How to choose the right tow bar for your car?
When choosing a towbar, you need to pay attention to the fact that tow hooks differ in shape and method of attachment. There are various models available on the automotive market.
Fixed towbars
This is the most reliable model. Since it is welded, once attached, it is impossible to remove it without damaging the housing. The disadvantage of a non-removable towbar is that the mechanism, made of metal, is susceptible to corrosion. Because of this, the fasteners are destroyed over time.
Conditionally removable towbars
The model is attached to the car using bolts of different diameters. Therefore, it can be disconnected from the car, and when the need arises, it can be attached again. The method of fastening depends on the type of hook.
- Ball type "A". It is common and is held on by two bolts. If necessary, it can be removed. Reliable, but unpretentious to use.
- Ball type "B". It is fixed with a central nut. The design is detached manually, therefore it is considered semi-automatic.
- Ball type "C". It has the simplest design possible. Most often applied to foreign-made cars. The model is equipped with a lock that prevents theft. The towbar can be removed both horizontally and vertically.
- Ball type "G". Fastens with four bolts. Can be adjusted in height. Most often applied to SUVs.
Vertically removable or horizontally removable
In this model, the hooks come complete with locking devices that allow you to easily disconnect the coupling mechanism from the car body. More often applied to foreign car brands.
Attention! The towbar, which helps transport cargo, is a hook, one end of which is attached to the car, and the other ends with a standard spherical knob connected to the trailer.
The service life of the towbar depends on the type of fastening of the towbar to the vehicle.
Manufacturers classify towbars depending on the weight they can withstand when transporting large loads. Towbars are manufactured for specific car brands, based on their size. For traffic safety, the weight of the trailer should not exceed the total weight of the vehicle.
Classification:
- Small - can withstand a weight of no more than 1.5 tons. Such models are intended for passenger cars.
- Medium – capable of withstanding a load of up to 2.5 tons. Suitable for large vehicles: SUVs, minivans, crossovers.
- Large - used for attaching trailers carrying cargo up to 3.5 tons. They can be attached to frame SUVs and minibuses.
In order for the towbar to serve for many years, it is necessary to choose a model from official manufacturers. They manufacture products in accordance with current standards. Homemade towbars pose a danger to the health and life of the driver, as well as other road users.
Rating of towbars by manufacturer and model
Below is a rating of towbars for passenger cars in different price categories. You can choose the one suitable for a specific vehicle brand.
The best premium towbars
The list of leading premium devices includes “Baltex KU”-01. Ball diameter – 24 mm. Hook type “E”, designed for a 50/50 square, removable. Price from 7000 rub. (original production), if the product is produced in Russia, it is much cheaper - within 2500 rubles. Durable steel alloy. The coating is powder paint, the permissible transportation weight is 1.5 tons, the disadvantages include the lack of electrical wiring included.
Suitable for foreign cars made in the USA
"Aragon" E2024 FC is suitable for SUVs and small trucks. Equipped with a special security lock. Easy to install and remove, ensures reliable coupling. Type “C”, conditionally removable, manufactured in Spain. Ball diameter – 50 mm. Cost from 10,000 to 24,000 rubles. Maximum load capacity 2.5 tons.
The towbar is made of galvanized metal
"Leader R115-A", manufacturer Russia. Load: vertical – up to 80 kg, horizontal – 1.2 tons. Ball diameter – 50 mm. It is secured with two bolts, the kit includes a bracket for an electrical outlet, but no electrical accessories are provided. Price from 5000 rub.
Made from durable alloy and powder coated
The best towbars in the mid-price category
The best and most popular towbars include products with an average price. The leading position in this ranking is occupied by the “Trailer” E170. Type “A”, with a reliable design, made of galvanized steel. Not suitable for all car brands. Ball diameter – 50 mm. Mounted with two bolts, removable. Cost from 3500 rub. One of the disadvantages is that the kit does not include electrical wiring. Easy to install and remove by yourself. The maximum capacity is 1100 kg.
“VFM-BOSAL” 4258A: manufacturer Russia, type “A” ball, electrical package included. Transportation limit is 1500 kg. Made of high-quality thick-walled alloy, coated with powder paint. The ball has a diameter of 50 mm, the weight of the product is 20-22 kg. Price from 7500 rub.
The device is removable, secured with two bolts
"READER PLUS" F114-F(N) is more suitable for SUVs. The maximum towed weight is 2 tons. Installation of the beam requires removal of the bumper. Ball in type “A” trailer hitch. The product is secured with two bolts. Made of high-strength stainless material with a polymer composition. The price of the original product is from 5000 rubles. The kit includes an electrical package.
Beam with company logo
The best towbars in the low price category
A budget option, but no less reliable, is the “OFF ROAD TEAM” tow bar from a Chinese manufacturer. A distinctive feature is the low price (4 thousand rubles) with a high load capacity, the maximum towed limit is up to 8 tons. Class “A” ball with a diameter of 50 mm. The 2 in 1 device is provided with an additional locking pin chain. The distance between the mounting holes horizontally is 8 cm, vertically – 4.5 cm. Easy to install and remove.
Made of high-strength material, the ball is coated with chrome, the rest of the towbar is made of polymer material
“Trailer” 1119 is an economy class version made in Russia. It has a welded type of ball fastening, suitable for domestic cars. The towing weight limit is 900 kg. Easy to attach and does not require body adjustment. Electrical package included. Made of galvanized metal coated with cataphoresis primer.
The cost of a tow bar is from 2000 rubles
"BOSAL" 21071 is produced in Russia for domestic cars. Ball type "A". Mounted with two bolts, there is no need to adjust or trim the bumper. Made from high-strength steel using the latest technology. Maximum load capacity 1.1 tons. Price – from 2.5 thousand rubles.
