How long does it take to fit a tow bar?

Fitting times vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. On average, installation takes between two and four hours, including the electrics. We’ll provide an estimated time when you book.

How much weight can my vehicle tow?

Every vehicle has a different towing capacity. You can find the exact figure in your vehicle handbook or on the weight plate located on the driver’s side door pillar. Please see  https://www.ultimatetowbars.co.uk/maximum-tow-weight/

Why choose a Dedicated Wiring Kit?

Dedicated Wiring Kits are designed specifically for your vehicle. They:

• Use a custom wiring loom for a precise fit (no need for soldering or scotchlocks).

• Enable advanced safety features such as Trailer Stability Control (where supported).

• Are more reliable than universal electrics.

• Do not affect your manufacturer’s warranty (unlike universal kits).
  

Further details can be found at >  https://www.ultimatetowbars.co.uk/why-we-fit-dedicated-canbus-towing-electrics/

 

Will my vehicle need a Software Update?

In most cases, yes.  A vehicle software update ensures your vehicle communicates with the towbar electrics and activates the relevant towing and safety features. Some vehicles will recognise the dedicated kit automatically without extra coding.  For more information, please see > https://www.ultimatetowbars.co.uk/towbar-coding/

Can I fit my own towbar?

We recommend using a qualified fitter due to the complexity of installation and the specialist tools required.  Some people do self-fit, but to maintain type-approval and warranty, the towbar must be installed exactly to the manufacturer’s instructions. Please read the following  > https://www.ultimatetowbars.co.uk/dangers-of-self-fit-towbars/

Do I need to tell my insurance company?

Yes, a towbar is classed as an aftermarket accessory, so you must inform your insurer. Usually, there’s no extra charge, but failing to disclose it could invalidate your policy.  Further information can be found at > https://www.ultimatetowbars.co.uk/towbar-fitting-and-insurance/

What’s the difference between an ALKO tow ball and a standard one?

An ALKO tow ball has a longer neck to allow safe articulation of an ALKO stabiliser hitch. Never use an ALKO hitch with a standard 50mm tow ball.

Can I transfer my towbar to a new vehicle?

Only if the new vehicle is the same make, model, year, and chassis. Even then, a new bolt and fixing kit are required. Generally, we advise fitting a new towbar for safety and reliability.

Why are towbars so expensive?

Towbars are safety-critical components. Manufacturers invest heavily in design, testing, and certification to ensure they meet strict regulations and can be legally fitted.

Why do prices differ so much between tow bar companies?

Cheaper quotes often leave things out—such as vehicle coding, type-approved wiring, or proper certification. Always check exactly what’s included, and don’t assume you’re comparing like-for-like.

What happens if I don’t use a Type Approved towbar?

If your vehicle was built after 1 August 1998 and weighs under 3.5 tonnes, you must use a type-approved towbar for towing. Using a non-approved towbar could put you at risk legally and compromise road safety. For more information, please use the following link > https://www.ultimatetowbars.co.uk/aftermarket-towbars-all-you-need-to-know/

What vehicle tow weight do I need for a bike carrier?

As the vehicle will not be factually towing, you don’t require any tow weight to attach a cycle carrier to a tow bar.  If you have no tow weight on the vehicle you can still have a tow bar fitted for use with a bike carrier.  For more information on vehicle tow weights, please see > https://www.ultimatetowbars.co.uk/maximum-tow-weight/

Does having a tow bar fitted affect the vehicle’s safety?

Yes, a tow bar (trailer hitch) can affect vehicle safety — but whether it does so positively or negatively depends on how it’s designed, installed, and used.
Please visit the following link for more information https://www.ultimatetowbars.co.uk/does-having-a-tow-bar-affect-the-safety-of-the-vehicle/

Will a towbar affect my parking sensors?

Having a tow bar fitted should not interfere with your parking sensors.  Providing that the tow bar has been designed specifically for your vehicle and that your vehicle does not have aftermarket parking sensors fitted.    Very rarely do type-approved towbars pick up on parking sensors.

What does towbar prep mean?

