What Is A Tow Bar And How Does It Work?

A towbar is a tool that is crucial for setting up your vehicle to be able to tow. Carasel is a Towbar company that proudly manufactures their own brand of towbars onsite. That's right, Australian owned and manufactured onsite as we proudly endorse Australian Owned Products. This allows us to have a short waiting time and the chances are we may even have a towbar available the day you call us. We pride ourselves on this and this means for the customer there is no long wait times should we not have one available and chances are we can fit the same week you order!

We additionally have access to other brands including Hayman Reese and Trailboss Towbars.

There is always a way to get you fitted with a towbar as soon as you need it. Carasel has towbars for all make and model vehicles including motor homes. Taking the motor home away and want to tow the small run about car behind you to save you packing away all your hoses and awnings on the motor home? We can fit you with a towbar to bring the small run about vehicle with you.

Types Of Towbars

Towbars come in different sizes, shapes and weights. Once you have spoken to a member of our team, they will advise the best design towbar for the things you plan on towing and the type of vehicle you own.

There are 4 different types of towbars available that we have at Carasel.

*Rear Step

*Flat Tongue

*Horizontal Hitch

*Swan Neck

Rear Step Towbar

The real step towbar design is mostly used on 4WD vehicles. This towbar sticks out further from the rear if the vehicle when installed than other towbars and then a rear step is added to it. These towbars are much better suited for those 4WD owners that have a love for driving off-road and is better suited for this than a regular towbar. The Step towbar provides much better ground clearance for when you are on rough, uneven roads. The downside to this towbar is that they are heavier than your basic towbar and therefore are manufactured for certain models of Utes and 4WD's.

Flat Tongue Towbar

The flat tongue towbar is designed for vehicles that are lighter and not planning on carrying heavy loads. A flat tongue towbar incorporates a detachable tow ball. This then fits into the horizontal slot on the towbar. The tongue of the tow ball is then secured by using two bolts. The bolts are placed through the top of the hitch as this offers the security and peace of mind that you can trust and rely on this towbar on your vehicle for towing.

Horizontal Hitch Towbar

A hitch refers to the reinforced metal structure that is attached to your vehicle. The hitch has two components. A trailer hitch attaches to the vehicle while the receiver hitch slides into the trailer and has a place for the towbar to be bolted into.

The horizontal hitch suits those that need to move heavier loads. The Horizontal Hitch towbar has a square tongue that connects to the trailer hitch. This is a Flat Tongue Towbar but upped to the next level, and this is available in two sizes.

*40mm suited for towing medium sized loads

*50mm Suited for towing heavy-duty loads

You will be needing a sturdy metal pin that is securely inserted through the side of the hitch to keep the receiver completely secure. The Horizontal Hitch Towbar is also compatible with adding a weight distribution hitch if needed. Our team will explain this to you and check if you need to add this to your towbar for added security to balancing your load while towing.

Selecting The Right Hitch

A hitch is the unit that the trailer you intend on towing connects to. A Tow Ball is the most common type of hitch. The type of trips you plan on using the towbar for will determine the type of hitch you will be needing. Getting the correct hitch is essential. As an offroad option Carasel can fit an Al-Ko Off Road Ball Coupling that allows both vertical and horizontal articulation. The design of this coupling allows the user to connect easily without the need for pin or hole alignment, Made for the rough off roads tracks in the Australia 4WD uses will find this helpful when out enjoying the wonderful adventures Australia allows.

If you were to select the wrong type it could cause issues when you are towing. Using the wrong hitch leads to damage to both the trailer and the vehicle you are towing with. The Carasel team will chat with you about all this and assist in getting it all right for you.

50mm Tow ball

You will notice that most towbars come with a 50mm tow ball as a standard option. Most trailers also come with a 50mm coupling that connects with this kind of hitch also.

The standard 50mm tow ball is beneficial as it allows for a variety of other uses and is ideal for mounting a spare wheel or even attaching things like bike carriers.

