A car can be used not only for comfortable movement from one point to another, but also for transporting various cargoes. There are situations when owners do not have enough luggage space or need to transfer oversized cargo. The solution in this case is a trailer, for which a towbar is used to secure it. In frame SUVs and trucks, a towbar is often included as standard equipment. For passenger cars, this option is installed separately.
Is this a tow bar?
A towbar is a towing device used to attach a trailer to a vehicle. With its help, uniform distribution of the load is achieved, and the safety of the transported cargo is ensured.
The device is divided into two types: American version and European. In the Russian Federation, the second type is most common. The towbar has a simple design consisting of a hook and a crossbar.
The cross member is fixed to the frame or body using a fastener. The hook, in turn, is attached to the beam. A correctly installed towbar will not spoil the appearance of the vehicle.
Types of trailer hitch
First, let's briefly go over what types of trailer hitches generally exist and how they differ from each other. All of them are divided into three categories:
- non-removable or non-removable;
- conditionally removable;
- quick-release.
That is, two design options are considered removable. To be fair, let’s consider the main nuances of each type.
- Non-removable. From the name it is already clear that their installation will not allow, if necessary, to dismantle the square, removable ball and the hook itself. They are also called welded, since the structure is monolithic. They are the most common. Largely due to low cost. The ball is welded to the beam and removal requires dismantling the entire trailer hitch;
- Conditionally withdrawn. Their installation is preferable, in my opinion. To buy them, you will have to spend a little more money. There are no problems with DIY installation. A feature of conditionally removable towing devices is the connection of the ball to the beam with a bolt fastening. If you want to dismantle the ball, then you will need to unscrew several bolts and nuts. This is not to say that the procedure is very complicated, but it will take some time. It will not be possible to complete the task quickly;
- Quick release. In my subjective opinion, the best trailer hitches are quick-release ones. Yes, their price is quite high, but the performance characteristics fully justify it. Such towbars allow you to dismantle the hook and ball in just a few simple movements. Different companies have their own versions of the connecting mechanism.
Functions
Many drivers claim that the towbar has only a protective function. They think that in the event of an accident, the device will take the entire impact from behind. From a logical point of view, this is a correct statement. However, worldwide it is illegal to travel with a towbar without a trailer. Why?
The fact is that if an accident occurs, the car will be damaged even more if the impact falls not on the bumper, but on the trailer hitch. Experts advise removing the tow bar to further protect your vehicle.
What functions does the tow bar perform? We found out that it is necessary for transporting goods. In addition, the device will definitely be needed by people who travel long distances by car. Additionally, the device is needed to tow another vehicle (cars, boats or snowmobiles). The main thing is that all of them do not exceed 3 tons.
How to choose a bike rack
The traffic rules and legal norms contain a definition of what a tow hitch on a car is called, as well as installation requirements.
The main thing is whether such a possibility is allowed by the very basic design of the transport. You need to document this by visiting a special laboratory where a technical inspection will be carried out. The clue is stored on the rack, maybe under the hood. The VIN code is indicated there.
By the numbers you can determine whether the manufacturer has provided for the possibility of installing
In addition to the code, the documentation contains the total weight - curbed vehicle with trailer and passengers + maximum permissible axle load. If there is weight with a trailer, everything is fine, if not, alas.
The car owner must have documents for the trailer hitch, which indicate how the coupling device can be designed and other data:
- certificate of conformity;
- passport;
- checks or invoices.
They are required to be carried on you to confirm the legality of the mechanism.
It is important to install the trailer hitch officially, through a service station or dealer at your auto center. There they will draw up a special document, which you also need to have with you.
Kinds
Having figured out what a tow bar is in a car, the driver needs to study its types and classification. Towing mechanisms are divided into 3 types:
Fixed - a welded device that is part of the bumper. This is an outdated version of the tow bar that does not require dismantling. The hook in this case is welded to the beam. This is a reliable device, but at the same time inconvenient. Most often they are installed on vehicles that do not require the use of trailer hitches.
