Choosing the right towbar
At Western Towing we have been fitting towbars for over 43 years, a lot has changed in that time, mostly the complexity of the electrics rather than the towbar. Many vehicles now require ‘dedicated’ electrics with software uploading to the vehicle so that important safety features can operate when towing. This has made towbar fitting to some vehicles more expensive than it used to be, but towing is now much safer.
We have been NTTA accredited towbar fitting centres for many years but we have now decided not to renew this year and pass the savings onto our customers. We will continue to follow the industry best practices when fitting towbars. Many organisations such as The Caravan & Motorhome Club and The Camping & Caravanning Club expect these high standards. You can be assured we will offer you the best options available for your vehicle and to suit your trailer or caravan. Please contact us for expert advice and a competitive quote.
Flange Towbar
The style of towbar is also a matter of preference. Still popular is the Flange Towbar, developed in the UK, which offers the facility to add accessories such as bumper protectors, stabilisers and cycle carriers. The Flange type towbar also allows for the standard ball to be replaced with an ALKO compatible towball.
Towball mounted Cycle Carriers can also be used with Fixed Flange Towbars.
Swan Neck Towbar
If your vehicle has reversing sensors it is generally advisable to have a detachable towbar to avoid interference.
The Swan Neck Towbar is popular with vehicle manufacturers as their original equipment towbar and is also popular in the rest of Europe. Becoming more popular in the UK for towing caravans as it is compatible with ALKO stabiliers. There is no flexibility to add accessories but some prefer the appearance of the Flange ‘two bolt fixing’ type towball.
Towball mounted Cycle Carriers can also be used with Fixed Swan Neck Towbars.
Detachable Towbar
Further thought may be given to how a towbar affects the appearance of the rear of the vehicle when it’s permanently fixed in position. A Detachable Towbar is the option that overcomes this. There are two main types of detachable, those that when the towball is removed, no sign of a towbar is left, even the electrical socket flips under the bumper! and those that are slightly visible. The exact design usually depends on the vehicle type.
Since the towing neck can be removed it is possible to avoid interference with parking sensors. Detachable towbars are also compatible with ALKO stabilisers and towball mounted Cycle Carriers.
Witter, TowTrust, Brink and Westfalia are the UK’s leading towbar manufacturers. We recommend them for their build quality, strength and unobtrusive designs.
Many vehicle manufacturers also choose these towbar manufacturers as their approved equipment because of their reputation for making excellent products.
Our Towbar Fitting Service
We’ll fit a quality towbar and together with either standard hard-wired or ‘dedicated’ electrics (depending on vehicle) to our usual high level with a full guarantee.
We have been fitting towbars since 1977 so we have gained a wealth of experience in that time. We are constantly striving to give the best towbar fitted at a competitive price. Please contact us on 01392 216336 for a quote. Lines are open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 12.30pm on Saturdays or complete the quote request by email below
We don’t offer a mobile service as we believe it is not possible to fit towbars, or more importantly, the complicated electrics to vehicles at the roadside or on a driveway. Work on today’s vehicles should be carried out in a suitably equipped workshop. There is the added advantage of knowing where we are should you need us!
Please complete this form for a Towbar Fitting Quote
