Q. What is a Towbar?

A.  A Towbar is the steel structure bolted to the chassis of a vehicle that can be used to tow a Caravan, Trailer or to support a Bike-Rack. They are either “Fixed” and permanently bolted to the vehicle, or “Detachable”, where the protruding hitch section can be removed.

Q. Why do I need electrics with a Towbar?

A.  Towbar electrics and wiring is the means to provide a socket on the outside of a vehicle, the socket is then used to provide road lights for anything fitted to the Towbar such as a Caravan, a Trailer or a Bike-Rack that would otherwise obscure the lights on the vehicle from view when in use.

Q. What is the difference between a 7-Pin socket and a 13-Pin socket?

A.  There are 3 main types of electric systems to choose from depending on your needs, 1^st, is a 7-Pin (12N), this will provide road lights with the exception of reverse. It’s suitable for all applications including Caravans, Trailers and Bike-Rack’s that do not have a reverse light requirement. 2^nd, is a 13-Pin, this will provide road lights including reverse, it is suitable for Caravans, Trailers and Bike-Racks that do have a reverse light requirement. The 13-Pin wiring can also provide power that can be used by a Caravan or any auxiliary attachment. And 3^rd, the 7-Pin (12S), this is used to provide power to a Caravan, and, because it contains reverse, the 7-Pin (12S) will usually accompany a 7pin(12N), which is the early version and equivalent of the more modern 13 pin.

 Q. What is the difference between a Fixed Swanneck and A Fixed Flange Towbar?

A.    A Fixed Swanneck towbar will typically have just the Swanneck on view, with the 50mm ball at the top, The Swanneck is the final piece of the assembly that is bolted permanently to the car. This type of towbar is suitable for all vehicles and all Towing applications, It would suit customers who prefer a minimalist look to the Towbar, the electrical socket is positioned lowdown or could be concealed behind the bumper when not in use .  A Fixed Flange Towbar will typically have a portion of the frame called the Flange on view; the Flange is used to mount the 50mm Towball hitch. This type of towbar is suitable for all vehicles and all Towing applications, it would suit customers who need the extra versatility provided by the bolt holes to mount height adjustment equipment, mount a high level the electrical socket beside the Towball, mount a specialist cycle carrier. A fixed flange Towbar is a preferred chois for working vehicles that require a Jaw & Pin or Ball & Pin Hitch.

Q. How do I know if my vehicle can Tow anything?

A. Most modern cars are able to Tow, to find out about your vehicles Towing capacity, information can usually be found in the vehicles hand book, or talk to the main Dealer.

Q. How do I know what Towbar and Electrics to select?

A.  Most people choose a Towbar and Electrics based on price, if so, a Fixed Towbar is cheaper than a Detachable Towbar.  When it comes to the Towbar electrics systems however, there are a few things to consider. 1^st, what plug do you have on your Trailer, Caravan or Bike-Rack, you would be wise to match the existing plug. 2^nd, would you prefer to have the manufacturers electrics (vehicle specific wiring kit VSK), or the aftermarket (Bypass Kit) installed.  There are pros and cons to consider with either option. The Bypass wiring electrics kit is a cheaper system to install, but the VSK electrics may better support your vehicles technology but at a higher cost.

Q. I have a small car that’s not rated for towing, can I still fit a Towbar to transport my Bikes?

A.  It might be that your car cannot Tow a Trailer or Caravan (check your handbook or with your Dealer) but it should still be capable of supporting a Towbar for the purpose of carrying your bicycles without issue.

Q. My Caravan has two plugs attached to it, what wiring do I need?

A.  If your Caravan has two plugs, one will provide road lighting for the Trailer or Caravan, a 7-Pin (12N), and the other will provide reverse and power for a fridge or leisure battery, a 7-Pin(12S). You would therefore need both options on your vehicle, however you could opt for just the 7-Pin 12N road lights only

Q. What is the difference between a Bypass wiring kit and a vehicle specific kit (VSK)?

A.  The Bypass Wiring Kit is connected to a direct feed bulb or LED light on the vehicle. Developed before the introduction of the Can bus system in cars, it is a low-tec low-cost option that’s still in use today. It is important to mention however, that not all vehicles will support the Bypass Wiring Kit successfully, this is because of sensitivity within the Can Bus system and the vehicle ECU.  The Vehicle Specific Kit VSK is connected directly to the vehicles Can Bus and ECU, it will integrate with the vehicle to activate the dash Trailer indicator warning light if fitted, deactivate parking aids and the rear fog lamps when towing, it can also activate systems such-as the Trailer stability control program, suspension settings, traction control and anti-lock braking. The vehicle specific kit is a recommended fitment option for vehicles with a high technology specification.

Q. Can I use my old Towbar on my new vehicle/ Can I fit a second-hand towbar to my vehicle?

A.  It is possible to reuse a Towbar that has been removed from a vehicle but only if, (1) the Towbar was previously fitted to the same make and model vehicle (2) the Towbar is in good condition and has not been involved in an accident.  (3) You have the complete Towbar with inserts, spacers, washers nuts and bolts, it may however be necessary to buy new nuts bolts and washers. (4) the Towbar should be Type Approved under EC Regulation 94/20 and have a sticker showing compliance. Contact us to discuss towbar removal and re fitting.