Towbar questions!

[furrycat]

Hi, I've got myself a car for towing but I'm undecided about what sort of towbar to have fitted. My car has parking sensors.

1. I think a fixed towbar is needed for towing horse trailers, is this correct?
2. Parking sensors - will the towbar cause problems?
3. Fixed flange or swan neck towbar? Assuming detachable is a no?
4. Is generic wiring ok or do I need manufacturer specific wiring?

Help please!

 

[catroo]

I know for some a detachable is a no but I've towed with one for years with no issues, I just am very cautious about making it secure when I attach it. Part of the reason was the position of the number plate, the tow bar would of partially covered it and therefore been illegal.

No issues with parking sensors but I had a proper wiring loom fitted that was compatible with the car. I suppose it would depend on where your sensors are, I have six across the bumper and none where blocked by the towbar.

 

[Passtheshampoo]

WE have a detachable towbar on our ML500 nerc. Parking sensors still work from the bumper but you need to allow for the length of the towbar.

 

[dixie]

I've had two cars now with parking sensors and they've not caused a problem.
I went for a fixed one as didn't want the worry of fixing a detachable one properly.
Tow bar centre fixed one and dealer the other so don't know about the electrics.

 

[Dubsie]

How old is the trailer? Older ones will have 7 pin sockets, newer 9 pin (Or something like that) You can get adaptors if you have the wrong sort

 

[Procrastination]

I tow with a detachable tow bar on a VW, I don't have any concerns about it and if I did I certainly wouldn't use it, but it is absolutely solid when it is locked in to position. I had it fitted as an afterthought, and as my other half is a tight so and so we didn't pay to have the full wiring loom in (it would've been an extra £200). This means the car doesn't know when the towbar is attached and when it isn't, the tow ball itself doesn't actually set the sensors off but if the cap that goes on top of the ball isn't in exactly the right position it will set them off! It can be annoying but once you know how to position it it's fine. Also with it being detachable I often don't have it fitted to the car if I'm not doing any towing so it's obviously not a problem then

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

Hi, I've got myself a car for towing but I'm undecided about what sort of towbar to have fitted. My car has parking sensors.

1. I think a fixed towbar is needed for towing horse trailers, is this correct?
2. Parking sensors - will the towbar cause problems?
3. Fixed flange or swan neck towbar? Assuming detachable is a no?
4. Is generic wiring ok or do I need manufacturer specific wiring?

Help please!

1. I think a fixed towbar is needed for towing horse trailers, is this correct?
Ans. not ness you can use removable ones but for a not classic car I see no point having a removable one and a fix is cheaper.

2. Parking sensors - will the towbar cause problems?
ans. no they wont but take this into account when the bleeping start. (I have both a tow bar + sensors)


3. Fixed flange or swan neck towbar? Assuming detachable is a no?
ans, mine is swan necked on my classic and is removable no sure about flanged

4. Is generic wiring ok or do I need manufacturer specific wiring?

ans. not sure the meaning of the question but to add .... decide if you want to ever tow a caravan as if you ever do you need the double socket with the white plug for the caravan . If not the black alone will do

These guys did many of my europe cars including my Terrano now.
http://www.jimstowbars.co.uk/


These guys did my Pointiac and is removable one

http://www.watling-towbars.co.uk/

 

[neddy man]

the towing weight maybe lower with a detachable one, look up towbar people on google ,ring them and ask .

 

[furrycat]

Thanks for the replies!

I think I've decided to go for a fixed towbar just in case.

 

[Clannad48]

I've towed with both a detachable towbar and a fixed towbar on cars with reversing sensors - towing an IW 510 with a large DWB on board - no difference in either setup - my only words of caution are if you decide to go for the detachable please make sure that it is securely attached when towing - and if you go for either just remember to allow for the distance between the sensor and the end of the towbar when reversing - I forgot once and took out my garage door - one very unhappy husband and big bill

 

[sunnyone]

Fixed towbars have the advantage of protecting the car from rear end shunts. Been saved from idiots at junctions and traffic lights who have failed to stop properly on several occasions!

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

Fixed towbars have the advantage of protecting the car from rear end shunts. Been saved from idiots at junctions and traffic lights who have failed to stop properly on several occasions!

actually removable ones protect your car too if left on.