THE A66 TOWBAR CENTRE – MIDDLESBROUGH
Towbar Fitting for All Makes & Models
At The A66 Towbar Centre, we provide professional towbar fitting services to suit a wide range of vehicles. Whether you need a towbar for towing a caravan, trailer, or bike rack, our expert team ensures a precise and secure installation. We supply and fit high-quality towbars from leading brands, offering both fixed and detachable options to meet your specific needs. Our skilled technicians carefully assess your vehicle to recommend the most suitable towbar, ensuring safety, durability, and compatibility with your towing requirements. We are based in Middlesbrough and have customers travel to us from all over the North East.
OPENING HOURS
Monday: 8am – 5pm
Tuesday: 8am – 5pm
Wednesday: 8am – 5pm
Thursday: 8am – 5pm
Friday: 8am – 5pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
contact us
01642 469 522
07917 646 848
Sotherby Road, Skippers Lane Industrial Estate, Middlesbrough, TS6 6LP
Customer Reviews
Towbar FAQs
What is a towbar?
A towbar is a metal towing bracket fitted to your vehicle’s chassis, allowing you to safely tow a trailer, caravan, bike rack, horsebox, or other compatible accessory.
What’s the difference between a fixed towbar and a detachable towbar?
Fixed Towbar
A fixed towbar is permanently attached to the vehicle.
Best for:
- Frequent towing
- Work vans and trade vehicles
- Customers wanting the most cost-effective option
Benefits:
- Always ready to use
- Strong and durable
- Lower cost than detachable options
Detachable Towbar
A detachable towbar can be removed when not in use.
Best for:
- Drivers who tow occasionally
- Vehicles where appearance matters
- Cars with parking sensors or styling concerns
Benefits:
- Hidden when removed
- Maintains original vehicle look
- Helps avoid shin knocks when parked
Which towbar is best for me?
If you tow regularly, a fixed towbar is usually the most practical choice. If you tow occasionally and prefer a cleaner look, a detachable towbar is often the better option.
What is dedicated towbar wiring?
Dedicated wiring kits are designed specifically for your make and model of vehicle and integrate with the vehicle’s electrical system.
Benefits include:
- Correct communication with trailer lights
- May activate trailer stability systems
- Can disable rear parking sensors when towing
- Better compatibility with modern vehicles
- Less risk of electrical faults
What is aftermarket (universal) wiring?
Aftermarket or universal wiring kits connect into the vehicle’s rear light circuits rather than the vehicle’s data system.
Benefits include:
- Lower cost
- Suitable for some older vehicles
- Reliable basic towing electrics when fitted correctly
Dedicated wiring or aftermarket – which should I choose?
Choose Dedicated Wiring if:
- Your vehicle is newer or highly electronic
- You want factory-style integration
- You tow caravans or trailers regularly
- Your car has parking sensors or stability systems
Choose Aftermarket Wiring if:
- You have an older vehicle
- You need a lower-cost option
- You only need basic trailer light functions
Will fitting a towbar affect parking sensors?
On many vehicles, dedicated wiring can automatically switch off rear parking sensors when a trailer is connected. Without this, sensors may detect the trailer or bike rack.
Can I tow a caravan with any towbar?
Not every vehicle is suitable for towing every caravan. Towing capacity depends on your vehicle’s manufacturer limits, towbar rating, and nose weight limits.
Can I use a towbar for a bike rack?
Yes. Many customers use towbars for cycle carriers. A towbar-mounted rack is often more stable and convenient than roof-mounted alternatives.
How long does towbar fitting take?
Most installations take between 2 and 4 hours depending on the vehicle and wiring complexity.
Do I need 7-pin or 13-pin electrics?
7-Pin
Used mainly for trailers, small utility trailers, and lighting functions.
13-Pin
Common for caravans and newer trailers, offering extra functions such as reverse lights and auxiliary power.
Does fitting a towbar require a bumper cut?
Sometimes. It depends on the make and model of your vehicle, the type of towbar fitted, and the design of the rear bumper.
No bumper cut required
Many vehicles can have a towbar fitted without any visible bumper modification, especially with certain detachable or vehicle-specific towbar designs.
Hidden bumper cut
Some vehicles require a small cut underneath the bumper that is usually out of sight when standing behind the vehicle.
Visible bumper cut
Less commonly, a visible cut may be needed depending on the towbar style and vehicle design.
Will it affect the look of my vehicle?
Where a cut is required, we always aim for the neatest possible finish using the correct fitting templates and manufacturer guidelines.
How do I know if my car needs one?
The best way is to contact The A66 Towbar Centre with your registration number or vehicle details. We can quickly confirm whether your chosen towbar requires no cut, a hidden cut, or a visible bumper cut.