Different types of tow bar

Flange Ball: The flange ball towbar is the most common type of towbar used in this country – the tow ball being bolted to the tow bar (using two 24mm bolts). The design of the flange ball tow bar is the most versatile and allows for tow ball mounted accessories such as cycle carriers and bumper protectors to be fitted between the tow bar and the tow ball. As versatile as this style of towbar is, it’s becoming less and less popular on passenger cars due to the swan neck style towbar looking tidier – having said this, the flange ball is the most popular choice for those who use towbars for a living (van, 4x4 and light commercial owners).

Pro’s:

• Versatile
• A choice of tow balls
• Drop plates can be used to change towing height
• Can be used with a wide range of accessories

Con’s:

• More likely to set off your parking aids
• Visible electrics
• Can be bulky
• Needs extended tow ball to work with AlKo stabilizer + some Thule cycle carriers

Swan Neck: The swan neck style towbar is the most common type of towbar in the E.U – the tow ball and neck being all one piece of the tow bar. The swan neck tow bar is much less versatile than the flange ball style but is becoming more and more popular here as it looks neater and its narrower neck makes it less likely to set off any parking aids. You can still tow with the swan neck style towbar or use a cycle carrier but you cannot use both at the same time.

Pro’s:

• Less likely to set off your parking aids
• Compact and looks tidier
• Mid range price
• Works with AlKo stabilizer without modifications


Con’s:

• No choice of tow balls
• Not compatible with Witter cycle carriers
• Tow ball height cannot be adjusted
• Cannot be used with a bumper guard

Detachable: The detachable style towbar looks very similar to a swan neck towbar but with the added benefit of being able to remove it when not in use by unclipping the neck which leaves little or nothing on view. Due to moving parts the neck and mounting point will naturally wear over time and need replacing which can be expensive.

Pro’s:

• The towbar can be unclipped when not in use
• Car appearance can be unaffected by this style towbar
• Causes no issues with parking aids
• Can be used with AlKo stabalizer

Con’s:

• Most expensive
• Cannot be used with bumper guard
• Not compatible with Witter cycle carriers
• No choice of tow balls
• Tow ball height cannot be adjusted