Towbar and wiring types

A fixed flange type Towbar is the oldest type of towbar available more commonly found on vans, pickups and also used with the older type of caravans that required a bolt on type of stabiliser. This type of towbar is not recommended for vehicles with parking sensors due to its size it can cause interference. 

The most commonly fitted Towbar as it can be used for almost all applications, Trailers, caravans and most modern tow ball mounted bike racks. It also tends to be the cheapest type of Towbar available. because this towbar is fixed it can sometimes cause interference with parking sensor systems if fitted.

A detachable Towbar is the best option for a vehicles fitted with parking sensors as it can be removed when not in use so it does not cause interference. Detachable towbars are usually  the most expensive aftermarket towbar option.

A retractable Towbar is the most common type of towbar being fitted on new vehicles by the manufacturers, These are available as an aftermarket option for some vehicles but they are very expensive and are usually made to order.

7 Pin wiring is usually the most common wiring type found on older trailers and bike racks, This socket provides

• Side Lights
• Brake Lights
• Left and Right Indicators
• Rear Fog Lights

13 Pin wiring is the go to wiring for almost all new caravan's, trailers and bike racks as it provides all the features of twin 7S and 7N wiring in one socket. This socket provides

• Side Lights
• Brake Lights
• Left and Right Indicators
• Fog Lights
• Reverse Lights
• 12 volt permanent power feed
• 12 volt switched power feed 

Twin Wiring 7S and 7N is typically found on older caravans and provides

• Side Lights
• Brake Lights
• Left and Right Indicators
• Fog Lights
• Reverse Lights
• 12 volt permanent power feed
• 12 volt switched power feed 

Universal wiring is usually the cheapest type of towbar wiring fitted to vehicles, this is were we hard wire to your vehicle existing wiring loom and connect the socket to your vehicle using special control relays if required.

If your vehicle is covered by a manufacturers warranty we recommend you do not fit this type of wiring as it can invalidate the manufacturers warranty

Leicester Towbars recommends vehicle specific wiring for almost all new modern cars.

Vehicle specific wiring connects to your vehicle using the same installation points as the manufacturer meaning that it does not effect the manufacturers warranty.  

Most vehicles communicate using the vehicles gateway (CAN Network) some vehicles also have towing safety functions programmed in there preinstalled software which just needs activating using our coding equipment.