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Towbars

There are 4 different types of towbars: Swan neck, Flange, Fixed Swan neck and Fixed flange

This can be confusing choosing the right towbar for you vehicle due to the different types being limited on most vehicles. Towbars are usually vehicle specific depending on make and model however most modern cars are able to have both types of towbar styles. NOTE: we only offer workshop fitting for all towbars - LE67 3DX

FIXED SWAN NECK

Pro's:

  • More aesthetically pleasing than a flange style towbar

  • Compatible with AL-KO and other friction style stabilisers (once the paint is removed off the 50mm ball section)

  • Less chance of the parking sensors falsing when in reverse (This is note guaranteed with a fixed swan neck)

  • Price is competitively priced compared to the detachable version

  • Capable of carrying all types of ball mount cycle carriers

 

Things to consider:

  • If your vehicle has parking sensors fitted, the parking sensors may pick the swan neck up as an obstacle when in reverse

  • Similar to the fixed flange you or a pedestrian could catch your legs or trip on the towbar when walking around your vehicle

  • Some necks are not as adaptable as the flange style i.e. cannot fit height adjusters, steps and couplings

  • Towing and using a towbar mount cycle carrier at the same time is not possible

  • Can be more expensive than a flange depending on make and model.

DETACHABLE SWAN NECK

Pro’s:

  • The neck of the towbar can be removed from the towbar to make the vehicle look as though there is no towbar fitted

  • Towing capacity is the same as a fixed bar

  • If parking sensors are fitted to a vehicle the detachable towbar does not interfere once it has been removed

  • Safer for you or a pedestrian as you would not be able to catch yourself on the the towbar when walking behind the vehicle.

  • Capable of carrying any tow ball mount cycle carrier

  • Compatible with AL-KO and other friction style stabilisers (once the paint is removed off the 50mm ball section)

  • Neck mechanism has a lock to stop it being stolen from the vehicle

 

Things to consider:

  • The neck of the towbar is expensive to replace if lost

  • towbar height cannot be altered

  • Alternative tow balls cannot be fitted

  • Price, the swan neck type towbars are more expensive than flange towbars

FIXED FLANGE

Pro's:

  • Capable of using other accessories while towing for example some models of cycle carriers.

  • Flange towbar prices tend to be cheaper

  • Capable of fitting a towbar and pin system required to pull plant trailers and generators

  • Ability to add a bumper protection plate

  • Capable of using height-adjustable couplings, drop plates and spacers to get different towing heights and clearances

  • Capable of putting a butterfly step on (Used mainly on commercial vehicles)

  • Tow ball can be upgraded for use with an AL-KO stabiliser

 

Things to consider:

  • If your vehicle has parking sensors fitted, the parking sensors may think that the towbar is an obstacle when in reverse

  • The look of the towbar on the back of your car may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other detachable styles.

  • You or a pedestrian could catch themselves on the the towbar when walking behind the vehicle.

  • Both the Towbar and Towbar electrics can be seen when looking at the vehicle

DETATCHABLE FLANGE

Pro's

  • The neck of the towbar is removable leaving the vehicle to look like there is no towbar fitted

  • Towing capacity is the same as a fixed flange.

  • If parking sensors are fitted to the vehicle the detachable flange towbar will not interfere once removed

  • Capable of carrying any tow ball mount cycle carrier

  • Safer for you or a pedestrian as you would not be able to catch yourself on the the towbar when walking behind the vehicle.

  • Compatible with AL-KO and other friction style stabilisers (once the paint is removed off the 50mm ball section)

  • Neck mechanism has a lock to stop it being stolen from the vehicle

  • Capable of fitting a tow ball and pin system required to pull plant trailers and generators

  • A choice of towing couplings and accessories can be fitted

 

Things to consider:

  • Detachable towbars can be more expensive than fixed towbars and detachable swan necks

  • Detachable flange tow ball necks are heavier than detachable swan necks

  • Detachable flange towbars look less aesthetically pleasing when fitted

  • The neck of the towbar is expensive to replace if lost

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