Towbar Safety and Maintenance

When towing a touring caravan, the towbar is your most important connection to the road. Along with the breakaway cable, it’s the crucial link between your car and your caravan. Whether you’re having your first towbar fitted or want to know how to look after an existing one, this guide covers types of towbars, legal requirements, towing weights, safety checks and maintenance tips to help you tow safely.

Before You Tow

Before you fit or use a towbar, you must ensure your vehicle is suitable for towing. This means that you must verify your vehicle is designed to accept a towbar and it has the correct mounting points for a towing bracket.

You also need to know your towing vehicle’s limitations, such as the kerbweight (the car’s weight when fully equipped but without passengers or luggage), maximum towing limit (the maximum braked trailer weight your car can legally tow) and the nose load (the maximum weight your caravan can exert vertically on the towball).

It’s worth being aware that cars registered after 1st August 1998 must be fitted with a type-approved towbar that meets minimum safety standards. Older vehicles aren’t legally required to meet the same standard, but choosing one that complies with British Standard BS ISO 1103 or European Directive 94/20/EC is highly recommended.

The weight limits and towing capacity can be found in the vehicle’s handbook or on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate. This is often located under the bonnet or on a door pillar.

Understanding Towing Weights

Weight compliance is a legal requirement and is essential for safe handling.

Gross Train Weight (GTW) is the maximum combined mass of the towing vehicle and caravan when loaded and is found on your VIN plate.

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the maximum weight of your vehicle when loaded.

To work out towing capacity, you need to minus the GVW from the GTW. For example, GTW 5,500kg – GVW 3,500kg = 2,000kg maximum towing capacity.

Maximum Axle Weight (MAW) is the load limit for the front and rear axles. If you overload the rear axle, you can destabilise your caravan.

Before long trips, you should use a local weighbridge.

Types of Towbars for Touring Caravans

Towbars come in several designs to suit different needs and budgets. All have a standard 50mm towball diameter, which must not deviate by more than 1mm – if it does, it could detach from the vehicle.

1. Fixed Towbars

These are attached to your vehicle permanently. They’re cost-effective but are always visible.

Fixed Flange Towbar

The fixed flange towbar is bolted to a flange plate with two or four holes and allows for accessories like cycle carriers, bumper protectors and AL-KO stabilisers. Ones with a four-hole plate are adjustable for towing height. The fixed flange towbar is more affordable but will permanently protrude.

Fixed Swan Neck Towbar

This is a sleeker design with a towball integrated into a single neck piece. AL-KO stabilisers would be compatible without modification and are less likely to trigger reversing sensors. There are limited accessory mounting options though.

2. Detachable Towbars

These allow the towball to be removed when not in use, preserving your car’s appearance and reducing shin hazards.

Detachable Swan Neck

These have the same sleek design as a fixed swan neck but are removable. They are AL-KO compatible but are discreet when detached.

Detachable Flange

These have the same functionality as the fixed flange, except they’re removable. They are popular with cyclists and can mount a bike rack when towing. They are bulker than the detachable swan neck.

3. Retractable/Swing Away Towbars

This is a premium option where the towball folds or swivels under the bumper when it’s not in use.

They’re concealed when stowed, so no storage is needed.

They’re available in manual or electronic versions and are compatible with most caravan stabilisers. They also tend to be more expensive and are limited in availability.

Towbar Maintenance and Safety Checks

A well-maintained towbar can last a lifetime. Poor maintenance can lead to corrosion, loosening or even complete failure, which is why it’s important to do the following.

Routine Checks

You should be looking for:

• Cracks, dents or signs of impact
• Rust, bubbling paint or exposed metal
• Loose bolts or damaged wiring, particularly for trailer lights or electronics
• Towball surface is free from grooves, rust or seizing marks
• All levers and flexible joints are at the right level of tightness

If it’s extremely worn or corroded, it's recommended that you replace it.

Cleaning

You should clean your towbar regularly to prevent rust from developing. Definitely clean the towbar when you notice a buildup of dirt, grime or road salt, and before and after long journeys.

• Use warm, soapy water and a cloth
• Avoid using aggressive chemicals that can damage seals
• Remove surface rust with a wire brush, then apply anti-rust treatment and chassis paint
• Use WD-40 or other protective spray to help prevent corrosion

Aid towball maintenance by removing detachable towbars when they’re not in use and storing them with a protective cap.

Please note that the repair and disassembly of the removable towbar should only be performed by the manufacturer of the towbar.

MOT Towbar Inspection

Since April 2009, towbar fittings have been part of the MOT test for cars and motorhomes. Inspectors will:

• Check for security, corrosion, fractures or damage
• Ensure correct mounting and locking devices are present
• Test for excessive play in detachable and adjustable towbars

National Trailer and Towing Association

The NTTA is the UK’s trade body for the towing industry and was founded in 1975. In 2025, it will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its Quality Secured Scheme, which promotes excellence in towbar installation and trailer maintenance.

If you’re having a towbar fitted, choosing an NTTA Quality Secured workshop will ensure that the fitter is regularly inspected and meets high industry standards. You'll also be certain that you've received the correct installation, safety checks and advice tailored to your towing needs, alongside peace of mind that your towbar complies with all legal requirements.

You can find an approved fitter using the directory at www.ntta.co.uk.

Safety Essentials

When towing a caravan, you need the following to ensure you are practising safe towing. This includes:

• A breakaway cable, which is a legal requirement for braked trailers
• To comply with the nose load and not exceed the manufacturer's limits
• Number plate visibility; your towbar must not obscure it

Caravan Insurance

A correctly fitted and maintained towbar is essential for safe towing, but it’s only one part of protecting your investment. Even with the best preparation, accidents, theft, and damage can still happen, which is where touring caravan insurance from Eversure comes in.

An Eversure policy covers accidental damage, theft of your caravan or its contents as well as storm, fire or flood damage - all as a standard.