Fixed or detachable tow bar?

waltersidmouth
waltersidmouth Forum Participant Posts: 12
edited January 2016 in Towcars & Towing #1

Hi, has anyone with a Ssangyong Korando found that either a fixed or detachable tow bar to be more beneficial then the other?  Any comments much appreciated.

Comments

  • rogher
    rogher Forum Participant Posts: 609
    500 Comments
    edited January 2016 #2

    I assume they are both tested to the same spec, so there should be little difference functionally. Never-the-less a fixed one will be simpler so will cost less and have reduced chance of failure. So long as you don’t mind the appearance or knocking against
    when filling the back, I’d go for fixed. I’d prefer a bolted towball, rather than swan neck, because you can add attachments easier (or even remove the ball). Make sure it’s compatible with your stabiliser.

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,582 ✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments Photogenic
    edited January 2016 #3

    I assume they are both tested to the same spec, so there should be little difference functionally. Never-the-less a fixed one will be simpler so will cost less and have reduced chance of failure. So long as you don’t mind the appearance or knocking against
    when filling the back, I’d go for fixed. I’d prefer a bolted towball, rather than swan neck, because you can add attachments easier (or even remove the ball). Make sure it’s compatible with your stabiliser.

     I agree with Rogher in his assessment and frankly the make of car is irrelevant. You basically have to look at the points raised and decide what suits you best.

  • armourer
    armourer Forum Participant Posts: 218
    edited January 2016 #4

    they all do what it says on the tin - tow whatever is hitched onto them

  • Hakinbush
    Hakinbush Forum Participant Posts: 286
    edited January 2016 #5

    Its basicly just a cosmetic thing,on a 4x4 it looks quite normal to see a fixed towball on,where as like my S type when not towing a hook sticking out the back looks ghastly,so the only benefit with fixed is one less job to do when hitching..

  • TheAdmiral
    TheAdmiral Forum Participant Posts: 506
    edited January 2016 #6

    I have a Swan Neck, not me personally if you know what I mean, and would not have a detachable as I have seen people trying to get theirs detached using a hammer and attaching them and detaching them lying on their backs, so not for me

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2016 #7

     ... and would not have a detachable as I have seen people trying to get theirs detached using a hammer and attaching them and detaching them lying on their backs, so not for me

    Lack of maintenance Wink Never had a problem with either of mine apart from when I first got my current car, the bar must've been left on & wouldn't
    properly engage. Proper lubrication & it works now as it should. Happy

  • harryb
    harryb Forum Participant Posts: 1,536
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2016 #8

    I had a Witter detachable fitted when I changed cars nearly two years ago. The main reason was appearance. I prefered to keep the looks to the back of the car when not towing.

    Two things of note before you buy. 1 when left in place the reversing sensors pick it up, annoying. 2 and this if a fitness thing, you might need to kneel down to feed it into place but when taking it off there is a large "lock wheel" to turn through 180
    degrees to release the securing pin. This wheel turns against a strong spring which wasn't a problem at first but I have now developed a condition in the wrist that makes my grip a lot weaker than it was. It's ok at the minute but if it gets worse than I will
    struggle to turn the wheel.

     

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2016 #9

     .... but when taking it off there is a large "lock wheel" to turn through 180 degrees to release the securing pin. This wheel turns against a strong spring which wasn't a problem at first but I have now developed
    a condition in the wrist that makes my grip a lot weaker than it was. It's ok at the minute but if it gets worse than I will struggle to turn the wheel.

     

    I can see how that might be a problem. The 'knob' on my Bosal is a little harder than it was on my previous car's Westfalia

  • jeffcc
    jeffcc Forum Participant Posts: 430
    edited January 2016 #10

    Just taken ownership of a New Antara which has a Westfalia detachable fitted, Takes seconds to remove or refit and would not see me going back to  a fixed  one, no more bruised shins!!

    also the electrics socket is spring loaded and folds back behind the bumper when not i use so when solo no sign of any towing equipmentLaughing. Use left and right arrows to navigate.

  • xtrailman
    xtrailman Forum Participant Posts: 559
    edited January 2016 #11

    Having had both, and at present on a detachable, my next bar will be FIXED, cheaper and more convenient IMO.

    With no chance of having a problem removing or fitting. I've had nearly 3 years with the detachable.

  • SELL
    SELL Forum Participant Posts: 398
    edited January 2016 #12

    Changed my car last July and went for the detachable for the first time, have to amit car looks better when not towing and only cost £100 extra.

  • mbee1
    mbee1 Forum Participant Posts: 557
    500 Comments
    edited January 2016 #13

    A detachable looks so much smarter though. Can't tell on my car that there is a tow bar as the electrics also pivot up underneath the rear bumper 

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,675 ✭✭✭
    1,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited January 2016 #14

    I'm sure a detachable must look smarter, but for me, a car is functional.  If it saves a bit of time and effort, I'd go for a fixed.

    David 

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2016 #15

     .... but for me, a car is functional.   ...

    A car is sooooo much more than functional ..... you've reduced a car to the level of a washer/fridge/iron or any other house hold device. SurprisedKiss

    I hate the look of towbars, but if you have a caravan then they're a necessary evil. A detachable or swing out of the way for me please. Cool

  • TimJim
    TimJim Forum Participant Posts: 162
    edited January 2016 #16

    I have one of the new removable flanged towballs. Best of worlds. Tidy .. but if you want to have a bolt-on bike carrier for instance you can. When the ball gets worn buy a new bolt-on ball simples.......

    Tj

  • ocsid
    ocsid Forum Participant Posts: 1,395
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2016 #17

    My first venture [2006] into the detachable world in 40 odd years towing all manner of trailers has resulted in it being replaced by Land Rover for a fixed one; luckily I was one that did not have to have the vehicles rear cross member replaced as well.

    Think I will stay fixed from now.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2016 #18

    A fixed one also enables other drivers to ascertain whether the 4x4 is a towcar or an owners fashion statement. Wink

  • JohnDH
    JohnDH Forum Participant Posts: 183
    100 Comments
    edited January 2016 #19

    A fixed one also enables other drivers to ascertain whether the 4x4 is a towcar or an owners fashion statement. Wink

    ..It also assists others who dont know where their bonnet ends when parking. :-)

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2016 #20

    And may stop them bumping your rear in a car park!

  • waltersidmouth
    waltersidmouth Forum Participant Posts: 12
    edited January 2016 #21

    Many thanks to all for your honest comments. This has helped in our decision. Happy caravanning to all

  • Cheekieweerasacal
    Cheekieweerasacal Forum Participant Posts: 9
    edited February 2016 #22

    Hi, has anyone with a Ssangyong Korando found that either a fixed or detachable tow bar to be more beneficial then the other?  Any comments much

    Hi, has anyone with a Ssangyong Korando found that either a fixed or detachable tow bar to be more beneficial then the other?  Any comments much appreciated.

    I have been towing for almost 4 years with my Korando & a fixed tow ball. I prefer this. I know its there.

    Dont fancy a detachable one

    e your comments here...

  • RangeRoverMan
    RangeRoverMan Forum Participant Posts: 125
    edited February 2016 #23

    Also remember a rear fixed bar offers a degree of rear end protection. I had a Sierra come barrelling to me from behind. his car was almost a write off whereas mine was hardly marked. I've got the hefty adjustable height bar though.

Categories