towballs and electrics

[Lonesome-Whizkid]

Am i correct in learning that there are two different types of towball, the ordinary flange ball and the alko towball.

And two different types of electrics? - the old pre 2008 12N & 12S 7 pin sockets and the new 13 pin? :S

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Click here for pros and cons of different types of balls/bars. However it doesn't mentioned the 2 types of flange ball, viz AlKo/non-AlKo neck. Remember to remove any paint on a new ball.

 

[Damian]

There are 3 different types of towball,
Standard Flange
Al-Ko Extended Neck
Detachable.
The standard Bolt on flange is no good if you have an Al-Ko hitch damper such as the AKS 1300, 2004, 3004 etc, for those you must have the extended neck Al-Ko towball, or the vast majority of Detachable are OK.

You are right about electrics, the old 2X 7Pin 12S and 12N, or the better 13 pin setup.

 

[Lonesome-Whizkid]

Is it legal to fit your own towbar?

 

[ProfJohnL]

Is it legal to fit your own towbar?

Yes,

But the tow bar is only half the story, you also need the 12V electricts to run the road lights on the trailer and any other auxiliary services such a split charge and fridge. Especially with modern cars you cannot simply break into the service wire, it needs to be properly connected and the cars computers may need to be reprogrammed to accept the additional wiring and lamp loads. If your not certain of what you are doing and you have all the correct gear to fit and programme, its best left to a specialist, and you also get a guarantee for the work.

 

[Lonesome-Whizkid]

Got to be honest, I dont know a thing about car electrics so i best leave that one to the professionals. What's the best tow bar to buy? Any? now that the law states that from a certain date they all have to be to european standards? Can you get an witter alko flange type bar and ball? does that make sense?

 

[Gozza]

For most people it's probably best not to go to the main dealer for your make of car and have their recommended towbar/electrics fitted - it costs a fortune! You don't say where in the country you are but near me we have an excellent independent towbar specialist who has fitted the towbar on every car I've ever had fitted with one, and his work has always been top rate. You probably have one such near you - if you tell us where abouts you are, almost certainly someone will pop up with a recommendation.

Which ball is right for you depends on whether you have a hitch stabiliser or not, and on whether you want a detachable towbar. I think the only reason for a detachable is if you really don't like the look of the towbar on the back of your car, personally it's never bothered me so I've always had non-detachables. If you're having a bar fitted to a company car I guess there may be a company rule about it.

As for two seven pin electrics versus a modern 13 pin - I don't think there's much justification for NOT having 13 pin - I suppose if you're often going to tow an "ordinary" trailer that doesn't need what comes up the 7S lines it might be a bit of a nuisance but adaptors aren't expensive.

What I would do, is once you've decided what ball you need and which sort of electrics you want, and you've got a recommendation for a fitter, just go to them and say "I want a ball suitable for a Winterhoff hitch stabiliser (for example) and this type of electrics, to fit this car", and go with what they recommend. I would say finding a reputable fitter is more important than choosing the best make of towbar, since if the fitter is any good, they'll be able to give you that advice anyway.

Finally (cos I've waffled a bit) - don't forget to check out mobile towbar fitters, who may be able to save the hassle of going to a fitter. And if you think you may want other things fitted ith your towbar, like a bumper protector or an eye to clip your breakaway cable to, get them fitted at the same time - it's a bit of a pain to have to do it later!

 

[David McG]

I went to a towbar specialist, the 1st thing he asked was what tow hitch do I have the what plug adaptor did I want fitting.

I have used them twice and they have been worth paying for

 

[morris1981]

There are 3 different types of towball,
Standard Flange
Al-Ko Extended Neck
Detachable.
The standard Bolt on flange is no good if you have an Al-Ko hitch damper such as the AKS 1300, 2004, 3004 etc, for those you must have the extended neck Al-Ko towball, or the vast majority of Detachable are OK.

You are right about electrics, the old 2X 7Pin 12S and 12N, or the better 13 pin setup.

Just a note on this: if your caravan is Alko, then the swan neck is not your only option.
You can often save money by opting for a flange (2-bolt) fixing towbar but with an alko-compatible (long reach) towball.