Towbars and hitchlocks: What you need to know
Ben Hackney-Williams, 1st June 2017, Caravan
Keep your tourer secure both on the road and on site or in storage, with towbar tips and handy hitch advice.
There are countless options when it comes to the hitch of your caravan, whether that's from a connectivity or security standpoint. Here are some of the main choices you'll need to make regarding your towbar and hitchlock security, and what each option means for your outfit.
Types of towbar
The first choice you've got to make when it comes to your towbar, is whether or not you need a fixed or detatchable option. Many new cars come with detatchable towbars optional. However, if you're having a towbar fitted to tour regularly, there's little reason not to have a fixed one.
There are two types of towbar design: flange and swan neck. Flange towbars have been more popular in the UK and are more versatile for other accessories such as some cycle carriers that fix behind the towball.
Flange Towbar
Swan next towbars have predominantly been more popular in Europe, but have been increasing in numbers in the UK thanks to car manufacturers fitting them on new models, whether as standard or an optional extra.
The difference between flange and swan neck that you'll feel when towing is minimal, and prices start from £447.90 (example from Witter Towbars for a 2010-2015 Volkswagen Passat saloon).
Swan neck Towbar
Hitchlocks and security
The best option when it comes to hitchlocks is a unit that fit around the hitch and obscure or fill where the towball would sit.
Hitchlocks are an essential component of keeping your tourer safe on site or in storage, but there are some things to look out for in the way of protection depending on what the particular model offers.
Hitchlock
First of all, always look for the Sold Secure logo or sticker on your lock. This is an indication that the product has been thoroughly tested to survive as much of an attack from potential thieves as possible; it's the British standard for caravan security.
Different locks offer different levels of security. The best option when it comes to hitchlocks is a unit that fit around the hitch and obscure or fill where the towball would sit.
Remember that, even with a hitchlock, you'll need a wheel lock as well to ensure that you're tourer is much less likely to be taken.
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