Tow Bar News
It’s still cold and wet here in Sheffield at the moment (February) However, hopefully, the weather will change for the better and we will all be thinking about enjoying the great outdoors.
This year’s tow bar fitting season seems to have started earlier than usual, this may be due to the economy, or might be just that everyone is getting fed up with winter and looking optimistically towards better weather arriving.
Tow Bar Supply
At Ultimate Towbars we are currently booking up for March and April, which is great for trade but not so great if you’re looking to have a towbar fitted at short notice. (It’s always worth checking with us as we do sometimes have cancellation appointments or can fit in an extra fitting if in the same area as an already booked appointment.)
An issue that may have an impact on the tow bar industry is the current political situation in the Middle East.
If the situation worsens and affects the movement of freight through the Red Sea, causing cargo ships to route around South Africa, then the supply of tow bar wiring may be severely impacted, causing an additional 10 to 15 days added to the shipment time, This would cause a backlog in the supply chain, similar to the one during the invasion of Ukraine 2022.
In addition to the supply issue, any further conflict in the Middle East will likely see an increase in the price of crude oil, which will increase prices on forecourts but will also impact the price of goods due to more expensive costs for shipping.
Hopefully, things in the Middle East will settle and the supply of tow bar wiring kits will continue to be ample for requirements for supply throughout the year. Erring on the side of caution, if 2022 is anything to go by, then the supply of wiring looms could be an issue during 2024.
We have excellent business relationships with our suppliers and can source products directly from the manufacturers or UK/European stockists.
New Additions for 2024
The start of 2024 sees a few new arrivals from our suppliers.
Tesla Model 3 tow bar. We have added the Oris detachable tow bar for the Tesla range, this is the OEM bar.
A new tow bar for the Nissan Xtrail (2022 onwards) has now been manufactured that meets the requirements for the new model version. (This is available now, contact us for further information.)
VW ID7 – Towtrust has designed a new bar for the Volkswagen ID7. This is available in fixed flange, fixed swan neck, and detachable versions. Contact us for prices.
For Motorhome owners there’s a new ALKO chassis-based Ford towbar.
The all-new Transit Custom Towbar is now available from us. (The newly designed chassis means a brand-new bar requirement)
The KIA EV9 tow bar is currently in development and should soon be available. The EC9 dedicated electrics wiring kits are now in stock and available.
Company News
We continue to work hard at getting the best products and competitive prices for our customers. During the beginning of 2024, we are taking on more commercial tow bar fittings, keeping our fitting team busy.
Our technical director has been awarded the prestigious membership fellow of the Institute of Motoring Industry (IMI.) Great news and proves to us that our expertise and continuous training are being recognised.
We are looking for the possibility of larger premises due to out-growing our current offices in Sheffield. This will allow us to have more stock and look at the possibility of taking on more staff.
Caravan, Camping, and Motorhome Show at the NEC Birmingham. This year we won’t be exhibiting but will be sending a representative to the show who will be meeting suppliers and catching up with the latest industry news and happenings.
Tow bar Fitting Appointments
We get busy during the spring and summer season but do try our best to get customers fitted with tow bars in the shortest time possible.
Our advice is to get your tow bar fitting appointment booked sooner rather than later.
A quick note regarding cheap tow bar fittings. We’ve noticed that people are offering cheap tow bar fittings being advertised on Social Media channels. These are usually from individuals who are not registered, qualified, or insured. Please do not think that having a cheap tow bar fitted will be a bargain. A tow bar and electrics are safety-critical, cheap imported tow bars, wiring and bodged fittings are asking for trouble.
Keep safe and keep towing.
Team Ultimate Towbars.