Removable - a device that has a removable design. Such devices are most common today. For example, pickup trucks and SUVs are equipped with them from the factory. Such a towbar will be needed by drivers who are not always comfortable using a removable trailer.
Flange is a conditionally removable tow bar. It differs from the previous type in the type of hook attachment. Fastening is carried out using bolted connections, allowing them to withstand heavy loads. They are suitable for drivers who transport large items.
The most reliable tow bar of all the listed types is the last type. However, when choosing an attachment, you need to consider the trailer hitch points. They differ significantly on different machines.
Story
Until recently, some cars were equipped with a special tow hook. It connected the trailer tongue to the car. This design became unpopular due to its shortcomings.
- The main disadvantage of this device was considered to be a large backlash. Because of it, when starting to move and braking, the trailer hit the hook, which put it out of action. In addition to this shortcoming, there were some more.
- The second disadvantage was that the road train could become uncoupled even while moving.
- The last disadvantage was considered to be that the driver had to drive closely and with a certain precision to the trailer. This had to be done in order to be able to hook up the trailer.
Therefore, the coupling hook of a passenger car was replaced by a coupling ball. Here there was no longer a lack of play due to the fact that the connector was not a hook, but a ball, which was inserted into a special mold on the trailer.
Any tow bar for each car with a ball joint had a certain ball diameter according to Russian standards. Therefore, those who bought trailers abroad or from foreign manufacturers often encountered such a problem as size mismatch. In addition to the trailer, these people had to buy a tow bar for the new trailer.
Most often this device is installed on the rear of the car, but there are towbars for installing it at the front. This allows the driver to better maneuver the trailer, which contains important cargo.
Classification
Towbars are divided not only into types, but also classified according to the type of ball. There are the following categories of trailer hitch:
"A" is a common type, the main feature of which is a removable ball.
“B” is a horizontal connection design. It is fixed with a central nut.
“C” is a structure that is mounted both horizontally and vertically.
"E" is an American variety with a removable ball.
"F" - intended for SUVs. The balls are attached in two different positions relative to the base.
“G” is a conditionally removable structure with a forged ball. Adjustment is possible if there are 6 bolts in the mounting structure.
“N” is a budget option of a non-removable type. Used on Russian-made cars.
“V” is a removable design that is not height adjustable. With the help of such a tow bar you can transport loads up to 2.5 tons.
“N” is a universal connection that has several modifications.
Each of the listed varieties has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some types of devices cannot be hidden because they are not removable. Others cannot be adjusted in height. Still others have a high cost. For example, on some domestic cars, in order to attach a trailer, you will have to install a welding device. In this case, the rear bumper may be damaged.
Legal regulation in Russia
Many drivers are interested in whether it is necessary to register a towbar with the traffic police and what punishment awaits for illegal installation?
It is worth saying that installing a trailer hitch is a structural change in the structure of the car. There is a special list of design changes that do not need to be approved by the traffic police. This list also includes a towbar, but with some explanations. The design of the car must include the installation of a towbar. That is, the car must be designed for the installation of a trailer hitch. The vast majority of cars have this capability from the factory.
Vehicle registration
To avoid possible punishment, the driver must have the following documents with him:
- Certificate for tow bar. When purchasing any towbar in a specialized store, a certificate of conformity is issued with it. This is a document that confirms the quality standards specified by the manufacturer. The document also confirms that the product has passed the necessary tests.
- Document from a certified auto center. The installation of trailer hitches must be carried out in specialized auto centers that issue the appropriate certificate. This certificate (or a copy) confirms the quality of the work performed to install the product. The document must be certified by a seal.
If the purchased vehicle already has a trailer hitch installed, then you also need to contact a specialized auto center, which will carry out diagnostics and issue a certificate. The cost of the service is approximately 1,500 rubles.
