Why Cheap Towbar Fittings Could Cost You More Than You Think
Every day, we get calls from people asking for a quote on a “cheap towbar fitting.”
And every so often, we hear from someone who insists they can get the same towbar and electrics fitted elsewhere for a much lower price.
When we say cheaper, we mean seriously cheap — so cheap that even we couldn’t buy the parts wholesale for that amount. And that should raise a red flag.
The Real Problem With Cheap Towbars
The biggest issue with low-cost towbars is safety.
Do you really want to trust your caravan, trailer, or horsebox to cheap, poorly welded metal that’s been imported without proper testing?
In the UK, any towbar fitted to a vehicle manufactured after 1 August 1998 must, by law, display a Type Approval number. This number confirms that the towbar has been built to meet strict UK and EU safety standards.
If a towbar doesn’t show its Type Approval information, it’s illegal to use on the road. That means:
- You could face fines or vehicle seizure.
- Your insurance will be invalid in the event of a claim.
- Your vehicle will fail its MOT.
Unfortunately, many cheap or second-hand towbars lack this crucial Type Approval label — making them unsafe, illegal, and simply not worth the risk.
The Hidden Dangers of Cheap Towbar Electrics
Cheap towbar electrics can be just as risky as cheap metalwork.
The cheapest option on the market is known as universal towing electrics. These systems splice directly into your vehicle’s wiring, drawing power from the brake lights, fog lights, indicators, and reversing lights before passing that current to a relay or directly to your trailer.
While this setup may work fine on older vehicles, it can cause serious problems on modern cars equipped with stability control, ABS, reversing sensors, adaptive suspension, and advanced lighting systems.
Fitting universal electrics can:
- Invalidate your manufacturer’s warranty
- Trigger dashboard errors or faults
- Cause unreliable connections — the last thing you want when setting off for a trip in the early hours
Simply put, universal kits are outdated and unsafe for most modern vehicles.
Why Dedicated Electrics Are Worth It
At Ultimate Towbars, we always recommend fitting dedicated towing electrics — systems specifically designed and approved for your exact make and model.
Dedicated electrics are fully compatible with your vehicle’s onboard systems and safety features. They can automatically:
- Adjust stability control and traction settings
- Disable rear parking sensors when towing
- Integrate with your dashboard to show trailer indicator or connection warnings
They’re also far more reliable, safer, and warranty-friendly. When fitted professionally, we provide a vehicle guarantee — something that simply isn’t possible with universal wiring kits.
Our Advice: Don’t Cut Corners
When it comes to towing, safety should always come first.
Saving a few pounds on cheap parts might seem tempting, but the risks — to your vehicle, your insurance, and your family’s safety — simply aren’t worth it.
At Ultimate Towbars, we believe in doing things properly: quality parts, professional fitting, and complete peace of mind.
Don’t skimp on safety. Tow with confidence — the right way.
Team Ultimate Towbars
Get a towbar fitting quote from us today Click Here
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