Member Since: 19 Aug 2016
Location: essex
Posts: 2
detatchable tow bar or fixed??
Hi I'm in a pickle as to what towbar to go for...I'll only be towing a trailer (small) with camping gear in but not sure which towbar I should go for...
I'll also be looking at purchasing a bike carrier (3 or 4 bikes), does this make an impacted on which towbar to get?! Thanks in advance
19th Aug 2016 2:32 pm
daviesto
Member Since: 18 May 2015
Location: Reading, Berks
Posts: 67
We use the regular detachable towbar for both those uses....small camping trailer OR 3-bike towball mounted carrier (Buzzrack 3). You need to consider if you ever want to carry bikes on the back while towing. If so, the carrier can't sit on the tow ball and would either need to be hung off the car or attached to the mounting plate of a fixed towbar behind the towball.
Note that the detachable towbar is subject to a recall to check for wear of the hitch and receiver.
19th Aug 2016 2:38 pm
HughMartin
Member Since: 30 Mar 2008
Location: Aberdeenshire
Posts: 751
If you don't mind the look of a fixed towbar permanently fitted and the associated bruises and oily marks on your shin, I would go for it. It allows the flexibility of towing at the same time as using a bike rack which uses an adaptor plate. It can of course interfere with any serious off road activities.
I have used the removable one for nearly 10 years (the same one on two different vehicles) without any problem. I remove it after each use (well almost) because if it is left in place it will either become "fixed" due to the mechanism seizing up or it will be nicked by some scoat. The only maintenance it gets is an occasional spray of WD40. I don't worry about the stories of them falling off as I make double sure it is correctly fitted and secure each time I use it. You do go for the removable one, make sure the red plug is inserted when the towbar is removed to stop crud gumming up the socket. Getting the red plug out and refitting properly it can be more difficult than fitting the hook itself.
19th Aug 2016 3:03 pm
Tanglewood
Member Since: 27 Feb 2011
Location: Wilts
Posts: 1376
I regularly tow a twin axle IW 3t trailer as well as a twin axle bear of a caravan. No issues with the detachable one whatsoever and it keeps the lines of the vehicle clean. As already said, remove when not in use to avoid it being nicked!
19th Aug 2016 3:39 pm
UtilityGuy
Member Since: 26 Mar 2016
Location: Northampton
Posts: 343
I'm looking at a removerble one too, but I did not realise they was easy to get nicked, they are locked into place right with a key ?
I wouldn't touch a removable again after mine came out whilst towing. Luckily trailer empty & only a telegraph pole demolishedPaul.
06 Java Black HSE - gone
12 Baltic Blue HSE - gone
15 Fuji HSE Lux
Club Biscuits, mmmm nice!
Traxide/Luna hybrid & Yellow top
Some Prospeed bits
+ some other stuff
Club N.E.R.D.s.
I'm looking at a removerble one too, but I did not realise they was easy to get nicked, they are locked into place right with a key ?
The key only really lets you know it is locked in correctly, if it's not you cannot remove the key, as a theft deterrent the lock is as good as a chocolate fire guard.
19th Aug 2016 5:53 pm
fletch+4
Member Since: 19 Aug 2016
Location: essex
Posts: 2
Thank you for your advice!
I would be looking at towing the trailer with the bike carrier on too so poss more suitable for fixed bar.
which brings me to next question. ....parking sensors still work with fixed towbar or do I have to disconnect?
Parking sensors are fine with a fixed towbar. Current: Discovery 3 06MY (55 reg) HSE Auto Zambezi Silver Allisport Fast Road Intercooler, V8 Brakes, Silicone IC Hoses, EGRs Blanked, Remapped, De-Cat pipe, FBHIC
Freelander 2 2007 HSE Manual Tambora Flame
Previous: FL2 56 reg SE Manual Black (written off )
Disco 3 06 reg B7S Manual Rimini Red
Disco 2 TD5 Y reg ES Manual Blue - Chipped
Several Discovery 300 TDis
Parking sensors will work still. I've got a fixed bar which was on SWMBO's, just cleaned up, shotblasted & painted available as changing set up on both mine & hers.
No pics at the mo as I'm away (home late Sun).
Dave at MD Couriers can supply a collect/delivery quote.
PM if interested & we can discuss.
PaulPaul.
06 Java Black HSE - gone
12 Baltic Blue HSE - gone
15 Fuji HSE Lux
Club Biscuits, mmmm nice!
Traxide/Luna hybrid & Yellow top
Some Prospeed bits
+ some other stuff
Club N.E.R.D.s.
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Allisport Fast Road Intercooler, V8 Brakes, Silicone IC Hoses, EGRs Blanked, Remapped, De-Cat pipe, FBHIC
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