What is a Towbar?
A towbar is a miniature mechanical device that is usually installed at the rear of a vehicle. The role of a towbar is to connect your car to a caravan, bike rack, or a trailer. It helps to keep your vehicle secure when it is connected for towing. A towbar also offers a wired electrical connection between your vehicle and the object used for towing.
A removable towbar can be detached from the vehicle when it is not in use. It performs all the tasks of a regular fixed towbar with the extra advantage of removability. Note that you cannot remove the entire towbar; you can only remove the neck. These tools come with a safety lock on the neck, which helps to keep them from moving until it is unlocked.
The fact that a removable towbar can be removed from the car means that it does not affect the appearance of the car. You can also use a foldaway plate on your electrical socket. Doing so will ensure that there isn’t any evidence of a towbar unless it is in use. Removing it is effortless, and it is small and convenient enough for you to store.
How a Removable Towbar Works?
Removeable towbars are very easy to use. First, you need to make sure the towbar is locked into place. By locking it, you will be able to keep your car secured when it is towed. After you are done using it, all you need to do is unlock it so that you can remove it. The other parts of the towbar (electrics) will remain hooked to the vehicle. However, some foldaway designs can be folded when the towbar is removed. After removing the tool, you can keep it in the hood of your car or any other place where you can access it easily when you need it.
What Are Towbar Electrics?
An electrics tool kit works together with the toolbar to ensure that it can connect the electric system of your car to that of the caravan or carrier. The electrics kit has to be fitted with your towbar, as required by the law. This is because the electric kit synchronizes the safety elements of your car with that of the caravan, carrier or any other device used for towing.
There are two types of towbar electrics. These are:
- Dedicated electrics- These ones are designed to be compatible with specific vehicle models.
- Universal electrics- These are suitable for all kinds of vehicles.
What Are the Benefits of a Detachable Towbar?
Removeable towbars offer numerous benefits. Below are some of the main ones:
- Removable towbars are the most versatile options on the market. It also helps that several manufactures are creating detachable towbars.
- It does not affect the appearance of your car since you can remove it after use.
- It features a slim-line design that is flattering and easy to use.
- With a removable towbar, you do not have to worry about your vehicle triggering car parks sensors when you have completed towing.
- Detachable sensors are also safe because you do not have to worry about banging your leg or tripping on the towbar when using your boot or walking around your car.
- The neck mechanism can be used to lock your vehicle, hence keeping it from getting stolen.
Factors to Consider When Looking for a Detachable
There are several types and brands of removable towbars from which you can choose. When choosing one for your vehicle, you ought to consider the following factors:
- Compatibility – The most important factor to consider when selecting the ideal towbar for your vehicle is whether or not it is well-matched with your vehicle. You can find out whether your car is compatible with a removable towbar by looking at the vehicle registration.
- Price – The cost of the towbar depends on the type and the make.
- Vehicle type – The vehicle type will influence the type of towbar you fit your vehicle as well as the electric kit.
It would help if you hired a professional such as Kits N Bits who specialise in detachable towbar fittings. Also, make sure that you get an electrics kit. It is also worth noting that fitting a towbar to your car is considered a modification. This means that you may have to notify your insurance provider.