If you’re a watersports enthusiast, tradesperson, camper, or four-wheel driver, you can appreciate how integral your towbar is to life in the great outdoors.

But what is the perfect towbar solution for your unique needs?

Whether you need a towbar for a small trailer or a large caravan, choosing the right one sets you up for hassle-free towbar adventures.

In this article, we break down the nuts and bolts of the different types of available towbars and their applications for you.

What are the different types of towbars in Australia?

Research from the Australian Automotive Association shows that road safety is a top concern for Australian motorists. Choosing the right towbar is important for enjoying a sense of safety when you hit the road for work or travel.

To find the best towbar, some common characteristics you’ll want to remember include towing capability, construction material, safety features, and versatility for accommodating different towing attachments.

To understand the towbar types in Australia, think of them in two ways: the weight they carry and the different designs for different purposes and scenarios.

The weight different towbar types carry

You can differentiate towbar types in Australia by the weight they can legally carry.

This is split into common classes:

CLASS 3: These are medium-duty towbars built to tow up to 1600kg. If you have a medium-sized trailer to tow, a Class 3 towbar would be a good option.

CLASS 4: Towbars in this category are heavy-duty. A Class 4 towbar is ordinarily rated to tow up to 3500kg. If you need a towbar for caravan adventures, you’d be looking to hook up a towbar in the Class 4 category.

Ball weight

Ball weight is also a crucial factor to ensure safe and stable towing. Ball weight refers to the downward force exerted on your vehicle's tow ball or hitch by the trailer's coupling. 

It's essential to choose a trailer with an appropriate ball weight that matches your vehicle's towing capacity and load-bearing capabilities. Too much or too little ball weight can affect the handling and stability of your towing setup, potentially leading to swaying, reduced control, or even accidents. 

Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended ball weight range, and ensure the trailer's ball weight falls within that range to ensure a safe and comfortable towing experience.

Different towbar types

Beyond the weight your towbar can handle, you can also decide according to its design.

Common towbar types you’ll find in Australia are the tongue/lug style (not easily removable) and the removable square hitch style. 

Tongue/Lug Style Towbar:

The tongue/lug style towbar is popular among Australian drivers for its durability and simplicity. This type of towbar consists of a solid, one-piece structure that is permanently fixed to the vehicle's chassis or rear bumper. It typically protrudes outward from the rear of the vehicle.

The tongue/lug style towbar is not easily removable, which means it is a permanent addition to the vehicle. While this makes it sturdy and reliable, it can also limit ground clearance and aesthetics when not in use.

This style of towbar is well-suited for frequent towing needs, as it provides a stable and strong connection for towing heavy loads. It may be available in different towing capacities, so be sure to choose a towbar that matches your specific towing requirements.

Removable Square Hitch Style Towbar:

The removable square hitch style towbar is a great option for those who don't require a permanent towbar installation.

This type of towbar consists of a square receiver hitch that can be attached to the vehicle's rear when needed and removed when not in use. The hitch usually has a square opening designed to accept compatible towing accessories, such as ball mounts or bike racks.

The square hitch can be easily removed and stored, allowing for better ground clearance and a cleaner appearance when the vehicle is not towing. This makes it a popular choice for vehicles that serve both everyday commuting and occasional towing purposes.

The square hitch style towbar is available in various sizes and towing capacities to accommodate different trailer sizes and weights. It provides a convenient and flexible towing solution, making it suitable for many towing applications.

The verdict 

Your towbar will range from a few hundred dollars to upwards of a thousand. In many cases, it’s also important to enlist the services of a professional to install your towbar securely.

In more than 65 years in the industry, Carasel has fitted well over a quarter of a million towbars and over 750 towbar designs and installed literally millions of towbar bolts. 

Whether you have questions about DIY towbar activities or how to engage the services of an Australian-made provider to get your family or business on the road, look for an industry leader who can offer you the most price-competitive and safe advice, along with products to support your towing lifestyle.