Towbar preparation is carried out at the vehicle factory during manufacturing.  The manufacturer installs part of the tow bar loom, making fitting the electrics easier. It’s an addition that can be selected when ordering a new vehicle.

How to code towbar electrics?

Coding, or updating the vehicle software, activates the towing features on the vehicle.   To code the vehicle you will require an up-to-date  coding tool and in, most cases a subscription for the tool.  This is generally too expensive for small companies or self-fitting.  Typical costs are around a thousand pounds for the tool and the same for an annual subscription.  Due to making changes to the vehicle’s software, we highly recommend that coding is only carried out by a skilled professional.  

Can a towbar be fitted to any car?

In 1998, the UK Government brought in type approval for tow bars.  This meant that all towbars needed to be validated for use, specifically for the make and model of vehicle. 

Towbars are designed to attach to the chassis mounting points of the vehicle.  As most vehicles have different chassis and parts then only a tow bar designed for that specific vehicle will fit, and be legal to use.

If the vehicle manufacturer doesn’t design tow bar mounting points into a vehicle, then a tow bar is a no-go.  This is normally the case with sports cars, although many can have a tow bar.   The other exception where a tow bar can’t be fitted is if the towbar manufacturer does not make the tow bar.  Usually, this is more a case of when the tow bar will be available than it never being possible.  Design and manufacturing can take time for new models of vehicles.

Can a tow bar be fitted to any car?  Yes, but not all.

Can a tow bar be removed?

Yes, a tow bar and associated electrics can be removed.  You will need to replace the crash beam if this was removed to fit the tow bar.  Also the tow bar electrics will need to be isolated and removed, including replacing any fuses that may have been swapped during installation.  If the vehicle had a software update when the tow bar was fitted, this will need to be uninstalled to prevent errors in the vehicle’s electrics.

Sometimes, it is easier to keep the tow bar installed, or just remove the neck from the towbar frame.

Do they check the tow bar and electrics during MOT test?

Yes, they do.

The tow bar brackets, bolts,  mounting points and chassis structure are checked for excessive rust, cracks and movement. 

If the vehicle has a 13-pin towing socket, this is checked to make sure the light functions are working correctly.

Can a tow bar be fitted to an electric car?

Yes, it can., and at Ultimate Towbars, we have fitted plenty.  If you plan to tow with an electric vehicle, make sure you check the chassis plate or the vehicle’s log book to see the maximum tow weight for the vehicle.  Providing the vehicle has a tow weight, and a tow bar, and wiring,  are made for the particular vehicle then getting a tow bar should be no problem.

If you are buying an electric car for towing, check it can tow before buying the vehicle.

What is the 80% Rule?

The 80% towing rule is a widely used safety guideline (not a law) that recommends towing no more than 80% of your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.

It provides a safety margin to account for:

• Inaccurate weight estimates (many people underestimate trailer or cargo weight).

• Additional passengers or gear in the tow vehicle.

• Wind, hills, and weather that put extra strain on the vehicle.

• Heat buildup in the transmission or engine.

• Wear and tear on brakes, suspension, and tyres.

Sticking to the 80% rule will make towing safer for both the driver and other road users. 

Do you fit customer supplied towbars?

Unfurtunatly we can only fit towbars that we have supplied. This is due to accountability and insurance reasons. 

It’s not as simple as just fitting a tow bar supplied by the customer.

Do you carry out tow bar electrics repairs or upgades?

Unless we originally fitted the towbar and electrics then unfortunatly we can’t do repairs or upgrades. This is due to not being able to confirm the integrity of the original installation. 

I’ve fitted the towbar can you install the electrics?

Unless the tow bar has been fitted by ourselves then unfortunatly we can’t install the electrics.  As we are unable to confirm the towbar has been fitted correctly and due to accountability and insurance reasons it is not a service we can offer.

Who is the best towbar company in the UK?

Need you ask…Ultimate Towbars leads the way in technical expertise, customer service, and industry reputation. Known as specialists, they consistently receive outstanding feedback.

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💡 Got more questions? Drop us an email at info@ultimatetowbars.co.uk and we’ll get back to you quickly.