What is a towbar?
Although this may seem obvious, there is a lot more to a towbar than what you see from the
outside of the vehicle. From the outside all you can see is the neck of the towbar (which might
be a fixed or detachable neck) however behind the bumper exists the rest of the structure
that makes up the towbar.
With modern regulations, towbars are designed to bolt into pre-determined
points as specificed by the vehicle manufacturer - this is why towbars today have to be designed
with a specific vehicle or chassis in mind.
The electrical wiring is even more extensive and often takes longer to install than the
towbar itself, on some vehicles the interior has to be completely stripped to allow
access to the vehicles CANBUS network for proper installation.
Fixed Flange
The fixed flange ball is your traditional towbar. It's a heavy duty towbar which is ideal for commercial use as it can take a wide variety of aftermarket attachments. The standard twin or four hole plate can take hitches such as multi-height adjustables as well as ball and pin.
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Rugged commercial choice
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Supports wide range of aftermarket accessories
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Can fit bumper protectors
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Some vehicles can fit multi-height adjustable hitches or ball & pin
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Bulky appearance
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Likely to interfere with reversing/parking sensors
Swan Neck
The swan neck gets its name from its appearance. We recommend a swan neck over a fixed flange for most regular cars as it has a much more discreet and sleek appearance, is less likely to interfere with parking sensors and being fixed is a no hassle way to tow.
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Discreet appearance
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Less likely to interfere with reversing/parking sensors
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Reliable hassle free fixed connection
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Can't fit flange (2 / 4 hole) bolted accessories
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Can't fit bumper protectors
Detachable Swan Neck
A detachable towbar is ideal for occasional towing where you wish to maintain the factory appearance of your vehicle to the highest degree possible. A detachable towbar is removable when not towing and can be removed/inserted in seconds. Detachable towbars usually have the same towing capacity as their fixed counterparts.
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When removed towbar fitting is virtually invisible
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Ideal for occasional towing
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Guarantees proper operation of reversing/parking sensors when removed
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Can't fit flange (2 / 4 hole) bolted accessories
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Can't fit bumper protectors
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Bumper cut is sometimes larger to accomadate flip down socket plates
Flange Detachable
The flange detachable from Witter provides all the benefits of a traditional flange towbar with the benefits of a detachable. This design is perfect for those who require the adaptability of a traditional flange design but who wish to maintain the appearance of their vehicle when not in use.
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When removed towbar fitting is virtually invisible
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Ideal for occasional towing
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Guarantees proper operation of reversing/parking sensors when removed
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Supports wide range of aftermarket accessories
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Can fit bumper protectors
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Most expensive neck variant
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With towball and accessories detachable assembly can be heavy
Electric Sockets Explained
7 Pin Electrics
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Most affordable option
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Provides basic lights
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Ideal for trailers & bike racks
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Does not supply any power feeds
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No reverse lights
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Not as weatherproof as 13 Pin
The 7 Pin socket also known as 12N is the most basic type of electrical towing socket
available. This socket has 7 pins in total, and provides electrical connections for the
following lights: Tails, Indicators, Brake and Rear Fog.
This connection is less common
than it used to be but can still be found on trailers and bike racks. Not all lighting
boards may have a rear fog light however the 7 pin socket on the car should still be
wired to support one.
Twin Electrics
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Provides permanent and ignition switched power feeds
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Feed for reversing lights
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Common on older caravans
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Bulky design
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Doesn't work well with folding electric socket plates
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Not as weatherproof as 13 Pin
Twin electrics consist of two sockets; the first socket is the same as with a 7 pin and
is called 12N, the second socket (often grey or white in colour) is called 12S and provides
a reversing light feed in addition to a permanent power feed and an ignition switched power
feed. These power feeds are most commonly required by caravans to charge the battery and
power the fridge during travel.
The twin socket is an older way to get the power
feeds to the caravan and we now recommend that you go for a 13 Pin socket where possible
- even if an adaptor is required.
13 Pin Electrics
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Provides permanent and ignition switched power feeds
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Feed for all lights
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Strong secure physical connection
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Weatherproof design
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Adaptor will be needed for twin or 7 pin plugs
13 Pin socket has all the functions provided by the traditional twin sockets with the advantage of a much more secure and weatherproof connection. Unlike 12S and 12N sockets the 13 Pin connection twists and locks into place resulting in a secure mechanical connection which also creates a tight weatherproof seal.
Dedicated vs Universal
Dedicated Electrics
Dedicated electrics (also referred to as vehicle specific electrics) are aftermarket electric
towing kits designed with each individual vehicle in mind. Dedicated kits provide a factory like
fitment and where the vehicle has towing prep the kit interfaces with these.
Dedicated kits are
recommended for newer vehicles and are the best option to avoid any future warranty issues.
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Designed specifically for your vehicle
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Factory like fitment
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Uses vehicles towing connections where possible
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Can activate additional functions in the vehicle related to towing
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More expensive option
Universal Electrics
Universal electrics use a bypass relay which is connected to the vehicles lighting wiring directly.
This bypass relay 'senses' the signal being sent to the vehicles lights and interprets these signals
to switch internal relays which then send power to the towing socket.
The bypass relay is cruical
in modern vehicles as it draws only a miniscule current from the vehicles lighting circuits.
When professionally installed universal wiring is a good choice for older vehicles.
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More affordable option
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Supports both LED and Filament trailer lights
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Compatible with most vehicles
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Could invalidate warranty
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Doesn't connect to car so additional features can't be enabled