Types of Towbars: Fixed vs Detachable

Fixed or Detachable?

Are you looking for a towbar for your vehicle and unsure which option is best? We can help!

At Towbar Express, we offer mobile towbar fitting with a range of high-quality towbars. Essentially, we are the experts in towbars and want to help you make the right decision for your vehicle. This is why we have compiled a comprehensive guide on the available towbar types and broken down the pros and cons of detachable and fixed towbar options. Read through our guide today, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further advice from our expert team.

2 Types of Towbar

If you have never bought a towbar before, it can be confusing which to choose as there are two styles of towbar available.

You can choose between a flange ball towbar or a swan neck towbar.

The swan neck style towbar can also be available as a detachable option where the neck can be removed from the towbar when you are not using it.

Please note that not all styles of towbar are available for every vehicle. If you’re unsure, you can use our registration search to find the towbar types available for your car.


Alko Stabiliser Compatible	Accessory Required
Use with Bumper Guard
Use with Pin and Ball
Compact
Available as detachable
Cycle Carrier Compatible
	Find Out More	Find Out More

1. Flange Type Towbar

A flange towbar has a faceplate with the tow ball bolted to it and was previously the most common option used in this country. However, more vehicles have parking sensors fitted as standard, so it is becoming less common due to the chance that the parking sensors will pick up the flange ball.

A flange towbar is a popular choice because of its versatility in compatibility with different accessories and tow balls. For example, it is an excellent choice if you require an AL-KO tow ball or a ball and pin coupling. In terms of accessories that could be attached, you could make the most of tow steps, stabilisers and bike racks, among many more.

2. Swan Neck Towbar

A swan neck towbar has a much more sleek design than the bulky shape of a flange towbar, making it more aesthetically appealing on your vehicle. The one-piece neck has the tow ball attached, and with its narrow design, it is much less likely to trigger parking sensors. For this reason of their compact and neat nature, it is becoming much more popular in the UK, whereas previously, it was traditionally used in Europe.

However, it must be noted that the swan neck design is not compatible with towball-mounted accessories such as bumper guards and certain cycle carriers. The upside is the swan neck Towbars are compatible with Alko Stabilisers without needing to buy an Alko Towball.

Detachable Vs Fixed Tow Bars; Which One Is Best?

Each style of towbar is available as a detachable option which gives you the best of both worlds. A towbar when you need it, but not when you don't. But which should you choose?

Fixed Towbars

As the name suggests, a fixed towbar is permanently affixed to your vehicle and is often a cheaper price alternative. It is also popular as it requires significantly less maintenance than a detachable option. If you have a commercial vehicle or tend to tow often, a fixed towbar might be the best option for your requirements.

Detachable Towbars

Just as sturdy and safe as a fixed towbar, a detachable option has the advantage of being able to remove the neck. It doesn’t affect your car's appearance and can be hidden when not needed. You also don’t need to worry about opportunists, as detachable towbars come equipped with a safety lock on the neck, which means they cannot be removed.

Which Towbar is right for you?

So, now you know the differences between the two towbar types and fixed and detachable options, it’s time to decide which option is best for you. Essentially, it depends on your individual needs and preferences.

A flange towbar may be your best bet if you need a heavy-duty towbar for commercial purposes. If you want a sleeker design that's easy to install and remove, a swan neck towbar may be the way to go. And if you want the best of both worlds, a detachable swan neck Towbar is a perfect choice.

No matter which type of towbar you choose, it's important to have it fitted by a professional to ensure it's safe and secure. So, do your research and easily select the correct Towbar for your requirements on our user-friendly website by inputting your registration and postcode.

Making a booking with Towbar Express gives you a choice of date and time, as well as selecting your fitment location, whether that’s your home or work address. Following your fitment, you’ll be all set to enjoy the convenience and freedom of towing with confidence. Contact us today to find out more and book your mobile Towbar fitting.

Why Choose Towbar Express?

Our aim is to be the best...not the cheapest!

Remember that Towbars are not all the same. If you were to look around different companies, you would find that prices for a towbar on the same type of vehicle may vary by as much as £100. This is because each company will use different makes of towbars and different qualities of electric kits and fittings.

Also, consider who is the engineer fitting your towbar. We employ skilled towbar technicians and give all our staff full training on the job!

We directly employ all of our engineers, Towbar Express is not a franchise, and we don't contract out any work to third-party companies. When we fit your towbar, you deal directly with us from your first enquiry to the completion of the work.