In order to move light trailers, trailers or caravans the vehicle must be equipped with a tow hitch, which is called a towbar. The design provides not only a reliable coupling when towing, but also connects the on-board network of the car with the lights on the trailer. Some models are equipped with towbars right at the factory, but most cars are not equipped with towbars. Therefore, many motorists buy this important accessory on their own. In the domestic market there is a wide range of universal and specialized models from different manufacturers. Our expert advice will help you make the right choice.
Our guide for choosing a towbar
Vehicle Information.Before you go to the store, you should thoroughly study some data about your car. Be prepared to answer the following questions for the sales consultant:
- car brand and model;
- year of manufacture;
- Maximum permissible mass of the towed trailer.
Trailer data. Some more questions will concern technical parameters of the trailer. Need to know body type, gross weight, size of coupling, availability of chains for insurance.
Type of towbar. Motorists are offered several options for tow hitches.
- Classic towbar mounted with bolts, sometimes a secure fixation can be provided by welding. This version of the coupling is reliable, but worsens the appearance of the car at the back.
- Towbars with a removable hook and hitch ball are not inferior to standard models in reliability, they do not spoil the appearance of the car. But the cost of such tow hitch constructions is higher than the price of the “classic” hitch.
- Flange towbar provides hitch trailer to a special platform, which is mounted to the car body.
Ball types. Towbars also differ in type of ball.
- Conditionally removable constructions are divided into several types, which are denoted by Latin letters. For example, type A is reliable and unpretentious, it can withstand loads up to 150 kg, and the weight of the trailer can reach 1500 kg. Quick-release balls installed on premium machines are designated BMA.
- Welded constructions are used more often on domestic cars. For example, type FC says that the optimal load is 750 kg.
- Forged balls are marked with the letters G and F. On off-road vehicles towbars with balls type F are used, the maximum load is limited to 2000 kg.
corrosion protection.The durability of a towbar depends on the effectiveness of rust prevention. Steel is best protected against corrosion by multiple coating, when galvanized (phosphating, galvanizing) before powder coating.
In our review we have selected 7 of the best towbar manufacturers. All of them sell their products on the Russian market. Opinion of expert community and feedback from domestic car owners were taken into account when assigning places in the rating.
Rating of the best producers of towbars
| Nomination | place | manufacturer | rating |
| Rating of the best producers of towbars | 1 | Bosal | 5.0 |
| 2 | Th
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| 3 | IMIOLA | 4.8 | |
| 4 | Auto-Hak | 4.7 | |
| 5 | Baltex | 4.6 | |
| 6 | Leader Plus | 4.5 | |
| 7 | AvtoS | 4.4 |
Bosal
Rating: 5.0
A wide range of car towbars offers the Dutch-Belgian company Bosal. In order to develop the Russian market, the manufacturer has built a factory in Novoorsk. Novoorsk. There are also many subsidiaries on other continents. Therefore, domestic buyers are offered products from various countries, ranging from Germany to South Africa. The experts gave the laurels to the winner of our rating to the brand not only for the variety of models, but also for its perfect quality. All companies of the concern passed certification in accordance with stringent quality standards. The body is made of high quality steel, which is protected by a special multi-layer coating.
National users confirm in their reviews the reliability and durability of Bosal towbars, wide range and reasonable price.
Advantages
- wide model range;
- high quality;
- affordable price;
- reliable protection against corrosion.
disadvantages
- did not find.
The (
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Rating: 4.9
The combination of reasonable pricing and good quality of towbars allowed the Polish company IMIOLA to secure a strong position in the Russian market. One of the main reasons of success according to the experts is high-performance equipment. It is used at the stage of machining, welding and in the process of coloring. towbars are protected against corrosion for a long time with powder paint. There is a high demand among Russian motorists for demountable couplings. Their installation does not require special skills and equipment, the car owner can do everything himself. The brand takes third place in our rating.
Crew members praise Polish towbars for their clever design and affordable price. But when you install it, you have to make some adjustments.
Advantages
- reasonable price;
- good quality;
- reliable corrosion protection;
- removable designs.
Disadvantages
- imprecise dimensions.
Auto-Hak
Rating: 4.7
One more Polish towbar manufacturer made it into our rating, but only one step away from the pedestal. Auto-Hak has drawn the experts’ attention with its budget-friendly prices and the constant renewal of its line of trailer couplings. Car owners are offered not only classic models, but also modern quick-release designs. During its existence (since 1975), the company has designed and manufactured more than 800 varieties of towbars. The products have international quality certificates, which allows them to successfully operate on the European market. But there is no wiring and socket as standard, which makes it difficult to install on your own.
Russian car enthusiasts noted such advantages of towbars Auto-Hak as affordable prices, good quality and a wide range of models. But there are no wiring parts in the kit.
Advantages
- affordable prices;
- good quality;
- rich assortment;
- reliability.
Disadvantages
- incomplete set.
Baltex
Rating: 4.6
The Russian company Baltex successfully withstands fierce competition with foreign manufacturers. The European quality of our towbars allows the brand to occupy the leading position in the Russian market. Trick of the manufacturer are models with stainless steel overlays. They provide additional protection of the structure from damage and corrosion. The experts highly appreciated the reliability of the paint coating, so that rust does not appear on the tow hitch for a long time. The most popular model in Russia was a towbar for Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. The fifth place in the rating is due to the absence of wiring in the kit.
Russian motorists are satisfied with the range of products, decent quality and stainless steel elements. The disadvantages are problematic installation.
Advantages
- rich assortment;
- good quality;
- pads of stainless steel;
- affordable prices.
Shortcomings
- no wiring included.
Leader Plus
Rating: 4.5
The Russian company Leader Plus started its conquest of the auto accessories market with production of towbars for Russian cars. Thanks to the timely elimination of the shortcomings found by users, the manufacturer has managed to create perfect in terms of accuracy towbars for VAZ cars. For each model of Lada made towbars, taking into account the dimensions of the bumper. Currently, the range of products is expanded by models for popular foreign cars. Experts have included the brand in the TOP-6 of our rating for good quality and reasonable prices.
Motorists in their reviews praise towbars Leader Plus for the convenience of installation. To install a towbar there is no need to remove the bumper or cut the lower part of it. The disadvantages are the low durability of fasteners.
Advantages
- accurate dimensions;
- affordable prices;
- good quality;
- quick assembly.
Disadvantages
- weak bolts.
AvtoS
Rating: 4.4
Another domestic manufacturer pleases owners of Russian cars with its towbars. The AvtoS enterprise, built in Kolomna, makes drawbar hitches even for old Moskvich and Oka cars. The main part of production is oriented on VAZ model range. Low price helps the company to compete successfully with domestic and foreign brands. Experts see this as the other side of the coin. Catching the eye is the rough workmanship of parts. The manufacturer has not solved the problem of high weight. That’s why the brand takes the last place in our rating.
Dissatisfaction among motorists is caused by the difficult installation of towbars AvtoS. Most complaints come from owners of Chevrolet NIVA, t. k. they have to drill a lot of holes in the body.
Advantages
- wide range;
- low prices;
- proprietary designs;
- reliability.
Disadvantages
- rough handling;
- imprecise dimensions.
