top of page
Writer's pictureOliva Wilson

5 Questions to ask yourself when you hire a tow bar

What is a tow bar?

A tow bar, which is also often referred to as a tow hitch, is a very useful device. Tow bars are attached to your vehicle’s chassis. It allows you to tow different cars, trailers, and other vehicles as and when required. One of the main advantages of tow bars is that they take up a smaller number of parking spaces when compared to a dolly or a trailer.

What is the towing capacity of my vehicle?

The towing capacity of your vehicle is something important you should keep in mind while deciding which tow bar to invest in. You can only select the exact make and style of your preferred bar after being informed about how much the vehicle is capable of towing. Otherwise, you might run in the risk of investing in a bar which is not the perfect fit for your car and would not perform its desired function. Knowing the towing capacity will also ensure maximum safety of the car.

Do I adhere to the legal guidelines?

Different regions come with different types of legal requirements which are established to maintain the prescribed safety standards. Therefore, while finding the perfect tow bar, you must make sure it complies with the specific region’s rules and regulations. If the regulations are not complied with, it might lead to the imposition of a hefty fine for driving vehicles in a dangerous condition. Certain guidelines to be kept in mind are whether the mirror visibility is blocked while towing or not, the visibility of your number plate while using the bar, and so on that are compulsory.

Is my tow bar detachable?

A detachable tow bar is more useful and convenient as it can be removed and stored separately when not in use. Thus, this type of tow bars ensures that you do not need to compromise with the overall aesthetic of your vehicle but at the same time, you can still utilize all the facilities provided by the bar.

Am I choosing the right type of tow bar?

The most crucial step is to select the right type of tow bar for your vehicle. The towing bars come in different sizes and makes. Some of the most common types of the tow bars include (but are not limited to) flange bars, swan neck bars, and detachable tow bars (which has been already mentioned separately). While the flange bar is comparatively cheaper than the other varieties of tow bars, the swan neck bar is more convenient to use and looks better when it comes to the design. The detachable bar mostly has the same features as the swan neck bar and is therefore perhaps the best option among these three types.

What are the fitting options available?

If you think you have finalized on the exact type of tow bar you need for your car, then you must simultaneously also keep in mind the fitting options available for this particular bar. Most tow bars need an electronic kit for the fitting procedure, and there are 3 to 4 options available when it comes to the electronic kit as well (such as- 7 pins electronic kit, 12 pins electronic kit, and 13 pin electronic kits). Other than this, it is also essential that you take the help of an expert mechanic during the fitting.

A tow bar is an integral additional support to your car and therefore, investing in the right kind of towing bar is of utmost importance. Price, type, fitting options, and legal guidelines- as mentioned above- are some of the important factors to be kept in mind while selecting the bar which is right for your vehicle.

1 view0 comments

留言


bottom of page