Choosing & Fitting The Correct Mobile Towbar

By Author: Devender Verma
Total Articles: 4
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If you have decided that you want to fit a mobile towbar to your vehicle, it's crucial you educate yourself about the various types of mobile towbars that are available prior to running out and purchasing one.

Although you may think that all towbars are basically the same, there are actually three distinct styles of towbars. The three types of mobile towbars are the 2 Bolt Flangeball, Detachable and Swan neck.

The reason that there are three different types of towbars is because each one has its own set of advantages. However, each towbar also has its own weaknesses as well. Depending on your needs, one towbar will more than likely be a much finer choice than the other two.

Because it can be confusing to decide which towbar is right for your specific needs, you can use the easy to follow list below that provides a basic summary of each kind of towbar, as well as discusses their advantages and disadvantages:

2 Bolt Flangeball:
- Of the three towbars, the 2 Bolt Flangeball (which is a fixed towbar) is the most commonly found.
- Advantages: It has the ability for huge cycle carrier ...
... options, offers multiple coupling options and has towing electrics that are easily accessible.
- Disadvantages: The electrics and towball of this towbar are always visible. There is also the potential that it can conflict with a fitted parking sensor.

Detachable:
- While this towbar features the same functionality as a fixed towbar, the neck and ball (which are fixed by a locking mechanism during the course of towing) can be removed in a matter of seconds after towing is finished (and stored in a carrying case for easy future access).
- Advantages: Doesn't interfere with vehicle parking sensors, and offers a more aesthetic appearance.
- Disadvantages: In addition to its high price, this style of towbar has limited cycle carrier options, as well as electrics that can be challenging to get to.

Swan neck:
- Whilst the Swan neck looks similar to the Detachable style of towbar, it has a permanent fixture.
- Advantages: The electrics are less visible than the 2 Bolt Flangeball towbar.
- Disadvantages: In addition to potentially interfering with the parking sensors, this style of towbar has limited cycle carrier options and difficult to access electrics.

In addition to the three main styles of towbars, other accessories you may consider purchasing are:

- Cycle Rack: A cycle rack can be used to transport up to 4 bicycles on your vehicle at a time.
- Universal Couplings: Universal couplings can provide an assortment of towball mounting heights.
- Tow Steps: Tow steps provide simple access to the rear of your vehicle and roof storage areas.

After using this information to choose which kind of towbar is right for your needs, you must be conscious that before you begin towing, you need to buy a Piezo Buzzer. While a Pizeo Buzzer is a fairly cheap device, it is a very important safety measure that will keep you safe while towing by emitting an alarm in the event that the trailer detaches from your vehicle.
Automotive Control are Bristol based installers of vehicle security systems and parking aid fitting, parking sensors, car phones and multimedia solutions. We can also provides towbar installation.