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Selecting a Towbar: Fixed, Swan Neck or Detachable UK

Choosing the right towbar is about more than just whether it fits your vehicle. Selecting a towbar correctly ensures safe towing, compatibility with stabilisers and accessories, and avoids issues with parking sensors, electrics and vehicle warranties.

This guide explains the main towbar types, when to choose each, and how to select the correct towing electrics for your setup.


Before Selecting a Towbar: Key Checks

Before committing to a towbar installation, always confirm:

  • Your vehicle has sufficient towing capacity and maximum nose weight

  • Your trailer or caravan is roadworthy

  • The towbar will be fitted by an NTTA Trusted Workshop

  • The towbar type suits how you plan to tow (trailer, caravan, cycle carrier, stabiliser, etc.)

Skipping these checks can lead to unsafe towing or costly changes later.


The Three Main Types of Towbar

Fixed Flange Towbars

Fixed flange towbars are the most versatile option and suit the vast majority of towing requirements.

Key features:

  • Towball bolted to a faceplate

  • Compatible with accessories mounted between the towball and flange

  • Allows use of:

    • Bumper protectors

    • Leaf spring stabiliser brackets

    • Bracket-mounted cycle carriers

The standard towball can be replaced with an AL-KO compatible towball, making this type ideal for caravans and stabilised trailers.

✅ Towball-mounted cycle carriers can also be used.

⚠️ If your vehicle has parking sensors, a fixed flange towbar may cause interference — a detachable option is often preferable.

Fixed Swan Neck Towbars

Fixed swan neck towbars are popular for their clean appearance and are suitable for many towing applications.

Key features:

  • Sleek, integrated design

  • Generally considered more attractive than flange types

  • AL-KO compatible for stabiliser use

✅ Towball-mounted cycle carriers can be used⚠️ Not compatible with flange-mounted accessories

Detachable Towbars

Detachable towbars are most commonly available as detachable swan necks, though detachable flange options exist for some vehicles.

Key features:

  • Towbar neck can be removed when not towing

  • Depending on vehicle design, the towbar may be:

    • Completely invisible

    • Or only slightly visible

The detachable swan neck is AL-KO compatible.Detachable flange towbars require an AL-KO compatible towball when used with stabilisers.

A major advantage is that removing the towbar:

  • Prevents parking sensor interference

  • Keeps the rear of the vehicle visually clean

✅ Towball-mounted cycle carriers can also be used.



Selecting the Correct Towing Electrics

Choosing the right electrics is just as important as the towbar itself.

Common Towing Electric Options

Single 7-Pin (12N)

  • Road lights only

  • Does not include reverse or charging circuits

Twin 7-Pin (12N / 12S)

  • Option 1: Road lights + permanent live feed

  • Option 2: Road lights + full charging system

13-Pin

  • Option 1: Road lights + permanent live feed

  • Option 2: Road lights + full charging system

  • Cleaner, modern single-connection solution


Why Modern Towbar Electrics Are More Complex

Older vehicles allowed simple wiring into rear lights. Modern vehicles are very different.

Today’s vehicles use:

  • Computer-controlled lighting systems

  • Advanced safety and stability features

Incorrect wiring can:

  • Trigger dashboard warnings

  • Disable safety systems

  • Affect vehicle warranties

Choosing the correct electric kit is essential whether you tow:

  • Trailers

  • Caravans

  • Cycle carriers


Universal vs Dedicated (Vehicle-Specific) Wiring Kits

Dedicated Vehicle-Specific Wiring Kits

Also known as:

  • Dedicated looms

  • Plug-in kits

  • VSKs

Advantages:

  • Designed specifically for your vehicle

  • Connect to manufacturer-approved points

  • Integrate with built-in safety systems

  • Can disable parking sensors while towing

  • Protect vehicle warranty

Some vehicles may require software coding to activate towing functions.

These kits interface with the vehicle exactly as the manufacturer intended — no cutting, soldering or scotch locks.

Universal Electric Kits

Universal kits are a lower-cost option and fit most vehicles.

What they do well:

  • Provide all legal lighting functions

  • Offer audible indicator warning

  • Universal compatibility

Limitations:

  • Do not activate Trailer Stability Control

  • Do not disable parking sensors or fog lights

  • May compromise vehicle warranty

Universal Electric Kits – Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Lower cost

  • Audible trailer indicator warning

  • Fits most vehicles

Cons

  • Trailer Stability Control not activated

  • Parking aids remain active while towing

  • Vehicle warranty not protected


Brent’s Bottom Line

Selecting a towbar isn’t just about price — it’s about compatibility, safety and future-proofing.

  • Fixed flange offers maximum versatility

  • Swan neck suits clean aesthetics

  • Detachable avoids sensor interference and visual clutter

  • Dedicated electrics protect modern vehicles and unlock safety features

Get the setup right from the start and towing becomes safer, smoother and stress-free.


-Brent


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