Detached

• Suitable for vehicles with reversing sensors
• In most instances the system is completely invisible once the neck is removed
• Compatible with AL-KO and other friction style stabilisers
• Allows free access to the rear of the vehicle
• Lockable with a set of two keys provided
• Storage bag provided for safe keeping once next is removed

Flange

• Popular in the UK
• Can be used with accessories such as bumper guard and tow-steps
• Tow ball height can be adjusted on some commercial vehicles
• Capable of using accessories like some models of cycle carriers whilst towing

Horizontal Detachable

A horizontal detachable towbar is a type of trailer hitch where the towball assembly can be removed by sliding it in and out horizontally from behind the vehicle. When it's detached, the mounting mechanism is largely hidden, leaving the rear of the car looking much cleaner than with a fixed towbar.

How it works

• The towbar neck (the part with the towball) inserts horizontally into a receiver under the bumper.
• It locks securely in place with a key-operated or lever-operated locking mechanism.
• When you're not towing, you unlock it, remove the neck, and often fit a protective cover over the receiver.

Advantages

• Cleaner appearance: The towball isn't visible when removed.
• Preserves parking sensors and styling: Less chance of false sensor alerts and maintains the car's original look.
• Better shin protection: No permanent towball to bump into.
• Secure: Lockable to prevent theft.

Disadvantages

• More expensive than a fixed towbar.
• You need to store the detached neck somewhere safe (often in the boot).
• The locking mechanism should be kept clean and occasionally lubricated.

Horizontal detachable vs. vertical detachable

Horizontal detachable	Vertical detachable
Slides in from the rear	Inserts upwards from underneath
Small part of the receiver may remain visible	Usually almost completely invisible when removed
Generally easier to fit and remove	Slightly more concealed but can be a bit trickier to attach

Is it as strong as a fixed towbar?

Yes. A properly approved horizontal detachable towbar has the same towing capacity and nose weight rating as the equivalent fixed towbar for your vehicle. The removable design does not make it weaker when correctly installed.

They're a popular choice if you tow only occasionally—such as a caravan, trailer, or bike rack—but want your car to look as original as possible the rest of the time.

Vertical Detachable

A vertical detachable towbar is a removable towbar where the towball assembly is inserted upwards from underneath the vehicle rather than sliding in from behind. It's designed so that when the towball is removed, almost nothing is visible, making it the most discreet type of towbar.

How it works

• The towball neck is pushed upwards into a socket hidden behind or beneath the rear bumper.
• It locks into place with a mechanical locking system, usually with a key for added security.
• To remove it, you unlock the mechanism, release the catch, and pull the towball down and out.

Advantages

• Virtually invisible when removed, preserving the vehicle's appearance.
• Ideal for premium vehicles where aesthetics matter.
• Less likely to interfere with parking sensors when detached.
• Lockable to help prevent theft.
• Suitable for towing trailers, caravans, and many towball-mounted bike racks (provided they're compatible).

Disadvantages

• Usually the most expensive towbar option.
• Can take a little more practice to fit because you're working underneath the bumper.
• The locking mechanism should be kept clean and maintained.

Vertical detachable vs. horizontal detachable

Vertical detachable	Horizontal detachable
Inserts upwards from underneath	Slides in horizontally from behind
Almost completely hidden when removed	Receiver may remain slightly visible
Premium, discreet appearance	Easier to see and access when fitting
Often slightly more expensive	Usually a little less expensive

Is it as strong as a fixed towbar?

Yes. When fitted correctly, a vertical detachable towbar has the same approved towing capacity and nose weight as a fixed or horizontal detachable towbar designed for the same vehicle. The removable mechanism does not reduce its rated strength.

Which should you choose?

• Choose a vertical detachable towbar if:
  • You want the cleanest possible appearance when not towing.
  • You own a premium or performance vehicle.
  • You tow occasionally and don't mind spending a bit more.
• Choose a horizontal detachable towbar if:
  • You want a removable towbar that's often a little easier to fit and remove.
  • You're happy with a small part of the receiver remaining visible.
  • You want to save some money compared with a vertical detachable model.

For most occasional users, both types perform equally well for towing. The main difference is how the towball is attached and how discreet the installation looks when the towbar is removed.

Jaw and Ball Detachable

A jaw and ball towbar (also called a combination towbar or NATO towball and pin hitch) is a heavy-duty towing system that combines a 50 mm towball with a jaw (or pin) coupling. It's commonly used on commercial vehicles, pickups, 4x4s, agricultural vehicles, and military vehicles.

How it works

The towbar has two towing options built into one unit:

• 50 mm towball – Used for standard trailers, caravans, and bike racks that have a conventional ball coupling.
• Jaw and pin hitch – Used with trailers that have a lunette ring (ring hitch) instead of a ball coupling. The ring sits inside the jaw and is secured by a locking pin.

Advantages

• Very versatile – Can tow both ball-coupled and ring-coupled trailers.
• Extremely robust – Designed for heavy-duty use and rough conditions.
• Suitable for high towing capacities (subject to vehicle and towbar ratings).
• Popular on:
  • Land Rover Defender
  • Toyota Land Cruiser
  • Ford Ranger
  • Isuzu D-Max
  • Agricultural tractors
  • Recovery vehicles

Disadvantages

• Larger and heavier than a standard towball.
• Not as visually appealing as modern detachable towbars.
• Can interfere with rear parking sensors.
• Typically intended for commercial rather than everyday passenger car use.

Common uses

• Horseboxes
• Plant trailers
• Agricultural equipment
• Construction trailers
• Military trailers
• Recovery and utility trailers

Is it legal in the UK?

Yes. Jaw and ball combinations are legal in the UK when:

• The towbar is approved for the vehicle (where required).
• The trailer uses a compatible coupling.
• The towing capacity and nose weight limits are not exceeded.

Jaw and ball vs. standard towball

Standard 50 mm towball	Jaw and ball
Standard caravans and trailers	Standard trailers and ring-coupled trailers
Smaller and lighter	Larger, heavy-duty design
Common on cars and SUVs	Common on pickups, vans, and commercial vehicles
Not suitable for lunette-ring trailers	Suitable for both ball and ring couplings

A jaw and ball towbar is the right choice if you need to tow a mix of conventional trailers and heavy-duty ring-coupled trailers, whereas a standard fixed or detachable 50 mm towball is sufficient for most cars towing caravans, small trailers, or bike racks.

No Electrics

No electrics will be supplied with the towbar.

7-pin Vehicle Specific Single Electrics

When you are towing a standard trailer or have a lighting board attached and even a bike carrier a 7-pin vehicle specific kit will enable all of your light functions for this job. A 7-pin Vehicle Specific Single Electrics kit provides all of the basic legal lighting requirements for towing and harnesses perfectly with your car. We never fit by-pass or universal electrics to your vehicle!  

What can a 7-pin electric socket power?

• Left indicator
• Right indicator
• Taillights
• Fog lights
• Brake lights

13-pin Vehicle Specific Electrics

You will need a 13-pin Vehicle Specific Electrics kit for towing a caravan because it provides all of the legal lighting requirements for towing, as well as powering the electrics inside your caravan. Most caravans, manufactured after January 2009, will have 13-pin electrics and will also connect to your reverse lights whilst providing a full power supply inside your caravan. Please note if you have the older 12n 12s style electrics we will still fit the latest electrics to your vehicle and then simply provide a 12n 12s to 13 pin adapter.  

What can a 13-pin electric socket power?

• Left indicator
• Right indicator
• Taillights
• Fog lights
• Brake lights
• Reverse lights
• Caravan electric (inside)