Today the most common type of towbar used in the Australia. is the Flange where the tow ball is bolted to the bar with two 24mm bolts. It is always critical that you use a towbar that is suited to your vehicle.

It is important to make sure that the towbar you select is correct for your vehicle.

Reasons to buy a flange type bar:

1. Compatible with a large number of vehicles.

2. Allows for a choice of tow balls.

3. The height of the bar can be altered using drop plates.

4. Economical, they are the cheapest type of bar.

Reasons not to buy a flange type:

1. Both the tow bar and electrics can be seen when looking at the vehicle.

2. Different types of towball can be expensive

Although studies suggest that your tow bar plays little part in the overall stability of your caravan outfit; there are other safety issues to consider besides stability. If your tow bar breaks under strain or becomes unfastened, a snaking trailer will be the least of your worries.

Towbar Stabilizer :

Make sure that you purchase a solid stabilizer in addition to your tow bar. A stabilizer regulates the movement at the point of articulation where your trailer/caravan is appended to your vehicle. This can help to stop your trailer snaking (swaying from side to side).

Centralize the weight of your trailer's load over the centre/axle

An important point that you must always take into consideration is. By distributing the weight of your trailer's load over the central area, above the axle(s) you can minimise the vertical instability of your trailer outfit.

Towbars stability is maximized with a multi-axle trailer

A multi-axle trailer provides more stability than a single axle trailer. This is due to a stronger resistance to phenomena which could potentially cause a trailer to change direction.

Check your trailer's tyre pressure before heading off!

Incorrect tyre pressure could potentially cause a trailer to deviate from the route plotted by the towing vehicle. This is especially true when the pressure within the tyres on opposing sides of the trailer is marginally different.

If you're starting to snake, STOP!

If you're not towing

It might be an idea to detach your tow bar. In the case that your tow bar obscures your number plate you may be legally obliged to detach it whilst you are not towing a trailer. Even if you're not legally required to remove your tow bar, it's common for people to catch their shins on tow bars which have been left attached (especially at night).

Finding the best quality Towbars can be a simple task, but make sure that you see all the correct certificates before purchasing.

Always make sure you 'hook up' on a smooth surface

When attaching your trailer or caravan to your tow bar, try to hook up on a smooth surface. This minimizes the possibility of an incorrect connection which obviously helps as far as safety is concerned.