There are five common styles of towbar, not all styles are available for all vehicles.

  • Fixed / Flange
  • Fixed / Swan Neck
  • Detachable Swan Neck
  • Detachable Flange
  • Retractable Swan Neck
The style of car towbar does not determine whether your vehicle’s bumper will need modifying as every towbar installation will differ. Some do not require bumper modification and others will need a small section to be removed, normally from the under-tray below the painted section of the rear bumper (non-visible).

Removable towbars are just as secure as fixed versions, they carry the identical towing and nose weight limits. Please refer to your vehicle handbook and keep within the limits specified, the towbar we install will always comply with these figures.

1) Fixed Flange Towbar: (traditional)

The most common style of vehicle towbar, the towball and electrics are always visible (electrics are generally positioned to the side of the towball).

Advantages - Huge cycle carrier options, various coupling options, towing electrics very accessible, towing step or bumper guard can be fitted.

Disadvantages - Towbar and electrics always visible, may interfere with parking sensors (if fitted)

2) Fixed Swan neck Towbar

Similar in appearance to a detachable towbar system but a permanent fitting (non removable).

Advantages - Electrics not as visible, sleek appearance may work better with rear parking sensors than fixed/flange version.

Disadvantages - Limited cycle carrier options. May interfere with parking sensors (if fitted). Electrics can be difficult to access.

3) Removable / Detachable Swan neck Towbar

A fully fitted and operational tow bar. Once you have finished towing you simply remove the neck/ball section (in seconds) and place in the supplied carry case until next time. A lock mechanism will secure the neck/ball whilst towing. No Tools or expertise required to remove the neck/ball section.

Advantages – Smart appearance, great for vehicles with parking sensors. Towing neck easily removable (no tools)

Disadvantages – More expensive, limited cycle carrier options. Towbar electrics can be difficult to access

4) Removable / Detachable Flange Towbar

A fully fitted and operational tow bar. Once you have finished towing you simply remove the neck/ball section (in seconds) and place in the supplied carry case until next time. A lock mechanism will secure the neck/ball whilst towing. No Tools or expertise required to remove the neck/ball section.

Advantages – Smart appearance, great for vehicles with parking sensors. Towing neck easily removable (no tools), more cycle carrier options than any swan neck version

Disadvantages – More expensive. Towbar electrics can be difficult to access, removable section can be heavy

5) Retractable Swan-neck Towbar

A Fairly new style of towbar currently available for only a selection of cars due to space and vehicle design. In principal the towbar and towing neck is never detached from the vehicle just simply folded away behind the bumper out of site along with the electrical sockets.

Often the mechanically folding operation is via a manual handle located in the boot area however some systems are fully electric.