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

A Guide On How To Choose The Correct Tow Bar Wiring Kit

How to Choose the Correct Towbar Wiring Kit:
You may have noticed after purchasing a tow bar that there are many tow bar wiring kit options available to you such as the basic, low cost, universal kits to the more expensive but dedicated tow bar plug in wiring kits. First of all you should consider what the main purpose of your tow bar is, for example do you plan on towing a caravan or perhaps you are only going to be towing a trailer to move items around. Once you have decided on what you plan to use your tow bar for you can make an informed decision on which tow bar wiring kit best suits your needs.

Different kit types:
The universal electrics kits usually require cutting into your vehicles electrics – if you do not feel comfortable doing so then please contact a tow bar fitter and get them to do it for you.

Single electrics or 12N electrics can be used with cycle carries to power the cycle carrier lighting board which is needed if the cycles or carrier blocks the view of the rear car lamps. 12N electrics main use is for towing trailers.

N Usages:
• Trailers without Leisure batteries
• Boat trailers
• Cycle carriers
• As a fly lead on clip on cycle carriers

N diagram:
12S electrics are commonly referred to as the twin electrics socket and has a grey cover. They are used in conjunction with the 12N socket when towing caravans, trailer tents and anything similar. The 12S electrics are used to charge the leisure battery, the charge for this is taken from the towing vehicle charging system via an automatic split charging relay so that both leisure battery and vehicle battery have sufficient power. The 12S socket also contains a power feed for the reversing lights on the caravan.

S usages:
• Caravans with a leisure battery.
• Trailer tents with a leisure battery.
• Catering trailers with a leisure battery.

S wiring diagram:
The newest style of towing socket are 13 pin towing sockets which, as of September 2008, all caravans manufactured will be wired up with 13 pin plugs that meet ISO11446 (international standards organisation) and the U.K. representative B.S.I. (British standards institute) requirements. This 13 pin socket is also more adaptable for detachable tow bars that have a spring mounting single socket plate which can be folded up behind the bumper so that it is invisible.

• If your car has a 13 pin socket and your caravan has 2 x 7 pin towing plugs (12N + 12S) you can purchase a conversion lead (MP603) to allow you to tow.
• If your caravan has a 13 pin plug but your car has 2 x 7 pin sockets (12N + 12S) you can purchase conversion lead TF1360 to allow you to tow.

You should also be aware that dedicated plug-in kits are vehicle specific. These kits will simply plug-in to your cars existing electrical wiring and although the best option if you are trying to fit your self they are also the more expensive option, costs can sometimes be as much as five times the cost of the universal equivalent.