What is a towbar in a car and what types are there
Car body,  Car device

What is a towbar in a car and what types are there

The car can be used not only for comfortable movement from one point to another, but also for transporting various goods. There are situations when the owners do not have enough luggage space or need to transfer oversized cargo. The way out in this case is a trailer, for which a hitch is used for fastening. On frame SUVs and trucks, a towbar is often fitted as standard. For passenger cars, this option is installed separately.

What is a tow bar

A towbar is a special towing hitch (Hitch) that is used for hitching and towing trailers.

It is customary to divide the towing hitch into two categories:

  • American type;
  • European type.

The last option is the most common in our country. By its design, the European towbar consists of two main elements: a cross member and a ball joint (hook). The cross member is mounted to the body or to the frame through a special mount. The ball joint is attached or fixed to the beam.

Basic views

Basically, towbars are classified according to the type of attachment. There are three main types:

  1. fixed or welded;
  2. removable;
  3. flanged.

Non-removable

This type of towing hitch is considered an outdated option, since there is no way to quickly dismantle it. The ball hook is welded to the beam. This option, although reliable, is inconvenient. In many countries it is not permitted to drive with a towbar without a trailer.

Removable

It can be removed as needed and quickly reinstalled. Modern SUVs and pickups are equipped with similar towing hitch from the factory.

Flanged

Flanged towbars can also be classified as removable, but they differ in the type of hook attachment. It is installed using a bolt (end) and horizontal connection. The mount is characterized by high reliability, durability and high carrying capacity. Suitable for the transport of goods up to 3,5 tons.

Ball joint classification

There are several options for the ball joint, which are classified by letter designations. Let's analyze each option separately.

Type A

Refers to a conditionally removable structure. The hook is secured with two screws. Removable with wrenches. The most common design due to its reliability and ease of use. Withstands loads up to 150 kg, transported weight - 1,5 tons.

Type "B"

This is a horizontal joint design. Refers to removable and semi-automatic. Fixed with a central nut.

Type "C"

Quick-detachable hitch, can be mounted both vertically and horizontally with the help of an eccentric transverse locking pin. Simple and reliable design.

Type "E"

American type of towbar with a square. The ball is removable, fastened with a nut.

Type "F"

This type is often used on SUVs. A conditionally removable forged ball is used, which is fastened with two M16 bolts. It is possible to set in several positions, which allows you to change the height.

Type "G"

Conditionally removable design, forged ball. It is flanged with four M12 bolts. There are six bolt height adjustable options. Often used on SUVs.

Type "H"

Refers to non-removable, the ball is welded to the fixing beam. Simple and reliable design, which is used mainly on domestically produced cars.

Type "V"

It is similar in design to types "F" and "G", but differs in the absence of the possibility of height adjustment.

Type "N"

Four-hole universal flange connection. There are three modifications, which differ in center distance and mounting holes.

Also recently, towbars with balls of the BMA type have appeared. They are very quick and easy to dismantle. There are also towers that can be hidden in the bumper or under the frame. Most often they are installed on American cars.

American type towbar

This type of towing hitch stands out in a separate category, as it has a different design from the others. It consists of four elements:

  1. A sturdy metal beam or frame mounts to the body or under the rear bumper.
  2. A "square" or "receiver" is attached to the frame. This is a special mounting hole that can be of different cross-sections, shapes and sizes to fit a square or rectangle. The dimensions of the rectangle are 50,8x15,9 mm, of the square - each side is 31,8 mm, 50,8 mm or 63,5 mm.
  3. With the help of a special lock or welding, the bracket is installed on the fixing square.
  4. Already on the bracket, fasteners are mounted for the ball. The ball is removable, fastened with a nut, and can also be of different diameters.

The advantage of the American version is that the bracket allows you to easily change the diameter of the ball and adjust the height.

Legal regulation in Russia

Many drivers are interested in whether it is necessary to register a towbar with the traffic police and what punishment awaits for an illegal installation?

It is worth saying that the installation of the hitch is a constructive change in the device of the car. There is a special list of design changes that do not need to be approved by the traffic police. This list also includes a hitch, but with some explanations. The design of the car must imply the installation of a towbar. That is, the car must be designed for the installation of a tow bar. The vast majority of cars have this factory option.

TSU registration

To avoid possible punishment, the driver must have the following documents with him:

  1. Towbar certificate. By purchasing any towbar in a specialized store, a certificate of conformity is issued with it. This is a document that confirms the quality standards specified by the manufacturer. The document also confirms that the product has passed the required tests.
  1. Document from a certified auto center. The installation of the TSU must be carried out in specialized auto centers that issue an appropriate certificate. This certificate (or a copy) confirms the quality of the work performed to install the product. The document must be certified by a seal.

If a vehicle has already been installed on the purchased vehicle, then you also need to contact a specialized auto center, which will carry out diagnostics and issue a certificate. The cost of the service is approximately 1 rubles.

If the car is not designed to use a hitch

If the machine is not designed to install the trailer hitch from the factory, then it is possible to install it yourself, but you need to do the following steps:

  1. Purchase a towbar with a certificate.
  2. Install the product in a car center.
  3. Pass an examination in the traffic police for changes in the design of the car. In turn, the traffic police will send the driver to the auto center for examination.
  4. Record changes in the technical standard and PTS on changes in the design of the car.

Please note that installing the towbar yourself may affect the vehicle's factory warranty.

Illegal installation penalty

At the first violation for an illegal towbar, the inspector can issue a warning. For a subsequent violation, a fine of 500 rubles is implied in accordance with Article 12.5 Part 1 of the Administrative Code.

A towbar is a really necessary thing when using a trailer. When buying, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the product, its compliance with standards and the car. It is necessary to take into account the maximum transported weight of the cargo that it can withstand. Also, the driver must have certain certificates and documents for the vehicle in order to avoid possible punishment.

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