No products in the basket.
When choosing a towbar, one of the first decisions you will need to make is whether you want a fixed towbar or a detachable towbar.
Both options can be excellent, but the right choice depends on your vehicle, how often you tow, what you are towing, and whether appearance or parking sensors are important to you.
At First 4 Towbars, customers can choose from different towbar styles, including fixed flange towbars, fixed swan neck towbars, detachable towbars and retractable towbars. The best option depends on the vehicle and the job the towbar needs to do.
👉 Read our simple towbar guide
A fixed towbar stays permanently attached to the rear of your vehicle. Once fitted, it is always ready to use. This makes it a practical choice for drivers who tow regularly or want a simple, reliable towing setup.
There are two common fixed towbar styles: fixed flange and fixed swan neck.
A fixed flange towbar is the more traditional design. It uses a towball bolted onto a faceplate and is often used on vans, pickups and vehicles used for heavier or more practical towing jobs. First 4 Towbars describes fixed flange towbars as one of the oldest towbar types and notes that they are commonly found on vans, pickups and older caravan setups.
A fixed swan neck towbar has a slimmer and neater design. It is often used on modern cars and can be suitable for trailers, caravans and many towball-mounted bike racks. First 4 Towbars describes fixed swan neck towbars as commonly fitted and suitable for many applications.
The main benefit of a fixed towbar is convenience. It is always there when you need it, so there is nothing to remove, store or refit before towing.
Fixed towbars are often a good choice for:
A fixed towbar can also be a cost-effective option, especially when compared with detachable or retractable options. If you care more about practicality than appearance, a fixed towbar may be the best fit.
The main downside is that the towbar remains visible when not in use. Some drivers do not mind this, especially on vans, 4x4s and work vehicles. On newer cars, however, some people prefer a cleaner look.
Parking sensors can also be a consideration. First 4 Towbars notes that fixed flange towbars are not recommended for vehicles with parking sensors because their size can cause interference. Fixed swan neck towbars can also sometimes interfere with parking sensor systems because they remain in place.
That does not mean a fixed towbar will always cause problems, but it is something worth checking before choosing your towbar.
A detachable towbar gives you the option to remove the visible towbar neck when you are not towing. The main towbar framework stays fitted to the vehicle, but the neck can be taken off and stored away.
This makes a detachable towbar popular with drivers who want towing ability without permanently changing the look of the vehicle.
Detachable towbars are especially useful for people who tow occasionally rather than every day. For example, you may only need your towbar for holidays, caravan trips, tip runs, bike rack use or occasional trailer towing.
The biggest benefit of a detachable towbar is appearance. When the neck is removed, the rear of the vehicle usually looks much cleaner.
A detachable towbar can be a good choice for:
Because the towbar neck is removed when not in use, it can also reduce the chance of parking sensors detecting the towbar when you are not towing. This is one of the main reasons many drivers choose detachable over fixed.
Detachable towbars are usually more expensive than fixed options. They also require the driver to fit and remove the towbar neck correctly.
For most people, this is straightforward once shown how to do it, but it is still an extra step compared with a fixed towbar. You also need somewhere safe to store the detachable neck when it is not being used.
If you tow very regularly, a fixed towbar may be more convenient. If you only tow occasionally and want a cleaner look, detachable is often worth considering.
As a simple guide, choose a fixed towbar if you want a practical, always-ready option and you tow regularly. This is often ideal for trailers, work vehicles, vans, pickups and frequent towing.
Choose a detachable towbar if you want the vehicle to look cleaner when not towing, or if your vehicle has parking sensors that may be affected by a fixed towbar.
The right answer depends on your vehicle and how you plan to use it. For some drivers, price and practicality matter most. For others, appearance and sensor compatibility are more important.
Whether you choose a fixed or detachable towbar, you will still need the correct towbar wiring. This could be 7 pin wiring, 13 pin wiring, twin wiring, universal wiring or vehicle-specific wiring, depending on your vehicle and what you plan to tow.
If you are unsure, it is worth reading our guide to 7 pin vs 13 pin towbar electrics and visiting our main towbar wiring types page before making your choice.
Choosing between a fixed and detachable towbar is easier when you know what you need it for. If you regularly tow trailers or use your vehicle for work, a fixed towbar may be the most practical option. If you only tow occasionally or want a cleaner finish, a detachable towbar may suit you better.
Towbar fitting does not need to be complicated. Once you know your vehicle, what you want to tow and which wiring option you need, choosing the right setup becomes much easier.
For more information, read our full towbar fitting guide, compare available towbar types, visit our towbar wiring types page, or get in touch with the First 4 Towbars team for advice before requesting a quote.
© 2026 First 4 Towbars Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Web Design by SBNR Marketing 