For most towing situations the standard 50mm tow ball is suitable, but the downside is that they allow less articulation and swivelling that the off-road couplings do.

Now, if you put too much pressure on the tow ball it is possible that the trailer coupling can completely detach from the tow ball, additionally it can cause damage to the towbar.

Weight Distribution Hitch

Depending on the weight you are towing will depend on whether you need a weight distribution Hitch. When towing a larger caravan, you will more than likely need this. This type of hitch allows the towing vehicle and the trailer to stay level. You need to be aware that is using a 50mm tow ball with a heavy trailer then the weight of the trailer will pull the back of the vehicle down putting unwanted strain on the tow ball and the towbar. This in turn causes dangerous circumstances as the vehicle will struggle to steer and create dangerous driving conditions as it struggles to drive on the road.

When looking at purchasing a weight distribution hitch you will need to make sure it is fitted correctly. The team at Carasel can offer advice on how to do this and make the right choice of what weight distribution Hitch you will need for what you are intending on towing.

Choosing The Right Towbar For Your Vehicle

There are so many questions involved in selecting a towbar. What one is right for me? How many different types are there? Is there a difference? How do I know what the one I need is?

These are the questions that may be causing you endless worry about getting the right one. It is a costly amount to outlay and one you want to be sure you get right the first time.

The simplest way to understand what you need is to check the owner’s manual of your vehicle or the plate that sits on the inside of your door with all this information and more regarding the vehicle, it should have listed the weight that your vehicle can tow. The weight limit indicates the type of towbar that will be the perfect fit for you.

What To Look Out For

When you need to choose the right towbar, you need to think about several factors. First you need to think about what you are towing. Depending on what you are towing determines what class towbar you will need. If you are towing a small trailer for light weight things like a dirt bike or rubbish to the tip then you will not need a big heavy duty towbar like you would if you were towing a large caravan.

Does The Towbar Meet Australian Standards?

When buying a towbar in Australia, it needs to meet the Australian Standard for towbars. All towbars should be tested in an accredited lab by VATA.

If you decide to purchase and import a towbar from overseas you must ensure it is compliant and meets the Australian standards otherwise if it is not, you risk having an unroadworthy towbar that may pose a safety risk.

If you are not sure of the roadworthiness, then you need to check the compliance plate that is located under the towbar or on the inside frame. If you are unsure, then we suggest you contact a towbar manufacturer to see if your towbar is compliant.

Vehicle Warranty With A Towbar

Concerned that adding a towbar after purchasing your new car will void your warranty? Providing it meets the Australian Design Standard approval your warranty will still be fine. If you were to have an incident or accident the vehicle manufacturer will prove that the towbar was not at fault. If there was an issue you will be responsible to notify the manufacturer. You will be covered by comprehensive insurance though regardless. Most manufacturers have a lifetime warranty.

Are Reversing Sensors Affected by a Towbar?

Generally, the answer is no, but all models are different some vehicles sensors are mounted lower than others and it is possible they may pick up the tow ball. It is advised to check with the manufacturer. It is suggested that you remove the tow ball from the hitch receiver when not in use.

Installing Your Towbar: DIY or Professional

Using a professional to install a towbar is easier should you need to claim under warranty. Sometimes a cut-out is needed to the bumper and not everyone feels comfortable cutting into their vehicle.

Using a professional to install your towbar is less stressful and has been proven to be easier when making a warranty claim. It is the installer that is held responsible should something happen.

Genuine V's Aftermarket Towbars

What is the main difference between genuine and aftermarket towbars? Are the aftermarket towbars reliable and are they safe?

When choosing aftermarket towbars, you will find they come in at a lower price and great customer support compared to when you buy thru your dealership. The dealer needs to contact their headquarter should an issue arise whereas aftermarket you are dealing with direct and will have a solution generally sooner.

Most aftermarket towbar brands also offer a lifetime warranty on their towbars.

