A trailer proves to be extremely useful when it comes to transporting all kinds of loads, such as building materials, hobby items or furniture. However, in order to use a trailer effectively, a trailer hitch is first required. If your vehicle doesn't come with one from the factory, you can retrofit. But first you have to choose the right one. What you should bear in mind is shown below.
Tow hitch category
There are various variants of towbars. A distinction is usually made between detachable, pivoting and rigid models. Since each category has its specific advantages and disadvantages, the choice should always be made carefully. Fixed trailer hitches are characterized by uncomplicated installation and high stability. They are also usually less expensive than detachable or pivoting versions. The downside is that they are permanently attached to the vehicle, which can detract from appearance, be an obstruction and potentially cause injury.
For these reasons, a detachable towbar could be a better option, especially if a trailer is only needed occasionally, like when travelling. However, the added flexibility comes with additional assembly and disassembly time. It should also not be forgotten that theft cannot be completely ruled out. Even pivoting trailer hitches that combine flexibility and stability have their weak points. They tend to be more expensive than the other two and more complicated to install.
Maximum / minimum towing capacity
Towing capacity refers to the weight that a vehicle with a trailer attached and loaded can tow. A distinction must be made here between the maximum and minimum tensile load. Both values are important to guarantee a safe journey. Exceeding or falling below the values can lead to a fine. How high this is depends on the "severity of the violation". You can find the permitted towing capacity of the vehicle in the vehicle documents, more precisely in parts 1 and 2 of the registration certificate.
Legal requirements
There are legal requirements that everyone must observe when using a trailer hitch. In addition to the already mentioned towing capacity, you also have to pay attention to the lighting and the speed. The trailer must have brake, indicator and tail lights. In addition, one or two rear fog lights and reflectors are mandatory. As a rule, the maximum permissible speed for vehicles with a trailer – with a total weight of up to 3,5 t – is 80 km/h. A speed of up to 100 km/h is only permitted with a special permit. For non-cars or trucks, the maximum speed is even less than 80 km/h. For example, motorhomes with a trailer attached are only allowed to drive at a maximum of 60 km/h.
Nature
It should go without saying, but there are still many who only look at the price when purchasing a towbar. While it is understandable that you want to spend as little money as possible, safety also plays an important role when choosing a towbar. If you don't pay attention to the condition of the hitch, you are putting yourself at avoidable risk. Therefore, you should always rely on towbars from quality brands.
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Thomas Wachsmuth
Thomas Wachsmuth is the founder and editor-in-chief of tuningblog.eu - he has been an integral part of it since 2013. His passion for cars is so intense that he invests every available cent in them. While he dreams of a BMW E31 850CSI and a Hennessey 6x6 Ford F-150, he currently drives a rather unremarkable BMW 540i (G31/LCI). His collection of books, booklets and brochures on the subject of car tuning has now reached such proportions that he himself has become a walking reference work for the tuning scene.
