Choosing a towbar
When choosing a towbar it is important to take the following into account:
- Ensure that your towing vehicle is capable of pulling the towing unit and that your vehicle is approved for towing.
- Ensure you choose the correct towbar to suit your vehicle and towing needs. Do you want a fixed, detachable or retractable towbar?
- What do you want to tow or carry with the towbar? This may help you decide which style of towbar you need, for instance, swan neck or flange. Also it will determine the type of electrics you need.
- If towing, what do I want to tow and how heavy is it? If you want to tow and carry cycles at the same time you need to include the weight of the bikes into your nose weight limit
- Always check the towing capacity of your vehicle in the vehicle handbook
- A towbar is designed to tow the maximum towing capacity stated by the vehicle manufacturer
- Will the towbar affect the vehicles parking sensors?
- What sort of electrical kit do I need?
- Does your car have active safety systems when towing such as TSP. If so, you will almost certainly need a vehicle specific wiring kit. In addition your vehicle may require additional coding to activate the towing safety systems.
- Do not be tempted to buy a second hand towbar..The originating source of the towbar may well have been a scrap yard and the towbar may have structural damage that is not obvious to the untrained eye.
- If you have a second hand vehicle with a towbar already attached, make sure the towbar is suitable for whatever you plan to tow.
- A towbar and wiring loom should always be fitted by a competent installer. If you have any questions or concerns contact your local fitting specialist and they will be pleased to offer advice.
- Do not forget, a towbar is a safety critical item.
If you would like more information about Westfalia products please visit www.westfalia-automotive.com/
