WHAT KIND OF TOWBAR AND ELECTRICS DO I NEED?

Towbars can be more complicated than you'd think. With various options on fitment, electrics and options, it can be a minefield. Use our helpful guide to explain the differences. The helpful guide below can help you choose which package works best for your needs.

Still not sure? Give us a call, we're happy to help.

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Fixed Flange

The traditional type of towbar, a flange is bolted to a flange plate and fitted to the underside of the vehicle.

Pros:

  • Often cheaper than the alternatives
  • Capable of additions such as bike racks
  • Can be fitted with a bumper plate to protect your vehicle
  • Can be used with height adjustable couplings to get different heights and clearances
  • Can be used with a step (ideal for commercial vehicles)
  • Towball can be upgraded to used with an AL-KO stabiliser

Cons:

  • May affect parking sensors
  • Generally not as aesthetically pleasing as alternatives - both the towbar and electrics are visible
  • Risk of banging your legs on the towbar when not towing

Fixed Swan Neck

The swan neck towbar is fitted directly to the underside of the vehicle with the neck curving upwards to provide a towing point.

Pros:

  • Neater and more aesthetically pleasing than the flange
  • Narrower so less likely to obstruct parking sensors
  • Capable of additions such as bike racks
  • Compatible with AL-KO stabilisers
  • Cheaper than the detachable swan neck

Cons:

  • Can be more expensive than a flange towbar
  • While it is reduced, there is still a chance of obstructing parking sensors
  • Risk of banging your legs when not towing

Detachable Swan Neck

Detachable swan neck towbars have all the advantages of the fixed with the bonus of being able to remove it when not towing.

Pros:

  • No interference with parking sensors when not towing, if removed
  • No chance of banging legs when not towing, if removed
  • Capable of additions such as bike racks
  • Compatible with AL-KO stabilisers
  • Neck mechanism locks to the vehicle to prevent it from being stolen

Cons:

  • More expensive than the alternatives
  • If the neck is lost it can be expensive to replace

Towbar Electrics

  • 7 Pin Electrics

    7 pin electrics (12N towing electrics) is the most basic type of electrical socket, it is what is needed to power the lights (left and right indicators and tail lights, fog lights, and brake lights) on whatever you are towing. This is the most common and cost effective type of connector, it fulfils all normal towing requirements under UK law. 

  • 13 Pin Electrics

    13 pin electric sockets are the most modern type of towing electrics that are mainly used when towing caravans, all EU post 2008 caravans are fitted with this type of electric connector. A 13 pin electric socket does everything a 7 pin electrical socket does as well as connecting advanced features such as trailer stability control and providing power to appliances inside the caravan (e.g the fridge), and reversing lights.

  • Universal vs Dedicated Wiring

    When choosing towbar electrics there are two different wiring options, universal and dedicated.
    Universal kits are available for all vehicles and are needed to connect the tow bar electrics to the car electrical system, supporting the basic electrical functions needed for towing.
    Dedicated wiring kits are made to fit a specific car make and model. This means the towbar electrics work in coordination with the vehicle's existing electrical system and advanced functions (e.g trailer stability control).

Towbar Quote Request

We will have an online booking system available soon, but in the meantime please fill in the enquiry form below to receive a towbar quote. Please make sure to include your vehicle make, model, and year of manufacture, as well as the type of towbar and electrics you would like.