Legislation and Laws Around Safe Towing

There are many different laws and regulations regarding towing in Australia when towing. many are not commonly known but before you head off on an adventure you should make sure you are fully compliant to tow your vehicle.

A Guide on How to Tow Safely

Towing is not as easy as driving your car. When towing something especially a caravan or large item you need to be super focused. You additionally need to ensure you take greater safety measures. Safe towing guide https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/-/media/Safety/Vehicle-standards-and-modifications/Loads-and-towing/Safe-towing/Safe_towing_guide.pdf?la=en provides you with information on how to tow safely and tow.

Obscured Number Plate

Your vehicle can never, ever have the rear number plate covered while towing a caravan or tailer. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure the number plate is displayed.

Driving Too Slowly

A lot of road users complain that people towing a caravan or trailer drive way too slowly. While it is not illegal to drive slowly it can be frustrating to other road users. If you are found to unreasonably obstruct drivers or even pedestrians, you can be fined and given a ticket. Every state has different rules.

Breakaway System

Every state in Australia, for any trailer towing over 2500kg, it is required by law to have a trailer equipped with a breakaway system. This must also be fitted with a backup battery.

A trailer breakaway system can bring the trailer to an immediate stop safely. It activated the trailers electric brakes if it ever becomes disconnected during a drive in the tow vehicle.

Number Plate Height

The registration plate needs to be attached to the vehicle, so no part of the plate is more than 130cm from the ground. As per the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) 61/02 Vehicle Markings, Section 9.1.1.1.

If you have a large off-road camper, it caravans the rego plate may exceed this restriction and it is your responsibility to check this. If you are unsure, then we would suggest you get a tape measure and check yourself. If this is not correct, then an auto electrician or auto mechanic should be able to rectify this for you.

Towing Speed Limits

Different states have different speed limits for drivers who are towing a trailer.

– In NSW, if your vehicle exceeds a combined weight of 4500 kg, the maximum speed you can do is 100 km/h

– In Tasmania, the maximum speed you can drive is 90 km/h regardless of the trailer weight

– In WA, the maximum speed limit is 100 km/h regardless of the minimum weight limit

– For other states, you can drive up to the speed limit while towing a trailer

This again is your responsibility as the driver to ensure you are aware of each state’s requirements.

Towing Mirrors

A lot of drivers are not aware that there is legislation related to towing mirrors.

Rear vision mirrors must provide clear vision according to the ADR'S Vehicle Standard (Aust Design Rule 14/02 - Rear Vision Mirrors) 2006.

Should you tow a full size caravan with your vehicle it is likely that it will restrict your vision so to become compliant in this rule you will need a set of mirror extensions otherwise if caught you risk a large fine. When installing them you need to be sure you have a clear field of vision behind and around you and your caravan. If there are any blind spots you will need to make sure you adjust your mirrors until you have a clear view.

Weight Limits

In Australia, the heaviest weight you are by law allowed to tow is the maximum capacity of:

- The towbar or.

- The weight that your vehicle manufacturer specifies in the owner's manual

It is recommended you check the weight limit and then weigh your fully loaded vehicle to ensure you do not exceed it. When checking the weight, you need to go to a public weighbridge as this allows the owner of the vehicle to weigh the vehicle and then work out the weight.

All that's needed is to dive on the weighbridge and after paying a fee (approx. $30) drive onto the scales and weigh the load. The scales are located on the ground of the weighbridge. You can find your local weighbridge:

https://publicweighbridgeaustralia.com.au/weighbridge-locations/

Most people have no idea of how much a towbar can cost. Now you are aware of the things you need to look out for when buying one. Do some research online to find the best solution for you. Bigger is not always better as it depends on what you need to tow.

Carasel can explain the uses of towbars we have available. Should you need to repair your towbar, Carasel is also a respected and reliable towbar repair company that are on hand to make necessary repairs should you need them.

If you are keen on receiving any additional information, please call us and we will offer you any advice you are unaware off or any other information you are in need.