WHICH TYPE OF TOW BAR BEST SUITS YOUR NEEDS?
There are four main types of Tow Bar on the UK Market
Fixed Flange / Bolt on Ball
This type of Tow Bar has a flat flange plate that the Tow Ball attaches to with 2 x M16 Bolts. This is more common on commercial vehicles where additional accessories need to be fitted, such as Jaw Pin & Ball couplings, drop plates, adjustable couplings, bumper guards, tow ball spacers & some bike racks. It is also more commonly used when towing an old style Caravan fitted with blade type stabilisers.
Detachable Flange / Bolt on Ball
The same features as the above fixed style but with a removable neck. There is a limited range of this version supplied by Witter Tow Bars. These can be fitted with an extended tow ball which makes them suitable for the Al-Ko AKS stabiliser couplings.
Fixed Swan Neck
This type is just a single neck piece with the Tow Ball integrated on the end. These are more popular on private cars, light vans & Camper Vans & more commonly fitted as a Factory fit by the manufacturer. The only downside to this style is that it can’t be used with many of the accessories. It is, however, compatible with the Thule range of Cycle Carriers.
Detachable Swan Neck
The same features as the above fixed style but with a removable neck. This is widely used on Cars, SUVS, MPVs & luxury 4x4s. The benefit of these tow bars is that they are usually invisible when not in use keeping the same aesthetic look of the standard vehicle. The tow ball does not get picked up by the vehicles reverse sensors. The tow ball isn’t left in place behind the vehicle & in the way when loading or unloading from the boot. Also compatible with the Thule range of Cycle Carriers. This is currently the most popular tow bar fitting option in the UK
