Types of Towbars

There are two different styles of towbars, fixed and detachable, both of which are available in swan neck and flange styles. Choosing a towbar can be confusing due to the wide variety of options. Towbars are vehicle specific so the options of towbar types can be limited depending on the car make and model. However, most modern vehicles have options for all towbar styles and types.

FIXED FLANGE TOWBAR

The most commonly used type of towbar in the UK is the flange towbar; where the tow ball is bolted to the towbar with two 24mm bolts. There are also some variations of the flange towbar type that have four bolts instead of two. This is the most versatile design of towbar because it can be used with tow ball mounted accessories i.e. cycle carriers, bumper protectors & all types of stabilisers, all mounted between the towbar & ball.

Benefits of the fixed flange towbar are:

Capable of using accessories like some models of cycle carriers whilst towing
Price, flange towbars tend to be cheaper
Capable of fitting a towbar and pin system required to pull plant trailers and generators
Capable of fitting a bumper protector 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 (mainly used on commercial vehicles)
Tow ball can be upgraded to be used with an AL-KO stabiliser

Things to consider before purchasing a fixed flange towbar are:

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, they are not as aesthetically pleasing as other styles
Banging your legs on the towbar when utilising your boot or walking around the vehicle
Both the towbar and electrics can be seen when looking at the vehicle

SWAN NECK TOWBAR TYPES

In the E.U. the most common towbar type is the swan neck towbar. This is where the tow ball and the neck are all one piece of the towbar. This type of towbar is becoming more popular in the U.K. due to the appearance of the bar looking neater and with the bar being narrower it is less likely to trigger your parking sensors.

This type of bar is a little less versatile than flange style; you can either tow or attach a cycle carrier but you can’t use both at the same time. The swan neck towbar can also be used with an AL-KO stabiliser without the need for modification. The swan neck type is available in both a detachable than fixed style.

FIXED SWAN NECK TOWBAR

Benefits of a fixed swan neck towbar:

More aesthetically pleasing than a flange style towbar
More chance of the parking sensors not picking up the towbar when in reverse (but not a guarantee)
Compatible with AL-KO and other friction style stabilisers (once the paint is removed off the 50mm ball section
Capable of carrying all types of ball mount cycle carriers

Things to consider before purchasing a fixed swan neck towbar:

If your vehicle has parking sensors fitted, the parking sensors may think that the towbar is an obstacle when in reverse
Banging your legs or tripping on the towbar when utilising your boot or 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.
A detachable swan neck towbar has all the benefits of a fixed swan neck towbar with the additional feature of being removed when not in use. Allowing for a cleaner look on the rear of a vehicle when not towing anything.

DETACHABLE SWAN NECK TOWBAR

Benefits of a detachable swan neck towbar:

The neck of the towbar can be removed leaving the vehicle looking like there is not a towbar fitted and towing capacity is the same as a fixed bar
If parking sensors are fitted to a vehicle the detachable towbar will not interfere once removed
You will not bang your legs or trip on the towbar when utilising your boot or walking around your vehicle when the neck is removed
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 locks to the vehicle to stop it being stolen

Things to consider before purchasing a detachable swan neck towbar:

If you lose the neck at any point they are expensive to replace
towbar height cannot be altered
Alternative tow balls cannot be fitted
Price, the detachable type towbars are more expensive than fixed towbars