Detachable Tow Bar

[Darcey22]

Hey all
I have a Jag F Pace with a recently fitted detachable tow bar (about 18 months ago). It gets very little use (about 1/2 times a month from 2 months ago) to now tow my ifor Williams hb506 with 16.1h ISH in it. Whenever not in use it is stowed away in my boot. I am looking to get a new car end next year and don’t really want to spend money to replace for a fixed tow bar until then.
Does anyone else tow with a detachable?

 

[asmp]

Hey all
I have a Jag F Pace with a recently fitted detachable tow bar (about 18 months ago). It gets very little use (about 1/2 times a month from 2 months ago) to now tow my ifor Williams hb506 with 16.1h ISH in it. Whenever not in use it is stowed away in my boot. I am looking to get a new car end next year and don’t really want to spend money to replace for a fixed tow bar until then.
Does anyone else tow with a detachable?

We did for some years on a BMW X5 and towed all over the country with one horse. It was never removed however. Having seen some horror stories since I don’t think I‘d use one now though.

 

[HorseMaid]

My old car had a detachable towbar, but I could never get the bloody thing off! I did use it, but was never happy with it. I wouldn't want to use one again.

 

[Sossigpoker]

It was reported once again that a detachable tow bar had come off so personally I wouldn't tow with one. My horse is my most precious thing I own and very picky about how he travels in general from a safety point of view

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Personally I just wouldn't.

No way.

 

[Jacksie]

I have one but do not leave it on when not towing. It is removed and stored as per the advice from the company who installed it, which apparently stops unnecessary wear and tear. I had a long discussion with them before I had it fitted. I check it over carefully each time I use it and ensure it is attached for any services my car has as I ask them to check it over as you can’t see under your car very easily otherwise. I don’t tow often but don’t worry about mine being detachable but I do keep a close eye.

 

[blitznbobs]

I did for years with a toureag - never once had an issue I did attach the snatch cable to the chassis though just in case

 

[tda]

I did for a couple of years with a Merc ML, it was awkward to get on and off and never 100 % happy with it, but had no issues

 

[Bobthecob15]

We had one which was a pain to put on and take off! I never wanted it, it was my husbands car and he didn't want a fixed one! He had no idea of the bad press around them...I'd personally not choose ro have one myself

 

[olop]

I used to tow a single trailer with a detachable, never had any issues.

 

[phizz4]

With todays modern detachable tow bars failure is almost always due to user error or neglect. I find mine, a Witter, easy to attach and detach and is rock solid it it’s fitting.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Why risk alleged user error or neglect that enable the detachable tow bar manufacturer to blame the end user for being a muppet, rather than their poorly designed product that only works in pristine test lab conditions?

Fixed tow bars all the way.

 

[McFluff]

I have the same set up as you, and use it, infrequently, to tow 2t. I always remove when not in use, keep it clean and check thoroughly.
As I only ever intended to use my car to tow occasionally, I felt this was the best approach.
The garage made me promise to remove it when not in use, they said that causes the issues.

 

[blitznbobs]

My Range Rover has a deployable tow bar never had any issues with that either

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

Hey all
I have a Jag F Pace with a recently fitted detachable tow bar (about 18 months ago). It gets very little use (about 1/2 times a month from 2 months ago) to now tow my ifor Williams hb506 with 16.1h ISH in it. Whenever not in use it is stowed away in my boot. I am looking to get a new car end next year and don’t really want to spend money to replace for a fixed tow bar until then.
Does anyone else tow with a detachable?

I have one on my American car - it is a TV replica car after a famous series - I had a removable one put on to tow my caravan and take it off at shows. Never had problem with it.

 

[Goldenstar]

Yes I tow with one and have done s for more than ten years

 

[Abi90]

I have one, and was worried at first due to stuff on the internet but it’s been absolutely fine

 

[Rowreach]

https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/new...ight-after-separation-incident-hh-plus-709337

Worth a read, a few pointers about their safety and maintenance.

I wouldn’t risk my horses with one.

 

[Hormonal Filly]

I think it’s the certain Landrovers with the detachable towbar issues. Haven’t read anything else about other brands. I had my Landrovers changed to a fixed.

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

I have a detachable tow hook. I've never had any difficulty removing the tow hitch & stowing in a bag in the boot. i've o trouble re-fitting the tow ball when I want to tow again. I've had no issues towing either. I speak as I find.

 

[NeverSurrender]

I towed around 1800kg with one for a few years, probably once or twice a month - removed when not in use and never had any issues with it! as above, always attached for services etc., and asked the garage to take a look at it to be sure.

 

[Darcey22]

Where and how do you attach your brake cable?

 

[Jacksie]

I attach mine directly to my car. There is a handy piece of metal with a hole that works well on mine although I realise all cars differ. The installation people confirmed it was robust and safe to use. I do not loop it round the tow bar given it is detachable.

 

[Darcey22]

I attach mine directly to my car. There is a handy piece of metal with a hole that works well on mine although I realise all cars differ. The installation people confirmed it was robust and safe to use. I do not loop it round the tow bar given it is detachable.

There is a loop under the electric plug on the car. I suppose I could use that couldn’t I? X