the approval number, the vehicle that is approved for the towbar and the D and S values. Once fitted, make sure your insurance provider knows about modifications to the vehicle. A few insurers don’t require an additional charge for a tow bar, but if you don’t declare it you may void your policy.
Conclusion
The detachable towbar is a great and functional addition to any vehicle’s equipment that tows occasionally but wants to look nice un-towed. Shop for the towing price, go for the appropriate rating, purchase dedicated electrics and ensure it is installed by a professional.