If the car is not designed to use a trailer hitch
If the machine is not designed for installation of a trailer hitch from the factory, then it is possible to install it yourself, but you need to take the following steps:
- Purchase a tow bar with a certificate.
- Install the product in an auto center.
- Pass an examination at the traffic police to make changes to the design of the car. In turn, the traffic police will send the driver to the auto center for examination.
- Write down changes in the technical certificate and PTS about changes in the design of the car.
Please be aware that installing a tow bar yourself may affect the vehicle's factory warranty.
Fine for illegal installation
On the first violation for an illegal tow bar, the inspector may issue a warning. For a subsequent violation, a fine of 500 rubles is implied in accordance with Article 12.5 part 1 of the Code of Administrative Offences.
A towbar is a really necessary thing if you intend to use a trailer. When purchasing, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the product, its compliance with standards and the car. It is necessary to take into account the maximum transportable weight of the cargo that it can withstand. Also, the driver must have certain certificates and documents for the trailer vehicle in order to avoid possible punishment.
Towbar socket - what is it?
Trailers for passenger cars, as a rule, are equipped with different “lights” (turn signals, clearance lights, brake lights). To connect the trailer to the electrical network, you will need special sockets. Power passes through them to the side lights.
There are 7-pin and 13-pin sockets. The former are used to connect light trailers, and the latter are used to connect motorhomes. There are two ways to connect sockets to the on-board network: standard and universal.
The standard method involves the use of standard chains. The universal method involves working with the on-board electrical network. However, this method does not work in all machines. Sometimes the car’s electronics begin to act up, giving information about network overload. To correct the error, you will need a coordination block.
Any connection method does not imply anything complicated. The driver can perform all these actions independently.
Coupling heads
It is logical that the trailer hitch and coupling heads are somehow connected with each other. But how?
Imagine that you have a towbar of a new or old type, welded or removable. This towbar needs to be connected to your trailer. But you won’t just throw on a hook and go. Nothing good will come from such a trip. History clearly showed this when the first prototypes of towbars and car trailers appeared.
This entailed the creation of a locking coupling device, that is, coupling heads. They serve to ensure a safe and secure connection between the towbar and the trailer. The lock is located on the trailer itself (on the drawbar).
Among the popular CG (coupling heads) I would include:
But before buying them, let's study the key features of the devices.
A modern trailer locking device or simply a lock consists of three components:
- detachable coupling mechanism;
- depreciation system;
- fasteners.
The first element serves directly for the connection between the towbar and the car trailer. If the ball diameter is 50 mm or you have a diameter of 60 mm, then the dimensions of the coupling head must be appropriate.
Coupling heads come in different shapes, so they can easily connect to profile and round pipes, fitting perfectly under the ball. They also differ in diameter and cross-section. That is, choosing an SG for a pipe with a cross-section of 60×60 mm will not be difficult. Everything is standardized and therefore strictly corresponds to each other.
Shock-absorbing elements are necessarily present here to dampen the forces acting on the car during sudden braking and jerking. If there is no shock-absorbing device, there is a high probability of an early breakdown of the entire trailer and at the same time the towbar installed on the vehicle (the coupling device, you remember).
The role of fasteners is very clear, since they are responsible for the simplicity and reliability of the connection. The heads differ depending on the trailer they are intended for. For example, for trailers for passenger cars they are designed for lighter loads, for trucks the calculation is made for heavier structures.
If you bought a car trailer for a large SUV, it will probably be too low. This is explained by the different installation heights of the tow bar on a car and a jeep. But a spacer will help you here. With its help, the height is adjusted and the optimal level ratio between the towbar and the coupling head is achieved.
You can purchase coupling heads from us. They cost about 1 thousand rubles. The range is large, which will allow you to choose the optimal model for your car. If necessary, we will help you make your choice by answering your questions.
