Types Of Towbars

In the United Kingdom there are four different types of towbars. These include the following:

Fixed Flange Towbar

Fixed flange towbars are the most common type of towbar in the United Kingdom. With a fixed flange towbar the towball is bolted onto the towbar with two M16 bolts. As a result various different types of towballs and accessories can be bolted directly to the towbar.

Can be used with different types of towballs (ball pin and jaw, ALKO ball, long reach ball and standard ball)

Can be used with bumper plates cycle carrier plates and tow steps

Compatible with the bull dog and snake master caravan stabilizer systems

Fits with all cycle carriers (some carriers may need long reach ball)

Compatible with the ALKO stabilizer system (ALKO ball will be required)

Detachable Flange Towbar

Detachable flange towbars are a relatively new concept in the United Kingdom. Only being brought to the market since around 2010. With a detachable flange towbar the towball is bolted onto the towbar with two M16 bolts as a result various different types of towballs and accessories can be bolted directly to the towbar. On most vehicles a fully invisible detachable flange towbar can be installed with fold away electrics.

Can be used with different types of towballs (ball pin and jaw, ALKO ball, long reach ball and standard ball)

Can be used with bumper plates cycle carrier plates and tow steps

Compatible with the bull dog and snake master caravan stabilizer systems

Fits with all cycle carriers (some carriers may need long reach ball)

Compatible with the ALKO stabilizer system (ALKO ball will be required)

If the vehicle has parking sensors fitted then this type of towbar won't cause interference as it can be fully removed

In most cases the towbar will be fully invisible when removed

Fixed Swan Neck Towbar

Fixed swan neck towbars are the most common type of towbar throughout Europe. A few years back companies like Brink (now Thule Towing) and Bosal started importing the fixed swan neck towbar into the United Kingdom. Since then, the fixed swan neck towbar has become more and more popular. The fixed swan neck towbar has either a welded neck or a bolted on neck. With the fixed swan neck towbar the electrics are bolted on the neck inline with the bumper. Some people believe that this is a neater install. This towbar is fully compatible with the ALKO stabilizer system but incompatible with the type of caravan stabilizer where a bolt on plate is required (bull dog and snake master). It is also incompatible with some cycle carriers (the ones that require bolt on plates).

Compatible with the ALKO stabilizer system

Less likely to pick up on your parking sensors

Detachable Swan Neck Towbar

Detachable swan neck towbars are the most popular type of detachable towbar in the United Kingdom. Mainly due to them being on the market the longest. The majority of detachable swan neck towbars feature a fully automatic release system with the ability to lock the neck to the towbar. However there are a few on the market that have a manual system and no feature to lock them onto the towbar. This towbar is fully compatible with the ALKO stabilizer system but incompatible with the type of caravan stabilizer systems where a bolt on plate is required (bull dog and snake master). It is also incompatible with some cycle carrier systems, again, the ones that require the bolt on plates. On most vehicles, a fully invisible swan neck detachable towbar is available.