Tow bar question

[I don’t like mondays]

Hi, what are peoples opinions on removable tow bars v fixed ones? My car has a removable tow bar and I’ve just bought a single horse trailer. Is a fixed tow bar much safer? Is a removable one ok as long as it’s fitted correctly. Want to avoiding spending more money if I don’t need to, but equally want my horse to be safe. Thanks

 

[Tiddlypom]

Fixed tow bar all the way if you use it regularly. Far less to go wrong.

Only consider detachable if you hardly ever plan to tow.

 

[I don’t like mondays]

Fixed tow bar all the way if you use it regularly. Far less to go wrong.

Only consider detachable if you hardly ever plan to tow.

Thanks

 

[asmp]

I used to tow all over the country with a removable tow bar on a BMW X5 (Not that we ever removed it). I towed a 14.2 in a Bateson. After hearing some horror stories, when we changed the car we had a fixed bar put on. So, no problems but fixed are best.

 

[phizz4]

With modern releasable tow bars failure is due to user error. They are all fully tested by the manufacturers, they have to be. I have a fixed one on my Shogun because that is what the car came with when I bought it second hand, and a removeable one on my estate car that I tow a caravan with, through choice. It locks with a key, if it's not fitted correctly the key won't lock and can't be removed, so it's failsafe, and it is a reassuringly heavy, well engineered piece of metal.

 

[tda]

We had a Mercedes ML with removable tow bar, it was ok but I found it hard to attach, so we had it swapped out for a fixed one.
Be aware we had to have the bumper replaced as well (still have the old one in the yard for some reason)?

 

[AandK]

I bought a ten year old Merc ML 6 weeks ago, had a fixed tow bar fitted to it. I did have a detachable one on a Jeep Cherokee years ago and never had an issue, but hadn’t heard of any at the time! Would never use one again, hence getting a fixed one for my new car. It was just under £500 to get it fitted, I’d imagine swapping an existing tow bar should be a much cheaper job as no wiring to put in.

 

[mutley75]

Just look at the amount of re-calls on removable tow bars (across many brands). Then decide if you are happy with them.
Fixed one is in the £250 fitted.