A detachable tow bar is the perfect solution if you regularly use a towbar and think the design of your car or vehicle is important. This is because, with detachable, you no longer have a permanently visible towbar on your car, but at the same time, it is always there handy when you need it.
Detachable Tow bar Advantages
Firstly, it its much better looking aesthetically than a fixed towbar. This is because the neck can be removed when not in use, therefore rendering it nearly invisible on most vehicles, and the electrical sockets mount on the main bar out of the way. Your boot lid is also better accessible with a detachable one. Because of this, it is easier to load and unload your boot, as there is no towbar in the way.
They are easy to use in that the ball can be manually placed and removed extremely easily, and it only takes a few seconds. However, it is important to be sure that it is properly engaged before driving off to ensure safe towing. Detachable versions are also very useful when fitting to vehicles that have reversing sensors (also known as parking distance control or PDC). This is because often, with a fixed flange or swan neck, they would be picked up by the sensors when not towing.
Another advantage is the anti-theft locking mechanism which ensures that your towbar is protected against theft. The ball has a permanent safety lock with a key, which can be used when you decide to leave the ball in the sleeve.
Detachable Towbar Problems
Obviously, there are disadvantages and advantages to any product you choose. Here, we discuss a few of the disadvantages of detachable. Firstly, on some towbars, a 13 pin electrical socket may have to be fitted to ensure that the swing plate works. Secondly, they are the most expensive type of towbar available on the market, and with detachable styles, there is only a certain range of bike racks that are compatible with them, and they can't be used with a cycle carrier whilst towing at the same time.
In addition to this, most accessories cannot be bolted on, for example, bumper guards, etc. They also can't be used with different types of couplings such as a pin, ball, and jaw. Another disadvantage is that the tow ball height cannot be altered, and an alternate towball can't be fitted either.
