Tow Bars & Kits

A tow bar provides a secure connection point for towing a trailer or using compatible rear-mounted accessories. The right towbar needs to suit your car, what you plan to tow, and the load involved. Always check vehicle compatibility, towing capacity, tow ball download limits, and the rating of every towing component before fitting or towing.

Understanding Tow Bar Classes

Tow bars are commonly grouped into classes based on their intended towing capacity. The rating of your specific towbar and your car’s towing limits must always be checked, as the lowest-rated component determines the usable towing limit.

• Class 2 tow bars are generally used for lighter duties, such as a small box trailer or a compatible bike carrier. They may be rated up to 1,200 kg, depending on the towbar and vehicle application.
• Class 3 tow bars are suited to medium-duty towing, including some boat trailers and personal watercraft trailers. They may be rated up to 1,600 kg, depending on the towbar and vehicle.
• Class 4 tow bars are heavy-duty units commonly used on larger SUVs and 4WDs. A heavy duty tow bar may be designed to operate up to the towing limit specified for the car, making it suitable for heavier trailers, caravans, or boats where appropriate.

What Is Included in a Tow Bar Kit?

A tow bar kit commonly includes the main towbar assembly, vehicle-specific brackets, and mounting hardware. Some towbar kit options also include a ball mount, tow ball, trailer wiring harness, trailer plug, locking pin, or other tow bar attachments. Check the product details before purchase, as a tow bar price may not include every component required for towing.

A complete trailer tow bar setup can include:

• A vehicle-specific car tow bar.
• Brackets, bolts, nuts, washers, and fitting hardware.
• A ball mount or removable towbar tongue.
• A tow ball kit in the correct size and rating.
• Trailer wiring, plugs, sockets, and connectors.
• A vehicle-specific wiring harness or electrical module.
• Compatible tow bar attachments, D shackles, or locking pins.

How Much Does Tow Bar Installation Cost?

If you are asking how much does it cost to install a tow bar, the answer depends on your car, the towbar class, wiring requirements, and the fitting work involved. Tow bar installation cost may be lower for a simple Class 2 setup than for a Class 4 heavy duty tow bar requiring more involved wiring or trim removal.

When comparing towbar installation cost, separate the tow bar cost from fitting costs. The overall tow bar installation price may include the towbar, ball mount, tow ball installation, trailer wiring, plug fitting, labour, and testing. Confirm what is included before comparing quotes.

Can You Install a Tow Bar Yourself?

A DIY towbar install may be suitable if you have mechanical experience, correct tools, and a vehicle-specific kit with clear fitting instructions. Many tow bars use existing mounting points, but the towbar can be heavy and awkward to position. Having a second person assist is sensible.

Before you install tow bar hardware, confirm the kit suits your car, inspect all supplied fasteners, and read the complete instructions. Use a torque wrench to tighten all mounting hardware to the specified settings. Do not substitute bolts, drill additional holes, weld, or modify the towing bar unless the fitting instructions specifically require it.

Towbar installation wiring can be more complicated than the mechanical fitting. Incorrect electrical connections can cause trailer light faults or vehicle electrical issues. If you are unsure about wiring, trailer plugs, or circuit testing, professional tow bar fitting is a practical option.

What Is a 70mm Tow Ball Hitch Used For?

A 70mm tow ball hitch is generally used for heavier-duty towing applications where the trailer coupling is specifically designed to fit a 70mm tow ball. It is not a universal upgrade, and it must only be used with a compatible coupling.

Check the trailer coupling markings, then confirm the ratings of the 70mm tow ball, ball mount, towbar, trailer, and car. Never force a coupling onto a tow ball of the wrong size. Regularly inspect the tow ball for corrosion, cracks, wear, or damage, and do not weld, heat, paint, or modify it.

Choosing the Right Tow Bar for Your Car

Choose a tow bar based on what you plan to tow or carry. A light trailer or bike carrier may suit a Class 2 setup, while a caravan, large trailer, or boat may need a higher-rated towbar. A heavy duty tow bar does not increase your car’s towing capacity, so always work within the limits specified for your vehicle.

Check maximum trailer mass, tow ball download, and the combined weight of the loaded car and trailer. Gross Vehicle Mass, or GVM, is the maximum permitted mass of the loaded car. Gross Combination Mass, or GCM, is the maximum permitted combined mass of the loaded car and trailer. Both limits need to be considered when loading for a towing trip.

Some tow bars use a removable ball mount or tongue, which can be useful when you are not towing. It may help avoid blocked number plates, improve clearance, and reduce the chance of bumps around the rear of the car. A removable tongue should be secured with the specified locking pin when fitted.

For a complete setup from Repco, consider complementary categories including trailer wiring and plugs, tow balls and ball mounts, and trailer safety accessories. These help you connect the trailer correctly, match the coupling and tow ball, and carry out practical checks before towing.