⚠ Important: Please check and read the description section below for more information. RE: Coding
Detachable swan neck towbar, where the neck of the towbar can be removed when not in use.
Detachable towbars avoid any issues with parking sensors picking up the tow bar neck, so ultimately if your car has reverse parking sensors this would be the best option for you.
Neck removable when not in use
No issues with reverse parking sensors
Compatible with ALKO Stabilisers
Compatible with most Cycle Carriers
The Audi A4 is a luxury sedan known for its refined performance, sophisticated design, and advanced technology. For those who require towing capability, an Audi A4 detachable towbar is a fantastic option. This towbar offers the perfect balance between practicality and aesthetics, making it ideal for Audi A4 owners who need occasional towing capacity without compromising the vehicle’s sleek, stylish appearance.
Audi A4 Detachable Towbars
A detachable towbar is a towing solution that can be quickly and easily removed when it’s not needed, offering a clean, uncluttered look for the rear of the vehicle. The Audi A4 detachable towbar provides this convenience while still delivering the towing capacity required for trailers, caravans, or other towed loads.
Key Features of the Audi A4 Detachable Towbar:
- Sleek and Discreet Design: The detachable towbar for the Audi A4 is designed to be discreet when not in use. Once detached, there’s no visible hitch or bar at the rear of the vehicle, maintaining the A4's elegant and streamlined aesthetic. When attached, the towbar is securely fastened, providing an unobtrusive and refined appearance compared to permanent or more bulky towing solutions.
- Easy Installation and Removal: One of the main selling points of a detachable towbar is its user-friendly design. The towbar can be easily attached and detached in a few simple steps. Typically, the process involves unlocking the towbar from a dedicated socket in the car’s chassis, then either locking it into place or removing it depending on the need. This feature is perfect for those who need a towbar only occasionally, as it avoids the need for a permanent fixture.
- Towing Capacity: The Audi A4, when equipped with a detachable towbar, is capable of towing substantial loads. Depending on the model and engine choice, the Audi A4 can tow up to 1,800 kg to 2,000 kg (approximately 4,000 to 4,400 lbs), making it suitable for towing trailers, caravans, boats, or even light-duty horseboxes. The towing capacity will vary depending on the specific engine, trim, and additional towing packages selected.
- Enhanced Driving Experience: The removable towbar allows Audi A4 owners to enjoy the driving dynamics and aesthetics of their car without the extra weight or reduced performance associated with a permanent towbar. When the towbar is not in use, the rear of the vehicle remains clean, which can also improve fuel efficiency by reducing drag. With a detachable towbar in place, the Audi A4 maintains its balance and handling, with minimal impact on the vehicle's performance.
- Versatility: The detachable towbar option provides Audi A4 owners with flexibility, as it can be used only when needed. Whether it’s for a road trip with a caravan or towing a boat for a weekend getaway, the towbar can be swiftly installed, then removed once the task is complete. This versatility is a key advantage over fixed towbars, which can be cumbersome when not in use.
- Safety Features: Audi’s engineering ensures that the detachable towbar is built to the highest safety standards. It is designed to provide secure towing capabilities while maintaining the vehicle’s stability and handling. The system typically includes a wiring kit to ensure proper electrical connections for trailer lights, ensuring both safety and compliance with towing regulations.
- Durability and Corrosion Resistance: The detachable towbar is typically made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials, ensuring long-lasting durability even in harsh weather conditions. Whether driving in wet or salty environments, the towbar is designed to withstand wear and tear and keep its functionality intact.
Benefits of the Audi A4 Detachable Towbar:
- Aesthetic Appeal: The ability to remove the towbar when not in use ensures that the rear of the Audi A4 retains its sleek and polished appearance.
- Convenience: The detachable towbar provides an easy solution for occasional towing needs, allowing for a quick installation and removal process without permanent modification to the car.
- Improved Manoeuvrability: When the towbar is detached, parking and low-speed maneuvering are much easier, as there’s no added bulk.
- Enhanced Towing Stability: The detachable towbar is designed to distribute weight evenly, ensuring the stability of the vehicle and the trailer, which contributes to a smoother towing experience.
- Storage Efficiency: When not in use, the towbar can be easily stored, freeing up space in the vehicle’s rear area and ensuring that it doesn’t take up unnecessary space in a garage or driveway.
The Audi A4 detachable towbar is an ideal solution for Audi owners who need towing capability without sacrificing their vehicle's sleek, premium appearance. Offering easy attachment and removal, it provides flexibility for those who need to tow occasionally but prefer not to have a permanent towbar affixed to their car.
With solid towing capacity, excellent build quality, and the ability to keep the rear of the vehicle clean and uncluttered, the Audi A4 detachable towbar enhances the vehicle's practicality without compromising on style or performance.
Electrics
Manufacturers are developing more environmentally friendly and efficient vehicles. To keep up with the times, we offer many options to make sure you, as the customer, choose the right products at the right price. There are many things to consider when you select the type of electrics, and we are confident that we can guide you to the correct option that suits your vehicle.
Which socket type should I choose?
7 Pin Electrics
Single 7 Pin Electrics are fitted as default with a towbar installation. They provide power to operate the lights (indicators, brake lights, sidelights, fog lights) on a standard UK trailer, caravan, horsebox or cycle carrier. The 7 Pin socket will not activate the reverse lights on a cycle carrier or trailer; however, this is not a legal requirement. If your trailer has reverse lights or ALKO-ATC Control fitted, you may need 13 pin electrics.
