Towbar FAQ

* Where can my new towbar be mobile fitted?
All of our towbars are installed at our Browns Bay shop.   

* Will my towball fit all trailers?
There are two different sizes in towballs. The most common ball size is 1 7/8″ and has been around for many years. In a rule change a number of years back the Government introduced the 50mm towball, in line with the European regulations. This has brought about a lot of confusion as the 1 7/8″ towball fits into the 50mm trailer coupling easily but is a loose fit and is dangerous and must not be done. Most towballs have their size stamped on top, and most trailer couplings have their size and towing capacity marked on them as well. However a 1 7/8″ coupling will not fit on a 50mm towball.

There are two towing ratings for both types of towballs, 2000kg rated and 3500kg rated and are generally fitted to match the towing rate of your towbar.

* What size towball do I need for my bike rack?
Most Bike Racks will fit onto both 1 7/8ths and 50 mm towballs. Some expensive racks only fit 50 mm towballs.

* How much weight can I tow?
Vehicle manufactures usually indicate the towing capacity of the vehicle in the handbook that comes with it. It will give you an unbraked rating and a braked rating. The braked rating is the maximum that your vehicle is allowed to tow at any time.

The manufacturers’ specifications can not be exceeded legitimately.

* Can I tow more if I get a heavier towbar fitted?
No, the vehicle manufacturers suggested load maximums remain the same no matter what size towbar is fitted.

* How high will my towbar tongue be off the ground?
Our towbars are generally between 360 and 400 mm from the tongue top to the ground though this can vary slightly depending on the vehicles design.

* How long will it take to fit my towbar?
Depending on vehicle type, this will take from 1 to 4 hours.

* Will you need to cut my bumper to fit a towbar?
Usually we do not have to cut the bumper to fit a towbar but in some instances it is necessary due to the vehicles design. In many cases, this would only be an invisible cut on the underside of your rear bumper. We will discuss this with you if it is necessary.

* Can you custom make towbars?
Yes, custom made towbars are our specialty. We can usually make a towbar especially for your vehicle when there is no stock bar available.

* What credit cards to you accept?
We take Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Q Card, Farmers Card and Eftpos Cards. We also accept MTA vouchers and gift cards.

* What guarantee do you give on your towbars?
All our towbars have a lifetime guarantee. A one year warranty applies to towbar electrical wiring and paint. n.b a fair wear and tear provision applies.

* I want a towbar for a bike rack, do i need electrical wiring?
There is no need for electrical wiring if your towbar is only going to be used for a bike rack. n.b. This does not apply to premium racks like the Thule Bicycle Carrier. But be aware that towbars tend to attract trailers! Usually there is no problem installing electrical wiring at a later date.

*What are the things put into cars to protect the computer from trailer wiring faults?
There are a number of names for these devices including electronic trailer wiring interface, relay, bypass wiring and module etc. Basically they all do the same thing, they protect the vehicles computer from trailer wiring faults. Some units also have the ability to manage voltages, interpret signals in instances where multiple functions are running down one wire and also convey information to the vehicles computer so it can vary the vehicles management systems so they can take account of the trailer being towed. A high level of sophistication is necessary for some European vehicles.

*Will I need to install a relay to protect my vehicles computer?
Pre 2006 vehicles generally do not need to have a computer protection device fitted. Newer vehicles nearly all require the fitting of an interface, the level of sophistication required varying from vehicle to vehicle.