Car Tow Bars UK Towing FAQs

If you are unsure about any aspect of towing or buying your new tow bars online with us then read our frequently asked questions on towbars here or contact us for more information or help:

My car has reversing sensors will this make a difference?

If a vehicle is equipped with reversing sensors (also known as PDC parking distance control) we would usually recommend a detatchable towbar as a fixed towbar can sometimes be detected by the sensors when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. However we can confirm some fixed towbars are suitable for a fixed towbar. Please contact us for more details.

Will my bumper require cutting?

The modern day vehicle now has large plastic bumpers and on some models there is a requirement for this to be cut to allow fitment of the towbar. Though not all cuts are visible as many require only the underneath of the bumper where it wraps under the vehicle to be cut. If you require information on whether your vehicle will require a bumper cut please contact us for details.

What is the towbar towing weight limit?

Towbars are designed to tow the maximum weight the vehicle is allowed. All towing limits will be included in the vehicle handbook. The caravan club recommend that a vehicle tows no more than 85% of the kerbside weight of the vehicle.

I am towing with an AL-KO Stabiliser, do I require anything different?

Many new caravans are now equipped with the AL-KO stabiliser built into the caravan coupling (identifiable by a red coupling head and handle.) If you are towing with an AL-KO stabiliser you will require an AL-KO compatible towball which although is still a 50mm towball it also has an extended reach and neck to allow the stabiliser to grip properly. You must not use a standard towball as this is unsafe and in the event of an accident it may invalidate your insurance.

ALKO Compatible Towball

The ALKO compatible towball is for use with an ALKO type stabiliser, although still a 50mm towball it has an extended neck and a longer reach which enables the stabiliser to work properly.

NOTE: A compatible towball must be used when using an Alko stabiliser to prevent accident or injury, in such event if not used your insurance could be void.

What is meant by having a by- pass relay fitted?

Modern day vehicles are now fitted with extra electrics such as bulb failiure devices, canbus wiring and low voltage wiring and many more. The Vehicle Interface Relay (also known as a BY-PASS Relay) is a 7 Channel Car to Caravan/Trailer Towing Interface Relay is designed to act as a buffer to prevent voltage spikes being introduced into the towing vehicles digitally controlled road light circuits. It also eliminates the possibility of a fault within the towed caravan or trailer road light electrical circuits from damaging the towing vehicle's digitally controlled road light circuits. The Towing Interface Relay also includes a built in audible device which buzzes when the vehicle's directional indicators operate, alerting the driver that the towed unit's indicators are working correctly (only when coupled to a towed unit), this function is a statutory requirement under the UK road regulations.

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