If you are thinking about adding a towbar to your car or van, you probably want to know how much it is going to set you back. The honest answer is that it depends. Every vehicle is different, and the final setup relies on a few key factors.
When people ask us how much a towbar installation costs, we always look at a few specific details about the job. These include your exact vehicle make and model, the style of towbar you choose, the type of electrics you need, and whether your car requires computer coding.
We like to keep things straightforward. If you want to skip the reading and get a price right away, head over to our instant towbar price page to see your options in seconds.
Let’s break down the main things that affect the cost of having a towbar fitted.
1. Your vehicle make and model
The biggest factor in any towbar installation is the car itself. Some vehicles are very simple to work on, while others take a lot more time and effort.
Certain modern cars have complex rear bumper designs, tricky parking sensors, or hidden structural points. Some bumpers need to be removed and trimmed carefully, while others do not require any cutting at all.
Luxury or performance vehicles often take longer to work on because of delicate trim pieces and advanced bodywork. Because every vehicle is built differently, the labour time and parts required will vary.
2. The style of towbar you choose
Towbars are not a one-size-fits-all product. There are different designs available depending on what you prefer the look of and how you plan to use it.
You can explore our full range on our types of towbars page, but the main options usually include:
- Fixed flange towbars: A traditional style where the tow ball is bolted onto a faceplate. These are sturdy and practical.
- Fixed swan neck towbars: A sleeker, one-piece curved design that is less likely to interfere with rear parking sensors.
- Detachable swan neck towbars: A neat option where the neck can be removed completely when you are not using it, leaving the back of your car looking completely standard.
Detachable systems usually cost more than fixed ones because of the clever engineering required to make the neck removable and lockable.
3. The electrics you choose
Your towbar needs its own wiring, called towbar electrics, so the lights on your trailer, caravan or bike rack work with your car’s lights. The electrics you choose also affect the overall cost.
First, you need to decide on the socket type. You can read more about this in our 7-pin or 13-pin towbar electrics guide. A standard 7-pin socket handles basic trailer lighting, while a 13-pin socket handles lighting plus extra power feeds, such as for caravans.
Second, you need to choose how those electrics connect to your car’s wiring system:
- Universal electrics: A simpler setup that splices into your vehicle’s existing light wiring.
- Dedicated electrics: These use vehicle-specific wiring harnesses that plug directly into your car’s factory ports. You can find out more on our dedicated car-specific electrics and universal electrics pages.
Dedicated electrics generally cost more than universal ones, but they integrate seamlessly with your car’s onboard safety systems.
4. Vehicle coding and computer programming
Many modern cars require diagnostic coding after a towbar and dedicated electrics are fitted.
When we program your car’s computer, it tells the vehicle that a towbar is attached. This activates factory safety features, such as disabling parking sensors when reversing with a trailer, adjusting stability control programs, and turning off rear fog lights on the car so they do not glare back at you.
The time and equipment needed to code your specific car safely can influence the overall cost of the job.
5. Mobile fitting versus a traditional garage
Many people assume they have to drop their car off at a garage and leave it all day. With The Towbar Man, things work differently.
We are a mobile service based in Leicester, covering Leicestershire and the Midlands. Jake fits every job himself, bringing the kit straight to your home or workplace.
Because we come to you, you do not have to worry about arranging lifts, sitting in a waiting room, or taking a day off work. Mobile fitting saves you time and hassle, because we come to you.
What is included in our service?
When you book with us, there are no hidden surprises. We keep things clear from the start.
Most vehicle installations take a couple of hours. We work cleanly and efficiently on your driveway or in the car park at work.
All prices include VAT, so the figure you are given is the figure you pay. We keep payment simple too: you can pay by cash or bank transfer once the job is fully completed and you are happy with the work. Plus, every installation comes with a 12-month guarantee.
To see examples of our recent work across the region, take a look at our work page.
Popular cars we fit towbars to
We regularly fit towbars to a wide variety of modern vehicles across the Midlands. Some of the most common models we see include:
- Kia Sportage
- Ford Kuga
- Nissan Qashqai
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Hyundai Tucson
- Range Rover Evoque
If you drive one of these or any other popular car or van, getting an accurate quote takes just a few clicks. We mainly supply trusted brands like Tow-Trust, alongside Brink, Oris, ConWys, ECS, and others.
How to get an accurate quote
If you want to know the exact cost for your specific vehicle, the easiest way is to use our online system.
Just visit our instant towbar price page, pop in your registration number and postcode, and choose your preferred electrics and towbar style.
If you live in Leicester, Leicestershire, or anywhere else across our service areas—which you can check on our areas page—we can come right to you.
Need a hand or have a specific question about your vehicle? Check out our faq page for more answers, or drop us a line at sales@thetowbarman.com. If you get in touch, one of our team will text you back. With over 18 years in the towing industry, and proudly holding a 5.0 rating from 29 Google reviews, we make getting a towbar fitted as easy as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take my car to a garage to have a towbar fitted?
No. We are a completely mobile service based in Leicester and covering Leicestershire and the Midlands. Jake will come out to fit your towbar directly at your home or workplace, saving you the trip.
How long does a towbar installation take?
For most vehicles, the fitting process takes a couple of hours. You can carry on with your normal day at home or work while the job is completed.
How do I pay for the towbar fitting?
Payment is very simple. We accept cash or bank transfer, and you only pay once the installation is fully completed.
Is VAT included in the quote?
Yes. All of our prices include VAT, so there are no unexpected extras when you pay.
What kind of warranty do I get?
We want you to have total confidence in our work, which is why every fitting comes with a 12 month guarantee.
Will a towbar interfere with my parking sensors?
It can depend on the vehicle and the type of towbar you choose. Fixed bars sometimes trigger sensitive rear sensors, which is why many customers opt for a detachable swan neck or choose dedicated electrics that automatically disable parking sensors when a trailer is plugged in.