If it interferes with any reversing sensors, some detachable towbars do, then take it off. We tend to take ours off and leave it in the shed as it saves a few kilos of metal being carted around when the months we are not towing go by. Other folks take it off and leave it in the boot so they know where to find it. Up to you.
Thanks for the reply. Mine doesn't interfere with anything so I'd rather leave it on especially when I'm leaving a pitch on a wet soggy day. Don't fancy laying on my back on wet grass before a long tow home. Yuk.
Seems like a lot of work to take the towbar off after every time towing.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
I've got a detachable tow-bar, I tend to leave it in place during the 'season', but have been known to remove it 'out of season' when no particular use for it, as it's a bare steel ball without paint or lubricant due to the Alko damped coupling on van, so prone to rusting, which is as problematic to the Alko coupling as paint or lubrication!
I do intentionally remove it from time to time to ensure it remains removable and the locking mechanism/catch remains active, the manufacturer (Brink) are clear in the instructions that the socket/lock etc. must NOT be lubricated! I use a dry silicone type water repellant to minimise water ingress and try and keep joint rust free. 'Oily or Wet' lubricants are not at all a good idea, they encourage dirt and grit to stick to the jointing faces, which could interfere with the fit and make fitting/removal difficult!
Certainly wouldn't consider removing it after, and between, every use! Don't have to lie under car to fit/remove mine, but do need to get on knees (and kind of stand on head to see!) to reach far enough under bumper to activate catch and fit/remove the 'loose' lock barrel that secures it - still enough of a PITA to avoid as much as possible! My tow-bar came complete with a kneeling mat, so obviously not just my odd personal way of fitting/removing!
One reason people do tend to remove them is to save their shins! No matter how many times you crack your shins on the thing and how damned painful it is, you never seem to learn NOT to do it!!!! I use a modified tennis ball as a ball cover rather than a typical cover, firstly it's bright so you tend to see it in your peripheral vision, and secondly it's softer on the shins if you do contact! ..... only downside is my dog tries to pinch it when she spots it!
Quote: Originally posted by Rainbowsend on 14/2/2024
Ours detaches quite easily but we never remove it as it protects the back of the car if someone reverses or drives into the back of your vehicle.
That is exactly what I do. We went to the expense of fitting a removable tow ball. and somebody promptly ran into the back, then did a runner so preventing us claiming. Now I leave it in place. If it had been there, I doubt the other car would have got far with the damage it could have caused.
Is it not a detachable tow ball as opposed to a detachable tow bar as mentioned.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Our car came already fitted with a fixed towball, but if it hadn't I would have had a fixed one anyway. Must admit that I can't see the point of removable ones, especially as they usually cost much more. To me my towball is simply part of the car. If I still intend to tow with the car, why would I want to remove it?
We only have the tow bar attached when we are either towing or stopping only a night at a campsite, any longer than a couple of nights and I take it off, only because I've lost count of the amount of bruises on my legs because I've forgotten it's there
It's down to personal choice really as there is no right or wrong as to whether the towball should be removed or not. In my circumstance, I have a lock up garage that was built in the early 70's so I have to remove my detachable towball to be able to get the car in the garage and close the up and over door fully, but when I'm on a campsite I usually leave the towball engaged as there is no locigal reason why it should need to remove it. That's why I say that it's down to personal choice because everyone's circumstances can differ in various ways.
We have always had fixed, but on last car it was detachable. We went for detachable to save our shins. However big drawback was my age and not enjoying fitting it in the pouring rain. Current car has fixed towball.
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Topic: Detachable tow bars (
Topic Closed)
via mobile 14/2/2024 at 1:11pm
