The Ultimate Towbar Buying Guide

What are Towbars and What are they used for

When it comes to getting more out of your ute a towbar is one of the most important accessories you can buy. A towbar, also known as a tow bar, is a device that attaches to your vehicle’s chassis and allows you to tow trailers, caravans, boats, horse floats, and more. Tow bars are essential for providing towing solutions for various vehicles, ensuring you choose the right type based on your vehicle's towing capacity and intended use. Whether you're planning a weekend camping trip or need to haul equipment for work, a good towbar will turn your vehicle into a multi-purpose tool.

In Australia, towbars are a popular accessory for utes, SUVs, and even some sedans because of their robust design and ability to tow many different types of loads. The term “towbar” seems simple, but there are many types and classifications to understand to choose the right one for your needs.

Types of Towbars

There are several types of towbars, each for different towing applications:

1. Fixed Hitch Towbars: These are the most common type of towbar. They are fixed to your vehicle and suitable for most towing jobs including towing caravans and trailers. Standard towbars are light-duty towing solutions suitable for a range of vehicle sizes, designed for light loads and ease of installation. Fixed hitch towbars often feature a bolt-on tongue that attaches using two bolts, highlighting their mechanical stability and ease of installation.

2. Removable Towbars: As the name suggests these towbars can be removed when not in use for flexibility and convenience. Perfect for those who want to keep their vehicle looking stock without sacrificing towing capacity.

3. Euro-style Swan Neck Towbars: Designed for European vehicles these towbars have a sleek aerodynamic design that matches the vehicle’s appearance. Not as versatile as others but good for light duty towing.

4. 50x50mm Hitch Receiver Towbars: These are heavy duty towbars for serious towing jobs like hauling large caravans, horse floats and boats. The square hitch receiver allows for easy attachment of various towing accessories so it’s the go to choice for heavy duty towing.

Towbar Capacity and Weight Rating

Choosing a towing bar is more than just choosing a type; you also need to consider the towing capacity and the different types of towbars available. Towbars are classified by their weight rating:

• Class 2 Towbars: For light duty towing, Class 2 towbars can tow up to 1200kg. Good for towing small trailers or bike racks.

• Class 3 Towbars: These towbars can tow up to 1600kg and are used for medium sized trailers and boats.

• Class 4 Towbars: With a capacity of up to 3500kg, Class 4 towbars are the heavyweights of towing. They are for heavy duty towing applications like towing large caravans, horse floats, and heavy trailers.

Make sure you choose a towbar that matches your vehicle’s towing capacity to avoid safety issues and damage. Overloading a towbar can create dangerous driving conditions, wear and tear, and possible damage to your vehicle.

Towbar Installation Services

Towbar installation is not a DIY job for most people. It requires expertise, special tools and a good understanding of your vehicle’s chassis and electrical systems. Professional installation ensures your towbar is securely attached and aligned properly for a safe and reliable towing experience.

For off-road use, specialized installation may be required to ensure the towbar's rugged performance and durability, including features like bash plates and specialized couplings.

The installation involves mounting the towbar to the vehicle’s chassis using high strength bolts, connecting the wiring for the trailer’s lights and attaching any additional accessories like hitch pin or tow ball. Proper installation also involves calibrating the vehicle’s electronic stability control system to the towbar and any attached trailer.

Towbar Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your towbar remains in good condition and functions properly. Here are some tips to help you maintain your towbar:

• Regular Inspections: Frequently inspect your towbar for any signs of wear and tear, such as rust or damage to the hitch receiver or tow ball. Early detection of issues can prevent more significant problems down the line.

• Cleaning: Keep your towbar clean to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating and causing damage. A simple wash with soap and water can go a long way in maintaining its condition.

• Lubrication: Regularly lubricate the tow ball and hitch receiver to ensure smooth operation. This helps in reducing friction and wear, extending the life of your towbar.

• Electrical Connections: Check the towbar’s electrical connections regularly to ensure they are secure and functioning properly. Faulty connections can lead to issues with trailer lights and other towing accessories.

• Professional Servicing: Have your towbar inspected and serviced by a professional mechanic or towbar specialist at least once a year. They can provide a thorough check and address any potential issues.

By following these maintenance tips, you can help extend the life of your towbar and ensure it continues to function safely and reliably.

Towbar Pricing and Costs

The cost of a towbar can vary depending on several factors, including the type of towbar, the vehicle it is being installed on, and the installation services required. Here are some general price ranges to expect:

• Light Duty Towbars: Typically range from $200 to $500. These are suitable for lighter towing tasks such as small trailers or bike racks.

• Medium Duty Towbars: Generally cost between $500 and $1,000. Ideal for medium-sized trailers and boats.

• Heavy Duty Towbars: Can range from $1,000 to $2,000. These are designed for heavy-duty towing applications like large caravans and horse floats.

