Lyla Lindsey
Towbar receivers in Australia come in a variety of sizes, depending on the load they are designed to carry. Standard Duty Towbars, or Class 2 Towbars, are typically rated up to 1600 kg and are used for light loads on smaller cars. They feature a flat tongue secured by two bolts from underneath. Medium Duty Towbars, or Class 3 Towbars, have a 40 mm square removable hitch. Heavy-duty towbars, also known as Class 4 Towbars, feature a 50 mm square removable hitch and are suitable for towing caravans. The Extreme Recovery Towbar features a 50 mm square hitch receiver, allowing for a wide range of ball mounts and accessories. When choosing a towbar, it is important to consider factors such as the towbar specifications, drawbar height, and the weight to be towed, and consult with a professional to ensure safe and legal towing practices.
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What You'll Learn
Towbar receiver hitches come in 40mm and 50mm sizes
The 40mm receiver hitch is often used for medium towing on smaller vehicles, such as hatches, sedans, and small SUVs. It typically has a weight capacity of up to 1600kg. This type of hitch provides a secure and reliable connection for towing medium-sized trailers or caravans.
The 50mm receiver hitch, on the other hand, is designed for heavy-duty towing and offers a more extensive range of ball mount options. It is commonly used when towing larger caravans, trailers, or heavy equipment. The 50mm hitch provides greater versatility and can accommodate a wider range of accessories, including bike carriers.
It is important to note that the weight ratings for towbar receiver hitches can vary depending on the vehicle and the specific hitch model. It is always recommended to consult the manufacturer's guidelines and adhere to the specified weight capacities to ensure safe and legal towing practices.
Additionally, when choosing a towbar receiver hitch, it is crucial to consider the type of vehicle, the weight of the load, and the towing capacity of both the vehicle and the hitch. Seeking advice from a professional towbar fitting company can ensure that you select the most suitable hitch for your specific requirements.
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40mm hitches are for medium loads, 50mm for heavy-duty towing
When selecting a towbar, it is important to consider multiple factors, such as your towbar specifications, drawbar height, and the weight you intend to tow. The weight of the load you plan to tow is particularly important, as using a towbar that is not designed for the weight of your load can be unsafe.
Towbars come in a range of shapes, sizes, and weights, and the best option for you will depend on your specific needs. Horizontal hitch bars, for example, are suitable for towing heavier loads and come in 40mm and 50mm sizes. A 40mm horizontal hitch bar is suitable for towing medium-sized loads, while a 50mm horizontal hitch bar is designed for heavy-duty towing.
If you are towing something big and heavy, such as a large caravan, a 50mm tow ball may not be sufficient to prevent the back of the vehicle from sagging and the front of the trailer from tipping forward. In such cases, it is important to consider installing a weight distribution hitch to ensure that the weight is distributed evenly across the vehicle and the trailer. Weight distribution hitches come in different sizes, ranging from heavy-duty to mini options, so you can choose one that suits your specific vehicle and trailer setup.
It is always recommended to consult a professional or a reliable towbar fitting company to advise you on the best towbar for your specific vehicle and towing needs. They can guide you in selecting a towbar that meets the Australian Standard classification AS/AZS 4177 and ensure safe towing. Additionally, remember to check your Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) before committing to a towbar receiver hitch to ensure it can handle the weight of your load.
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A horizontal hitch bar is best for heavier loads
When it comes to towing, a horizontal hitch bar is the best option for heavier loads. This type of hitch is designed to handle larger weights and is a common choice for those towing heavy caravans or trailers.
The horizontal hitch bar comes in two sizes: 40mm for medium-sized loads and 50mm for heavy-duty towing. It is important to select the appropriate size for your specific load to ensure safe towing. A sturdy pin is used to secure the side of the hitch, providing a secure connection between the towbar and the vehicle.
Additionally, when dealing with heavier loads, it is crucial to consider the weight distribution across the vehicle and trailer. Weight distribution hitches are often used to address this issue by evenly spreading the weight, preventing the back of the vehicle from sagging and ensuring a stable towing experience.
Before selecting a towbar receiver hitch, it is recommended to check your Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) to ensure it can handle the weight you intend to tow. Tow bars come in various shapes and sizes, and it is important to consult a professional to determine the best option for your vehicle and specific towing needs.
In summary, a horizontal hitch bar is the preferred choice for heavier loads, offering two size options to accommodate different weight capacities. However, it is important to consider the weight distribution and seek expert advice to ensure a safe and compatible setup for your vehicle.
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Towbars must comply with local regulations and standards
Towbars in Australia must comply with local regulations and standards to ensure safety on the roads. The Australian Design Rule (ADR) 62, which came into effect in July 1991, outlines the requirements and testing procedures for towing equipment, including towbars. This rule has been updated over the years, with the current legislation being ADR 62/02 from 2009.
ADR 62/02 states that towbars and their attachment points must comply with AS 4177.1-2004, which specifies certain requirements for towbar safety. For instance, according to AS 4177.1-2004, towbars must have two safety chain attachments capable of handling the imposed loads. These can be on the towing tongue if it is attached securely with threaded fasteners or a self-locking connector.
It is important to note that the testing and fitting of towbars in Australia are less regulated compared to Europe. In Europe, towbars undergo dynamic testing that simulates the pressure on the towbar during actual towing, whereas in Australia, testing occurs in a static environment according to manufacturer specifications. Despite the differences, some towbar manufacturers in Australia, such as Westfalia, design their products to comply with both EC (European) and ADR standards.
When selecting a towbar, it is crucial to consider factors such as your vehicle's towing capacity, the weight you intend to tow, and the type of hitch required. Horizontal hitch bars, for example, are better suited for heavier loads and come in 40mm and 50mm sizes. Additionally, weight distribution hitches are essential when towing heavy caravans to ensure the weight is distributed evenly between the vehicle and the trailer.
To ensure compliance with local regulations and standards, it is recommended to consult a reliable towbar fitting company or refer to the manufacturer's manual of your vehicle.
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Towbars come in different classes, depending on load and vehicle type
Firstly, confirm that your vehicle can tow the load you will be carrying. Then, choose the weight class of the towbar that is appropriate for your vehicle. Towbars are classified into weight classes, which are used to measure the tow capacity of a towbar. The weight classes are based on the type of towbar and how it is mounted onto the vehicle.
Class 2 towbars are the lightest, with a maximum load capacity of 1200 kg. They are suitable for small vehicles such as hatchbacks and are often used for towing single motorcycle trailers or small 6x4-metre trailers. Class 3 towbars are designed for medium loads, with a rating of up to 1600 kg. They are commonly used for towing small boats, multiple motorcycle trailers, or compact cars.
Class 4 towbars are designed for heavy-duty towing, with a capacity of up to 3500 kg. They are suitable for towing large, heavy loads such as caravans, boats, or horse trailers. It is important to note that the class 4 towbar is the only class that is compatible with a weight distribution hitch.
Weight distribution hitches come in different sizes, ranging from heavy-duty to mini, and are designed to distribute the weight evenly across the vehicle and trailer. However, not all hitches work with all vehicles, so it is important to consult an expert to ensure you have the correct towbar for your vehicle and load.
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Frequently asked questions
Tow bars come in a range of shapes, sizes and weights. The right one for your vehicle depends on what you are towing and the type of vehicle you have.
The ISO standard tow ball diameter in Australia is 50mm.
A horizontal hitch bar with a size of 40mm is suitable for towing medium-sized loads.
A horizontal hitch bar with a size of 50mm is suitable for heavy-duty towing.
A 40mm towbar receiver hitch tow ball mount is suitable for a Subaru.
