When planning a camping trip or upgrading your car, we often look for equipment that meets our needs — and towbars are no exception. When choosing this type of product, it's worth paying attention to a few key factors. The chosen towbar should stand out for its top quality, ease of installation, and compliance with all legal regulations. In this article, we'll explain what to look for when choosing a towbar.
Towbar Installation and EU Regulations
Under current regulations, these components must have a detachable ball — either unscrewable or automatically releasable. The first type is fastened with special bolts, while the second requires no tools or force at all. Installation is quick and safe, and removal simply involves turning a knob. What's more, both types comply with EU standards and may be used on public roads.
Choosing a Towbar
The selected model must fit the given vehicle and should also be of good quality, confirmed by, among other things, the manufacturer's certificates. So, when planning to purchase a towbar, you should:
- match it to your vehicle model,
- make sure the product has the appropriate approval (e20 or E20), which guarantees quality and permits the product for use on EU roads,
- look for the certificate from the Motor Transport Institute (PIMOT),
- review the rating plate, which will help you better match the product to your requirements and needs.
It's also worth remembering that after a towbar is installed, an additional technical inspection of the car is required. Information about the installation of this component should also be recorded in the vehicle's registration certificate and vehicle card — only then can a trailer be attached.