5 Things You Should Know Before Buying a UTE Towbar

A towbar is a UTE accessory attached to the rear of a vehicle's chassis to assist with towing a trailer or another vehicle. It comes in handy when you need to connect a trailer to your 4WD or UTE, or when your vehicle needs to be towed to a workshop.

Towbars are designed with components that allow a trailer to swivel and articulate. The method of attaching a towbar varies depending on the type of towbar being used.

Before you start shopping for a towbar, there are several important things you should know. Here are five key considerations when choosing a UTE towbar.

1. Multiple Types

Towbars come in multiple types, with each offering different towing capacities and construction.

For example, some towbars can tow weights of up to 1.6 tonnes, making them suitable for small to medium-sized cars and trailers. Other towbars can handle medium to large cars and trailers weighing up to 7.7 tonnes.

Towbars are generally divided into different classes, from Class 1 through to Class 5, depending on the weight of the trailer they are designed to tow.

Choosing the appropriate towbar class is important to ensure it can safely handle your towing requirements.

2. Vehicle Specific

A towbar isn't just a mechanical component; it also includes an electrical component known as towbar electrics or a towbar wiring kit.

Towbar electrics are vehicle-specific. This means that a wiring kit suitable for one UTE may not necessarily work with another UTE.

Dedicated wiring is becoming increasingly popular because each kit is designed for a particular vehicle. This allows the kit to interface with the vehicle's electrical system as intended by the manufacturer.

When purchasing a towbar, make sure the electrical kit is compatible with your specific vehicle.

3. CAN-Bus

CAN-Bus is an important consideration when shopping for towbars, particularly for modern vehicles.

Traditional bypass kits can interfere with the functioning of various vehicle sensors and systems, including stability control, engine and transmission management, steering and other electronic systems.

That's why selecting the correct trailer harness is crucial for safety. Modern trailer harnesses are designed to provide a solution to these compatibility issues and work more effectively with the vehicle's electronic systems.

Always ensure that the towbar wiring and harness are compatible with your vehicle.

4. Validity of Warranty

Towbars can experience wear and tear during the regular towing of trailers and other vehicles. Damage can also occur due to improper or mismanaged use.

That's why you should consider the warranty period when purchasing a towbar. A suitable warranty can help protect you from unexpected repair or replacement costs if something goes wrong.

Before buying, check how long the warranty lasts and what it covers. This can help you avoid unexpected expenses if your towbar requires repairs or replacement.

5. Detachable or Fixed Towbar

A detachable towbar is a UTE accessory that can be attached and removed according to the user's needs. It allows you to dismount the towbar when it isn't required without significantly affecting the appearance of the UTE.

Some people consider fixed towbars to be stronger and more reliable than detachable models. However, quality detachable towbars can offer comparable strength and reliability when properly fitted and used within their rated capacity.

Some detachable towbars also feature indicators that show whether the towbar has been correctly secured, providing additional convenience and peace of mind.

Find the Right Towbar for Your UTE

Choosing the right towbar involves more than simply selecting a product based on price or appearance. You should consider factors such as towing capacity, vehicle compatibility, electrical requirements, CAN-Bus compatibility, warranty coverage and whether a fixed or detachable towbar is right for your needs.

The UTE Shop, based in Sunshine Coast, is one of the leading suppliers of UTE accessories, including towbars, nudge bars, canopies and alloy UTE trays. Catering to customers Australia-wide, The UTE Shop works with several well-known brands, making it easier to choose the right accessories for your UTE.