Choosing the right hitch for your car

When it comes to choosing the right hitch for your vehicle, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Before doing anything else, you need to determine how much weight you will be towing. Smaller trailers will weigh much less than larger caravans and this will significantly affect the load on the tow hitch and then your vehicle. Don't forget to also factor in the weight of the contents of the trailer or caravan, as all that heavy camping gear can really add up! Check the recommended weight limit when choosing a towbar to ensure you choose one that is strong enough for your requirements.

There are 3 main types of towbars you can choose from in the UK.

The first and most common in our country Ball drawbar with fixed flange. This is the most popular hitch for towing heavy trailers and caravans. It consists of a tow ball that bolts to a 2 or 4 hole plate that allows a 25mm spacer to be attached so additional fittings can also be attached. This particular type of towbar will allow you to tow a trailer or caravan and carry bikes on the back of the car at the same time (as long as you don't exceed the recommended weight limit). The fixed-flange tow bar also allows you to adjust the towing height and install the bumper guard if needed. This is probably the most flexible type of hitch on the market, which explains its considerable popularity.

The second type of towbar is the Swan Neck detachable towbar.

This style is mainly used in Europe and is not as popular with British drivers. It's removable so it doesn't need to be installed all year round, so if you find it getting in the way, you can only install it when you need to use it. Keeping it attached to the car shouldn't be too much of a problem, as once installed it doesn't restrict access to the trunk at all. Attachments are available to use this type of towbar to carry bikes, but with a detachable Swan Neck towbar, you won't be able to tow and carry bikes at the same time.

The last major type of towbar is the fixed swan neck towbar.

This is not very common in the UK but is widely used in other countries. This is the least flexible design as it is not compatible with other fittings or accessories. As with the detachable Swan Neck hitch, you can't tow and carry bikes at the same time, but both are possible separately. This is the hitch that is the least likely to trigger any reverse sensors you may have on your vehicle. It is slightly more expensive than the other two types and cannot be installed if you have a bumper. All of these types of towbars have their advantages and disadvantages. There isn't much difference in price between these three models, so it's just a matter of determining what requirements you have and choosing the towbar design that best suits your needs.

All about towbars

• The best ways to create extra storage space in your car for the summer
• Choosing the right hitch for your car
• What is the difference between 7 and 13 pin connectors?
• Legal requirements for towing in the UK
• When will you be able to drive your caravan at 60 miles per hour?
• How to get a cheap hitch