Explanation of the types of tow bars
Explanation of the different types of trailer hitches available, the pros and cons explained for each type.
Flanged tow bar types
The most commonly used type of bar in the UK is the flange, where the tow ball is bolted to the bar with two 24mm bolts. There are also some variations of the flange bar type that have four bolts instead of two, this is the most versatile bar design because it can be used with tow ball mounted accessories i.e bike racks, bumper protectors and all sorts stabilizers, all mounted between the tow bar and the ball. The flange type trailer hitch is not removable.
Reasons to buy a flange bar:
1. Compatible with a large number of vehicles.
2. Allows a selection of tow balls.
3. The height of the bar can be modified by folding plates.
4. Inexpensive, they are the cheapest type of bar.
Reasons not to buy a type of flange:
1. Both the tow bar and the electrical system can be seen by looking at the vehicle.
2. Different types of towball can be expensive.
Types of gooseneck tow bar
In the EU, the most common type of tow bar is the gooseneck. This is where the tow ball and neck are one piece of the tow bar. This type of tow bar is becoming more popular in the UK because the bar looks neater and being narrower is less likely to trigger parking sensors.
This type of bar is a little less versatile, you can tow or attach a bike rack that you cannot use both at the same time.
The gooseneck bar can also be used with an Alko stabilizer without the need for modifications.
Reasons to buy a type of gooseneck:
1. Compatible with a large number of vehicles.
2. Compatible with Alko Stabilers
3. This type of tow bar looks professional and discreet.
4. Competitively priced tow bar, slightly more expensive than flange
tow bar type.
Reasons not to buy a gooseneck type:
1. The height of the tow ball cannot be changed.
2. Alternative towbars cannot be installed.
3. Slightly more expensive than a flange type.
4. Gooseneck tow bars are visible unlike detachable tow bars.
Types of detachable tow bars
When installed in the vehicle, a detachable tow bar looks a lot like a gooseneck. The beauty of this type of bar, however, is that the neck simply comes loose when not in use, leaving little or no of the tow bar to see.
Witter drawbar systems offer Quantum vertical drawbar and Quantum horizontal drawbar. They are so named because of the mansion in which they are inserted into the tow bar housing.
Reasons to buy a detachable tow bar:
1. Almost invisible and in some cases this type of tow bar is invisible
when not in use.
2. It is already compatible with a large number of vehicles. As popularity
increases with this type of hitch, more and more vehicles will have this
type of hitch developed for them.
3. Compatible with Alko Stabilers
4. Aesthetically more attractive in appearance compared to other types.
5. Reduces the risk of injury when at the rear of the vehicle by
The detachable collar can be removed when not in use.
Reasons not to buy a detachable:
1. The height of the tow ball cannot be changed.
2. Alternative towbars cannot be installed.
3. Much more expensive than a flanged gooseneck tow bar.
Swivel electric trailer hitch
The electric swivel trailer hitch system is the newest type of bar developed by Westfalia. With the push of a button, the tow bar will appear under the vehicle. Then you are ready to tow!
The electric swivel tow bar type leads the way in the tow bar industry.
Types of vertical detachable tow bar
The automatic detachable tow bar is invisible. This type of tow bar allows for easy removal and mounting of the tow ball neck. The tow bar neck inserts vertically into the actual tow bar installed on the vehicle. To prevent theft or unwanted removal of the tow bar neck, a lock and key have been added.
Types of horizontal detachable tow bar
The auto detachable type tow bar is invisible just like the one above. The only difference between the vertical detachable trailer hitch type and the
The horizontal detachable tow bar type is the direction in which the tow bar neck is inserted into the tow bar installed on the vehicle.
Types of compact detachable tow bars
This type of tow bar manufactured by Westfalia is a smaller and cheaper version of the vertical / horizontal detachable tow bar types. This guy’s neck
The tow bar fits the tow bar installed on the vehicle horizontally and, like most Westfalia products, this type of tow bar is secured using a padlock.
Types of towbars with pin system
Pin system Detachable tow bar type
This type of trailer hitch is another similar to detachable type trailer hitch. The pin system tow bar neck inserts horizontally into the adjusted part of the tow bar, unlike other types of tow bar, this system does not have a lock or key. Instead, it is secured by a pin, which in turn is secured by a leg spring.
Types of towbars with nut system
This type of tow bar is identical to the Pin System type of tow bar. The only difference is that where the pin system is secured with a pin, the nut system is secured with a nut.
Permanently attached type tow bar
This type of tow bar is the Westfalia version of the commonly known bridle type. Both (F10 welded) and (F20 bolt-on) are available, although bolt-type drawbar is preferred over welded. The fixed flange, also known as permanently attached, is the cheapest bar model.
Types of universal tow bars for heavy vehicles
Westfalia tow brackets are suitable for vehicles up to 3.5 t. The good thing about this type of trailer hitch is that they are fully adjustable in both width and height. This type of bar allows mounting on vehicles that are not assigned a standard type tow bar.
With many different combinations available for this type of trailer hitch, this should be your first choice when looking for heavy duty towing equipment.
The tow bars are homologated, this means that a trailer hitch for a 2006 VW Golf only fits a 2006 VW Golf, not a 2006 Ford Focus