Towbars...

Many people associate a Towbar with towing a caravan, however there are many other uses for a towbar, such as towing various types of trailer, e.g. for rubbish, motorbikes, jet skis, horses, camping equipment etc. or commercial use. Also, many people use a towbar to mount a cycle carrier or bike rack.

Call us today on 01706 220555 for a supply and fit quote.


Types of Towbars

FIXED FLANGE BALL

The flange type tow bar is the most commonly used fixed bar available on the UK market. The tow ball is fixed to the bar using 2 nuts and bolts enabling easy fixing of a bumper protection plate.

These bolts can also be used for the fitting of the cycle carrier leaving the ball free to tow a trailer etc. This type of system is ideally used where stabilisers are fitted to the caravan hitch. The tow bar electrics are easily mounted to either one side of the ball or even one on each side of the ball if required.

SWAN NECK TOWBARS

The swan neck tow bar has been being manufactured for the past 30 years, working side by side with all the major car manufacturers. The swan neck design is more widely associated and seen in the continental Europe, however is now growing fast in the UK.

The swan neck tow ball is also Al-Ko friendly for the stabilisers on caravans. The swan neck is either bolted onto the bar or welded in some cases. The electrics tend to be fitted under the bumper and not to the side of the tow ball.

DETACHABLE TOWBARS

These types of tow bars are designed for the motorist with an eye for detail. The reasons for this are so once the ball is removed and the electrics are retracted under the bumper then there is no sign that there is even a tow bar fitted to the vehicle. Once the tow ball is removed there is a blanking cap to keep the hole clean.

The electrics are fitted to a swinging plate so when not in use then they can be swung under the bumper to protect them. The ball is removed usually by a quick release lever which is release by the usage of a key. Once the ball is removed it can then be secured away in the boot for use next time..

RETRACTABLE TOWBARS

JY Auto Electrics are proud to announce the brand new innovation of the retractable tow bar. Thanks to latest in technology means the ball disappears behind the bumper but remains accessible at all times. Although there is a tow bar fitted when it’s not in use there appears as if the vehicle is not equipped with one.

The electrics are part of the bar, so once the ball is hidden behind the bumper then so are the electrics ensuring that the whole unit vanishes. The retraceable bar takes just as long to fit as the detachable bar to fit. This type in latest design is only available on a certain number of vehicles, so please contact JY Auto Electrics for more information and prices.

Electrics

SINGLE SOCKET ELECTRICS (12n)

These are the standard 7 pin black socket mounted on a metal back plate. They are pre-wired with a 2 metre length of cable and fix to a standard fixed flange tow bar using 2 nuts and bolts.

These 7 pin standard sockets are designed to provide you with running lights for towing trailers and lightening boards. This type of electrics is all you need to be legal whilst towing but can restrict you in the function it provides. When using the 7 pin socket you can tow a caravan, however it will only work the lights, so the myth you can’t is not true.

Single 7 pin electrics or 12N towing electrics diagram


TWIN SOCKET ELECTRICS (12s)

These are 2 x 7 pin sockets 1 Black and the other Grey and White mounted on a metal back plate. These types of electrics add the functions you need when towing a caravan i.e. fully working interior lights, charging of your caravan battery, reverse lights fully working and the fridge working fully.

They work from the 12 volt battery of the vehicle and maintain the battery level and the fridge temperature. When the vehicle is running the switched feed will trigger from the voltage relay, which controls the caravan battery and the fridge. This voltage sensitive relay will only operate at around 13.5 volts so when the vehicle is switched off the voltage will drop below 13.5 volts and so cutting the feed to the devices.

Twin electrics 12S or 7 pin secondary diagram
Twin Electrics

13 Pin Socket / Loom

13 pin towing sockets are the newest style of towing socket and as of September 2008 all caravans manufactured will be wired up with 13 pin plugs that meet ISO11446 ( international standards organisation ) and the U.K. representative B.S.I. ( British standards institute ) requirements.

The 13 pin socket is also more adaptable for detachable tow-bars that have a spring mounting single socket plate that can be folded up behind the bumper so that it is invisible


13 pin Socket wiring diagram
If you are only using single electrics from the 13pin (e.g pulling a trailer / Bike carrier) you just need to wire pins 1-7.
13 pin wiring diagram

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