Towbars for towing a caravan
Getting ready for a trip away with the caravan is exciting, but sorting out the right towing setup can feel like a headache. Whether you are a first-time caravanner or upgrading your setup for a newer tourer, we can help.
The Towbar Man provides mobile towbar fitting across Leicester, Leicestershire and the wider Midlands. Jake comes directly to your home or workplace to fit your towbar and electrics, so you do not have to leave the car at a garage. Jake fits every job himself, with over 18 years’ experience in the towing industry.
Every installation comes with a 12 month guarantee. To see what your vehicle needs, get an instant towbar price online.
Which towbar suits a caravan?
The right towbar depends on your caravan hitch and any stabiliser you use. These are the main options.
Fixed flange
A fixed flange towbar has a bolted faceplate. It works with Bulldog and Snake Master style stabilisers, and with bumper plates and tow steps. It stays on the vehicle permanently.
Fixed swan neck
A fixed swan neck is a slimmer, neater option. It suits modern caravans with an AL-KO stabiliser and has a clean look at the back of the car, though it stays fixed in place.
Detachable swan neck
A detachable swan neck also suits the AL-KO stabiliser, but the neck comes off when you are not towing. On most vehicles a fully invisible version is available, so the car looks standard again when the neck is stored away.
Not sure which one you need? Pick “Not known” on the quote form and we will recommend the right bar for your vehicle and what you tow. You can also read our guide to the types of towbars.
Electrics for caravans: 13-pin and dedicated wiring
A caravan needs more than basic trailer lights. You need power for the road lights, and usually for the fridge and leisure battery charging while you drive.
Most modern caravans use a single 13-pin plug for all of that. Older caravans may still use twin 12N/12S (two 7-pin) sockets, and we can advise on those too.
We fit dedicated, vehicle-specific electrics for caravan setups. Dedicated wiring plugs in at the points the manufacturer intended, keeps built-in safety features working while towing, and can switch off factory parking aids when something is plugged in. You can read more on our car-specific (dedicated) electrics page and our 7-pin or 13-pin towbar electrics guide.
Some cars need coding after the electrics are fitted. Where coding is needed, we do it as part of the fitting.
How a caravan towbar fitting works
- Get a quote. Use the instant towbar price page, or email sales@thetowbarman.com. Quotes are free with no obligation. Prices include VAT.
- We order the parts. We order the towbar and electrics made for your exact vehicle. Brands are mainly Tow-Trust, plus Brink, Oris, ConWys, ECS and others.
- Jake comes to you. Fitting is at your home or workplace, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Most vehicles are done in a couple of hours.
- Pay on completion. Payment is by cash or bank transfer once the job is finished and you are happy. Every fitting has a 12 month guarantee.
Already have a towbar? Caravan not charging?
If you already have a towbar but the fridge is not staying cold, the leisure battery is not charging, or the lights are playing up, the electrics may need an upgrade or a repair. We can fit or upgrade electrics on an existing towbar. See our towbar electrics repairs page.
Areas we cover
We are based in Leicester and cover Leicestershire and the Midlands, including Leicester, Loughborough, Hinckley, Market Harborough, Melton Mowbray, Coalville, Nottingham, Derby and Coventry. Check our areas page, or send us your postcode if you are not sure.
FAQs
Can you tow a caravan with a detachable towbar?
Yes. Detachable swan neck towbars are made for towing, and most suit the AL-KO stabiliser. We will recommend the right bar for your car and caravan when we quote.
Do I need 13-pin electrics for a caravan?
Most modern caravans use a 13-pin plug, which runs the lights plus the fridge and charging. We fit 13-pin dedicated electrics, and can advise if your caravan has older twin 7-pin plugs.
Will my stabiliser work with the towbar?
AL-KO stabilisers work with swan neck towbars. Bulldog and Snake Master style stabilisers need a fixed flange bar. Tell us which you use when you ask for a quote.
How long does fitting take?
Most vehicles are done in a couple of hours, at your home or work.
How much does a towbar for a caravan cost?
It depends on your vehicle, the towbar and the electrics, so we quote each job. Use the instant price page for an estimate; we confirm the exact price before booking. All prices include VAT.
Can you fit the electrics only?
Yes. If you already have a towbar, we can fit or upgrade the electrics. See towbar electrics repairs.
Ready to get sorted?
Chat with us on WhatsApp, email sales@thetowbarman.com, or get an instant towbar price online.