Even if you are only using your towbar to support a cycle carrier, you will still need these electrics to power the lights on the cycle carrier or a light board over the bikes. This is a legal requirement because bikes on the carrier may obscure the lights on your car.
Twin Electrics
Twin Electrics (12S) Electrics are fitted in addition to the standard Single 7 Pin Socket if you will be towing a caravan built pre-2008 with two power cables.The 12S socket provides power for:
-Your caravan reverse lights.
-A permanent 12-volt live feed to your caravan.
-Live feeds to your caravan that are only live when your car engine is running to provide charge to your caravan battery, charge your fridge as well as give power to your interior lights.
-The twin electrics were a standard fitment until 2008, when the 13-pin socket replaced it.
13 Pin Electrics
13 Pin Electrics are fitted when you tow a caravan built from 2008 onwards. The 13 Pin socket combines the old style twin seven-pin sockets into one. The socket provides all the power needed to operate the road lights on your trailer or caravan and provides 12-volt power to operate all the other functions of your caravan.
You can use a trailer or cycle carrier with a 7-pin plug, but you would need an adaptor available in our Accessories section. The 13-pin socket is a neater fitment compared to the twin electrics, as the socket will usually fold under the bumper when you are not towing, making it discreet and a neat fit.
Which wiring should I choose?
Universal Aftermarket Wiring
Universal Aftermarket Wiring is fitted to your vehicle using an interface relay to protect your cars electrics. This type of wiring is available for most models where the vehicle is out of its warranty and does not have built-in safety features that must be activated. The universal wiring is connected to a 7-way bypass relay that protects the Canbus system, which won't cause any faults on the dash as the car doesn't detect the towbar system. If your vehicle is still within its manufacturer's warranty, we would recommend the fitment of Vehicle Specific Wiring.Vehicle Specific Wiring
Each kit is designed specifically for the vehicle it is fitted to. Rather than soldering or using 'Scotch Locks' to connect the towbar wiring, which is the case with universal aftermarket wiring, these kits interface with the vehicle systems in the same way as the vehicle manufacturer intended. If your vehicle is less than three years old or is still within its manufacturer's warranty, you would need vehicle specific wiring to protect that warranty. Other towing functions such as Trailer Stability Control (available on your car) could be activated when vehicle specific wiring is fitted. This is vehicle dependant as towing functions vary from car to car.
What is coding, and does my car need it?
With any vehicle specific wiring loom, there is a chance your vehicle will need coding. All our engineers are equipped with coding machines to plug into your car to update the system. Most new vehicles have towing functions, and without the coding, it is possible they won't work. Some functions include deactivating your parking sensors, trailer stability control, and deactivating some safety functions such as lane assist.
Although this may sound daunting, we have invested heavily into up-to-date coding equipment. All our engineers are trained in using the new equipment, which means you will have the whole installation done the right way and save you from taking your vehicle to a manufacturer to finish the job. There are minimal occasions where we cannot code a vehicle, and you may need to get the dealership to complete this for you.
Details
Guarantee
Towbar Warranty
Towbars that we supply have a manufacturers lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects. This guarantee covers the fixed parts of the towbar assembly, and not moving parts such as detachable necks, or other accessories.
Towbar Neck Warranty
The neck section of the towbar has a 12 month warranty. It is very rare that these necks have a fault. Most of the time when there is a fault it's usually that the neck wasn't released from the car properly last time it was used. It simply needs to be reset, and you can view a video guide here.
Electrics Warranty
Once your towbar and electrics have been fitted, we offer a 12-month guarantee on the installation of your towbar, electrics and other parts that are not covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Any electric faults that appear during the 12-month period that has been reported to us, will be fixed completely free of charge. If the fault isn't to do with the towbar fitment then you may be charged a call out fee, however this will be discussed at the time of booking.
Vehicle Warranty
Dependant on the make and model of your vehicle, the manufacturer may have offered a 3 year warranty at purchase or you may have taken an extended warranty to cover the electrics of your vehicle. If this is the case, then we recommend you choose the dedicated wiring loom. If you choose to have the universal electrics fitted to your vehicle then its possible you may lose your manufactures warranty. If you are unsure which wiring type to choose then please click here for more information.
Cycle Carrier Warranty
The Thule Cycle Carriers have a 5 years warranty. If you do have any issues then please get in touch so we can contact Thule as they will need to see the cycle carrier and determine the fault and then either fix the issue or replace the carrier. The decision is final from Thule.
For more detailed information about warranties please click here.
All of our warranties do not cover faults or damage caused by improper use or wear and tear from normal use.
You should be careful not to overload your towbar, as this is the most common cause of damage. You can check the maximum towing weight for your car here.
More Information
Please note: The below information is to be used as a guide only!
Vertical Load; is based on the Towbar's Vertical Capacity. Each may be different dependent on the towbar manufacturer's recommendations.
Towing Capacity; is based on the Towbar Towing Capacity and not your Vehicle's Towing Capacity.
Bumper Cuts; are as a guide only and some vehicles will need a tow panel from the manufacturer.
Visible Cut; again, is as a guide only as it depends on your bumper shape and the towbar fitted to your vehicle.
| Bumper Removal | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bumper Cut | Yes |
| Visible Cut | No |
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