Good Vs Bad Tow Bar Fitting.
At the Ultimate Towbars offices, we have seen it all, from the latest factory-fitted fully automated tow bar with vehicle-integrated electrics through to the bodged wiring and loose bolts on a cheap-as-chips fitting from a social media advertised one-man band.
There is a massive difference between tow bar fitting prices and it’s for a reason. That being cheap tow bars aren’t normally safe or reliable. So here’s a few pointers to consider when you’re looking to get a tow bar fitted.
Good:
Safe
Reliable
Strong
Correct Parts Fitted
Lasts for Years
Guaranteed by the company themselves
Registered Business
Professionally Fitted
Fully Insured (Including vehicle damage cover)
Takes card payments
Only approved parts are used
Offers vehicle software updates where required.
No hidden extra charges
All work is fully tested
Expert advice given
Bad
Not a registered business
Not insured
Untrained and unqualified fitters
Only a verbal guarantee
Cheap unreliable parts are used
Wrong Parts Fitted
Bypass or universal electrics fitted
Payments only in cash or bank transfer to a personal account
The Basics of Towbar Fitting
Unless you have experience or have done your research then it’s a good idea to understand what’s involved in the tow bar fitting itself.
In over ninety per cent of tow bar fittings, the rear lights and bumper have to be removed from the vehicle. The associated electrics have to be disconnected (Lights, and rear parking sensors.)
The rear crash beam has to be removed and replaced and parts such as the exhausts and AdBlue tank need lowering to gain access to the tow bar mounting points.
The tow bar is fitted to the vehicle and all bolts are torqued to the type-approval legal requirements,
Fitting the electronics normally requires the removal and replacement of the vehicle’s inner panels. In many cases the technician needs to access the internal fuse box, often this is located behind the vehicle’s dashboard, requiring the dash to be partially disassembled.
Once fitted, in many cases, the vehicle’s software is updated to activate the towing safety features of the vehicle.
After everything is fitted the technicians test the functions to ensure everything is working and road-legal.
Overall, the process of fitting a tow bar and dedicated wiring should take between two to four hours, depending on the vehicle and the experience of the fitters.
Think About It
If it’s the cheapest it’s that for a reason.
Before booking your tow bar fitting make sure you know exactly what you are getting.
In many cases getting a cheap tow bar fitting done is a very expensive mistake to make.
Compare quotes from approved and registered tow bar companies and beware of anyone offering prices that appear too good to be true. As we all know, if it seems too good to be true it normally is. Most often those offering unbeatable tow bar fitting prices are doing so at a cost. This cost-cutting cost is normally found by cutting corners and fitting cheap parts purchased from eBay.
There is also the matter of insurance.
If unapproved parts or parts that are not fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions are fitted then your insurance can be deemed invalid.
This is especially true regarding the vehicle wiring. Failure to fit the approved wiring and in many cases to update the vehicle software for towing will make towing unsafe, as the vehicle’s towing features will be inactive, and as such could invalidate the insurance in the event of an accident.
When a tow bar is fitted to your vehicle you must notify your insurance that you have one fitted. The insurance company will assume that the tow bar end electrics are fitted according to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. If there is a need to claim on the insurance the insurance company are within their rights to inspect the vehicle and request proof that the tow bar was fitted in accordance with type-approval regulations.
Conclusion
Don’t take a risk by getting a cheap unapproved tow bar and associated wiring fitted.
You might be ringing around looking to get the cheapest possible tow bar fitted to your vehicle and you might be lucky and find a genuine company that will offer this service. Just make sure they tick all the boxes before agreeing to go ahead.
- Registered Company? (To be safe it’s always recommended that you choose a registered company, This will ensure you are protected by company trading laws)
. - Insured for working on your vehicle? Professional Indemnity Insurance.
. - (Third-party indemnity does not cover issues caused by fitting a tow bar)
. - Approved Parts? (Not universal parts)
. - Are there any extras? (Some companies charge extra for mobile fitting.)
. - They are fitting dedicated electrics and not universal or bypass wiring (Required to comply with vehicle warranties.)
. - Confirmation of appointment (Make sure you have written confirmation, or email confirmation of your fitting appointment and of what is being fitted.)
. - Make sure you get a receipt!
You now have the information required, it’s up to you where you choose to get your tow bar fitted.
If you would like a quote from us to get you started on your towing adventures then pop along to and complete the online tow bar fitting quote form.
https://www.ultimatetowbars.co.uk/online-towbar-fitting-quote/
Below is a tow bar that was fitted to a vehicle. the customer didn’t realise that the bolts had not been tightened until the day of his annual holiday. Luckily he didn’t start towing with the vehicle.
Happy Towing
Ultimate Towbars
