Can I add a tow bar to my car?

You can’t just attach a tow bar to a vehicle, hitch up the trailer or caravan and hit the road. First and foremost, you need to ensure that the tow bar you have chosen complies with EU regulations for its construction so that the part itself, just like other car parts, is road legal and safe.

Can I fit my own tow bar UK?

Not only is fitting it by yourself a huge safety concern, but you could also be invalidating the towbar or car manufacturer’s warranty by doing the work yourself. Unless you are a mechanic or towbar fitter, we would always advise that your towbar is installed by a professional so you can be sure it is safe and secure.

Can you tow with a bike rack?

Outside of the towing world, towball and hitch-mounted racks are the most common. They are fitted either on top of the tongue, over the towball or into a square hitch receiver. As a result, in nearly all cases, towing is not possible when using this style of rack.

How does a tow bar bike rack attach?

The bolt-on bike rack is physically bolted on to your vehicle’s towball using an adjuster screw. The clamp-on bike rack uses a clamp feature that secures itself around your vehicle’s towball.

How long does it take to get a tow bar fitted?

Typically 2-3 hours.

How can I carry my bike without a towbar?

If you don’t have a towbar and prefer not to load your bike(s) on the roof of the car, then boot bike racks are a perfect fit for you. These bike racks are easy to install – no preassembly required. Perfect for family bike trips or road biking.

How do you transport a bike without a tow bar?

Roof Mount – The other option if you do not have a tow bar is to go for a roof mounted bike carrier. This will require you to purchase a set of roof racks, but it is a viable and secure option if you do not have a tow bar and would prefer a roof mounted option so that access to your rear boot is not restricted.

Do I need to declare a tow bar?

Yes. A towbar counts as a modification to your vehicle in that it will differ from the manufacturer’s factory specification once fitted.

How long does it take to fit a towbar to a car?

Every single make and model of car is different so we always say to our customers that we allow 3 1/2 – 4 hours for the fitting. Some models of vehicle can take a couple of hours and some can be much trickier than others, occasionally even longer than 4 hours.

What is a swan neck towbar?

the most common towbar type is the swan neck towbar. This is where the tow ball and the neck are all one piece of the towbar. This type of towbar is becoming more popular in the U.K. due to the appearance of the bar looking neater and with the bar being narrower it is less likely to trigger your parking sensors.

Do tow bar bike racks fit all cars?

First, you’ll need to consider what vehicle you’re using, as not every bike rack fits every car. The kind of car you drive has a big impact on how you’ll need to carry your bikes. You will also need to consider what type of bikes you will be carrying, and how many.

Do towbar bike racks fit any car?

First, you’ll need to consider what vehicle you’re using as not every bike rack fits every car. Rear mounted bike racks are vehicle-specific so if this is what you’re after then use our online registration check first or speak to one of our store colleagues who fit these racks day in, day out.

Does a tow bar increase insurance?

The towbar shouldn’t increase your insurance, although you may be charged an amendment or service fee if adding it to your existing vehicle. Other insurance companies may decide to raise your policy premium as a result of you having a towbar fitted – it may be worth looking for alternative quotes in this circumstance.