Tow Bars & Kits

Repco offers a wide range of tow bars and tow bar kits designed to suit both your various towing needs and your vehicle. Repco pride themselves on offering the finest tow bars from TAG who are renown as the experts in Towbars and Towing Technology. Whether you need a light-duty tow bar for a bike rack or a heavy-duty Class 4 tow bar for towing caravans or boats, Repco stocks complete kits that include everything from the tow bar and ball mount to wiring harnesses and accessories.

By Repco carrying vehicle-specific tow bars and kits it ensures simplified installation and guaranteed compatibility, helping make your towing safer and more straightforward.

Tow Bars and Tow Hitches: What You Need to Know

Before installing a tow bar or tow hitch, it’s important to check your vehicle’s towing capacity. This info is usually found in the vehicle manual and will specify the maximum weight the vehicle can safely tow. Remember, the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) covers everything—the weight of the car, passengers, cargo, and the trailer or caravan combined. Exceeding this limit isn’t just unsafe, it’s illegal.

Understanding Tow Bar Classes

In Australia, tow bars come in three main classifications based on their towing capacity: Class 2, 3, and 4.

• Class 2 (Light Duty): Designed for lighter loads like a 6x4 trailer or a bike rack, these tow bars generally have a fixed tow ball and are rated up to 1200kg.
• Class 3 (Medium Duty): Suitable for towing boats or jet skis, these also tend to have a fixed tow ball and handle up to 1600kg.
• Class 4 (Heavy Duty): Found on SUVs and 4WDs, these towbars can handle the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity and are built for heavier trailers, caravans, or even large boats.

Tow Bars vs Tow Hitches: What’s the Difference?

Basically, tow bars and tow hitches are two terms for the same thing—a strong steel device mounted to the rear chassis of your vehicle. Most of the tow bar is hidden behind the bumper, except for the tow ball or tow bar tongue that sticks out for attaching trailers. The rating on the tow bar tells you how much weight it can safely pull, and this rating should never be exceeded.

Some tow balls can be removed easily, which helps if the ball blocks your licence plate or you want to avoid accidental bumps. They usually secure with a locking pin and can be stored elsewhere when not in use. If leaving a tow ball on the car, rubber protectors are available to soften any knocks.

Choosing the Right Tow Bar for Your Needs

When selecting a tow bar, the key factor is what you plan to tow. If it’s just for a bike rack, a light-duty Class 2 tow bar will do. But for towing caravans or boat trailers, you’ll need a higher-rated tow bar that matches or exceeds your vehicle’s towing capacity. If you’re planning a big trip, like towing a caravan from Sydney to far north Queensland, getting this right beforehand can save headaches later.

If your vehicle already has a tow bar, check its rating to ensure it fits your towing plans. Many vehicles offer different tow bar options depending on the weight involved.

Look for complete kits that include:

• A tow bar with the right weight rating
• A matching tow ball mount
• The correct tow ball size for your trailer coupling
• Wiring kits and plugs compatible with your vehicle and trailer
• Extras like D shackles or locking pins for the tow ball

Can You Undertake Tow Bar Installation Yourself?

Yes, it’s possible if you’re comfortable with a bit of DIY. Many kits come with clear instructions and use existing mounting points, so no drilling or welding is needed. Tow bars are heavy, so it’s best to have two people for the install. The wiring can be tricky, although some modern vehicles have pre-fitted adapters that simplify connecting trailer lights.

Still, if wiring or mounting feels overwhelming, a workshop fitment is a practical option.

What’s a Swan Neck Tow Bar?

Originating from Europe, the swan neck tow bar features a slender, curved arm with the tow ball integrated at the end. These can be fixed or detachable and some even fold underneath the vehicle when not in use. It’s a different look and mounting style but performs the same basic function.

Knowing these facts about tow bars and hitches helps ensure you make the right choice for your vehicle and towing needs. This way, you stay safe on the road and avoid unnecessary fines or damage.

Repco stock the complete range of towing accessories

Whether you need a full tow bar kit or just a new jockey wheel your local Repco store can help. We understand the need for effective and durable towing equipment to ensure both safety and reliability to you, your vehicle and whatever you are towing. From a simple tow ball to a comprehensive electric brake controller, we have all these and more to provide the best in towing solutions.