Features of production and operation
Do not forget that a large mass of cargo behind the machine poses a potential danger. Especially for this purpose, modern trailers have an overrun brake. When you brake, the entire mass of the trailer begins to put pressure on the car, pushing it. It’s like in a minibus, when the driver brakes sharply, you seem to be holding steady, but another person falls on top of you from behind. There is nothing pleasant or safe here.
Therefore, when transporting a large amount of cargo on tractors or even cars, the presence of an inertial brake on the trailer will help you. How it works? When braking, the inertial force acts on the trailer, which rolls onto the car itself. This force is proportional to the deceleration. The force acts on the hitch head, pushing it down, and transfers force to your trailer's brakes. For this purpose, a system of hydraulic or mechanical brakes is used. This reduces the risk of trailer skidding, improves braking efficiency and safety while maintaining road stability.
As part of the production of trailers, they are tested on special stands using a loader and auxiliary mechanisms. Without it, the design cannot be admitted for sale.
When actively using the towbar and the trailer itself with the coupling head, it is strongly recommended to always have a repair kit on hand. It can come in handy on the road when going on a long journey. Who knows, maybe you are going to your parents in the village to harvest potatoes for your dacha to finish building a bathhouse, simultaneously loading a ton of wood into the trailer.
It’s not enough just to choose a good trailer. It will require an appropriate tow bar. Oh, sorry, towbar. But what's the difference? Well, don’t forget about the reliable coupling head. The main thing is that they match each other and provide a high-quality, reliable and safe connection.
Good luck to everyone on the roads, good harvest and quality construction! Or why are you using your towbar with a trailer there?!
Production
Towbars are produced on the basis of three-dimensional models. Serial production begins only after testing the devices. In the process of creating the TSU, laser machines and shot blasting processing systems are used.
The highest quality and most reliable products are created in the following countries: Holland, Germany, USA and Poland. The quality of products is controlled at each production stage. As for Russian companies, in our country towbars are produced by DZK and Leader Plus.
The most expensive products are trailer hitches that can “hide” under the bumper. Unfortunately, they are installed only on American cars. The design of the bumpers makes it possible to “remove” the towbar, thanks to the presence of special fasteners.
Features of removable trailer hitch
When choosing a towbar for a UAZ Patriot or any other car, the car owner has 3 main options.
In my opinion, the most preferable is a removable or removable design option. In order not to be idle, I will give several arguments in its favor.
- The removable design allows you to quickly and easily dismantle the hook, put it somewhere in a toolbox in the trunk and take it out only when needed;
- Removable trailer hitches have a positive effect on the appearance of the vehicle. The hook doesn't always look good, but sometimes it turns out to be simply indispensable for transporting a trailer;
- Safety. The presence of a ball at the back negatively affects the integrity of both cars (the one that crashed from behind and the one that was crashed into). The main impact force falls on the protruding part, that is, the trailer hitch. From it, the force is transmitted to the load-bearing elements of the car body, to which the towbar was installed, bypassing the bumper itself. The bumper could partially absorb the energy from the impact;
- Letter of the law. Traffic regulations in some countries, mainly in Europe, stipulate that moving vehicles with a hook but without a trailer is prohibited. Therefore, you may encounter unpleasant surprises in the form of fines if you travel with the TSU to other countries without being able to remove the ball;
- Weight, reliability, convenience and ease of use. All this speaks in favor of removable towbars for cars. They are quite light, but provide high levels of strength, reliability and durability. In terms of operating comfort, they have no equal.
The only drawback is the cost. But if you look at things objectively, then the high price, compared to conditionally removable and non-removable tow bars, is fully justified by the advantages of such designs.
If we talk about manufacturers of removable trailer hitches, here I would highlight several main companies:
Before buying and installing a new towbar on your car, I advise you to study the issue of registering the towbar and maintaining the warranty on the car when installing the trailer hitch.
A little about installation
I will not fully describe all the features of installing removable trailer hitches, since there are no fundamental differences from any other types of towbars. Plus, I already wrote about installing towbars. There you will learn in detail how to do the job correctly and avoid common mistakes.