Towbar with electrics included
Towbar installation instructions
When purchasing a trailer hitch, you must consider the make of the car. Information on how to attach a towbar to a vehicle should be found in the technical data sheet. The design of most modern cars provides space for its installation.
To secure the towbar without going to a service station, one driver cannot do it. Most devices weigh between 12 and 30 kg, so you will need an assistant. The transport coupling device is attached to the bottom of the car. Before starting work, it is necessary to lift the rear of the vehicle or drive it into the repair pit. When carrying out installation work, it is important to follow safety rules: disconnect the car from the power supply, handle tools carefully, etc. To ensure that nothing interferes with the installation, you need to remove all things from the trunk.
Before attaching the towbar, you need to attach it to the car body and make sure that the model fits in size. If necessary, additional holes for fastening should be made. It is important to clean the mounting area from rust and dirt. The transport coupling mechanism must be firmly and securely secured with bolts. There should be no voids left between its components and the car body.
Towing hitch manufacturers
Among manufacturers today, the following companies are most popular:
- Thule. The Swedish company has been specializing in the production of car accessories for many years. The manufacturer’s model range includes a trailer hitch with rigid mounting, as well as removable elements. For example, a towbar for a Brink Duster costing about 22,000 rubles is suitable for cars manufactured since 2015.
- Bosal. A Dutch manufacturer offering a wide selection of not only trailer hitches of various designs, but also products created for individual orders with artistic design and so on. The price of such products is much lower. For example, a tow bar for a Solaris Bosal-BFM category “A” will cost about 5,000 rubles (without electrics). The dismountable mechanism of this product allows you to remove it without any extra effort.
- Westfalia. The German company has been manufacturing trailer hitches since 1844 and is the main manufacturer in Germany (45%). Westfalia specializes in quick release models. The towbar on the Yeti costs about 10,000 rubles, and its towing load is 2 tons.
- Autoflex. The Hungarian manufacturer, which is part of the Bosal corporation, also offers consumers high-quality trailer hitches for various brands of cars.
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In addition, the following companies stand out for their quality products: Trailer, VFM (a subsidiary of Bosal) and Oris.
Balls
Each type of element has its own characteristics:
- A – removable structure, which is attached with two horizontal bolts; load capacity 1500 kg;
- B – similar design with a horizontal fastening method;
- C – analogue of type A, with a load capacity of 1 ton;
- E – the ball is mounted on a tow bar, the so-called “American square”, capable of carrying a load of up to 3 tons;
- F – forged element with two holes for fastening, can withstand loads ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 tons;
- G – lightweight forged part, with a load capacity of up to 3500 kg;
- N – universal model, suitable for installation on a regular towbar, as well as on an “American square”; has 4 holes for fastening, carries loads up to 3.5 tons;
- H – part made using welding technology; load capacity up to 1500 kg;
- V – analogue of forged models, without height adjustment; carries a load of up to 2500 kg.
Removable towbar
With regard to the towing device (towbar), motorists are divided into three groups:
- The first ones, when buying a car, do not think about the towbar. But then some drivers regret the unrealized factory option.
- The latter, showing interest in the tow bar, have high hopes for it. Even if they don't have a trailer yet.
- And still others, knowing about the purpose and technical capabilities of the tow bar, may not buy a car with a tow bar they don’t like. This applies to cars with decent traction characteristics of the SUV family or specialized equipment.
Features of operation
For many, a towbar is a hook for towing a trailer. The simpler it is, the cheaper, and therefore more profitable. But this is a primitive position because:
- The classic towed frame configuration involves pairing the vehicle only with certain trailers. In this case, the clearance of both vehicles plays a decisive role. If the trailer is not level with the horizontal plane, weight distribution will suffer. It is not always possible to use rigging loops or slings to keep the load centered. Therefore, different ground clearance due to an unsuitable hook will create a problem:
- Overweight on the hitch will weaken the steering.
- A roll to the rear will pull the rear axle of the car up, which is bad for a rear-wheel drive car.
A removable tow bar solves the issue, as it can be in two positions relative to the clearance of the coupling unit: normal and inverted.
- The immediate need to transport cargo behind the back of the car forces the driver to install a hook with a ball, even if he does not want it. Unaesthetic appearance is the reason for reluctance to install. And completely dismantling the trailer platform is an impractical procedure. A removable tow bar is also the best option here. Two seconds, and the hook is in the trunk.
- Backstabbing accidents do not occur without the involvement of a towbar. A bulging ball causes more damage than a bumper with an elongated area. The damping of the blow in the first case will be sharp. The removable tow bar, when assembled, does not protrude beyond the bumper, so accidental snagging of the hook is excluded.
- Traffic regulations in some European countries impose fines for driving with a tow hitch. This does not mean that it is prohibited. European standards only recognize removable towbars. And the driver with the classic trailed configuration will have to crawl under the car and dismantle the device or shrug his shoulders.
Original homemade tow bar - In addition, you can hit the hook with your foot or get dirty with the lubricant in which the ball is located. In this matter, the removable tow bar wins again. The empty hole is closed with a special plug.
What is a towbar socket?
The towbar socket is the system from which the side lights and turn signals operate. Using connectors, the trailer system is connected to the vehicle wiring. This connection makes it possible to control the trailer from inside the vehicle.
The socket is connected in two ways:
- Full-time. It is assumed to use a special connector provided by the design of the car. Signals pass through it, triggered after attaching the coupling device. This system works automatically and is suitable for inexperienced drivers.
- Universal. Used if the first one doesn't work. It involves connecting the trailer wires directly to the vehicle wiring. The installation wires come in different colors, so this task is not difficult to complete yourself.