• Installation Services: Professional installation services can cost between $300 and $1,000, depending on the complexity of the installation and the vehicle type.

• Towing Accessories: Additional accessories such as wiring harnesses, towbar covers, and hitch pins can range from $50 to $500.

It’s also important to consider the cost of any additional features or upgrades you may want, such as a wiring harness or a towbar cover. Investing in quality towbars and accessories ensures safety and longevity.

Towbar Accessories and Spare Parts

A towbar is not complete without the right accessories and spare parts. These will enhance the functionality and safety of your towing setup:

• Tow Balls: Available in various sizes tow balls are a part of the towbar system. They connect the trailer’s coupling to the towbar and is essential for safe towing.

• Hitch Pins and Clips: Used to secure the tow bar or hitch receiver to the vehicle so the trailer doesn’t detach during transit.

• Hitch Receivers: Used to attach towing accessories like bike racks or cargo carriers to the towbar. Available in different sizes 50mm for heavy duty applications.

• Electric Trailer Brakes: For heavy loads electric trailer brakes provide extra stopping power and are often a legal requirement for towing large trailers.

• Dual Battery Setups: Useful for powering trailer lights, winches and other electrical gear on long trips.

Spare parts like D shackles, shanks and hitch extenders are also available and are needed to maintain and upgrade your towbar setup.

Choosing the Right Towbar for Your Vehicle

When choosing a towbar consider your vehicle’s make, model and towing capacity. Each vehicle has a different towing capacity and you need to choose a towbar that matches those specifications. For example a ute towbar for a Toyota Hilux will be different from a tow bar for a car like the Toyota Corolla.

Also consider the type of towing you will be doing. If you will be towing light trailers or small boats a Class 2 towbar will be sufficient. But if you will be towing caravans or horse floats a Class 3 or Class 4 towbar is required. Always choose a towbar that meets Australian standards as this means it has been tested for safety and durability.

Towbar Brands and Quality

Several well known brands offer high quality towbars in Australia. Hayman Reese, Trailboss and TAG are some of the most popular names in the industry. These brands are known for their strength, reliability and Australian standards. When choosing a towbar it’s worth investing in a product from a reputable brand for longevity and safety.

Expertise in Towing Solutions

At [Company Name], we pride ourselves on our expertise in towing solutions. Our team of experienced technicians and towbar specialists have the knowledge and skills to help you find the right towbar for your vehicle and towing needs. We offer a range of towing accessories and installation services to ensure your towbar is installed correctly and functions safely and reliably.

Our expertise in towing solutions includes:

• Towbar Selection and Installation: We help you choose the right towbar for your vehicle and ensure it is installed to the highest standards.

• Towing Accessory Installation: From hitch pins to tow balls, we install all necessary towing accessories to enhance your towing setup.

• Electrical Wiring and Connections: Proper electrical connections are crucial for safe towing. We ensure all wiring is correctly installed and functioning.

• Towbar Maintenance and Repair: Regular maintenance and timely repairs keep your towbar in top condition.

• Towing Safety and Advice: We provide expert advice on safe towing practices and help you understand the capabilities and limitations of your towing setup.

We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible towing solutions and exceptional customer service.

Dealer vs. Aftermarket Towbars

You may be tempted to go with a dealer installed towbar but it’s important to know that these towbars may not be made by the vehicle manufacturer. They are often sourced from aftermarket suppliers and marked up in price. Aftermarket towbars are designed, tested and manufactured to Australian standards. They are a cost effective option that doesn’t compromise on quality or safety.

Safety Considerations

A properly installed towbar is essential for safe towing. Regular maintenance including checking for wear and tear, tightening bolts and inspecting the wiring is important to keep your towbar in good condition. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for towing and loading and never exceed the towbar’s weight rating.

Client Testimonials and Reviews

Don’t just take our word for it - here’s what some of our satisfied customers have to say about our towbar services:

• “I was impressed with the professionalism and expertise of the team at [Company Name]. They helped me find the right towbar for my vehicle and installed it quickly and efficiently.” - John D.

• “I’ve been using [Company Name] for all my towing needs for years. They always provide excellent service and advice.” - Sarah K.

• “I was blown away by the quality of the towbar and the installation service provided by [Company Name]. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and safe towing solution.” - Mark S.

We are proud of our reputation for providing exceptional customer service and towing solutions. Contact us today to experience it for yourself.

Summary

Choosing the right towbar for your vehicle is a matter of considering several things, the type of towing you will be doing, your vehicle’s capacity and the quality of the towbar. By knowing the different types of towbars, their capacities and the importance of professional installation you can make an informed decision that adds to your vehicle’s versatility and safe towing. Always safety first, choose a towbar that meets Australian standards and invest in a product with a lifetime warranty for peace of mind.

Visit AlfaLab for more towbar options. Light or heavy duty towing? We have you covered.