WHAT SORT OF TOWBAR DO I NEED, FIXED OR REMOVABLE?

Loadmaster
Aug 5
3 min read

Fixed vs Removable Towbars: Which towbar is right for you?

Choosing the right towbar can be confusing if you’re unsure what you’re looking for. Whether you’re towing a trailer, boat, caravan, or just using a bike rack, having the right type of towbar will make your life a whole lot easier – and safer!

You have a choice: fixed or removable. Both do the job well, but the best one for you depends on your lifestyle, towing habits, garage space, and what you’re towing.

Types of Towbars

We install two main types:

Fixed Tongue Towbars
Removable Tongue Towbars (also called pin type or detachable)

Let’s look at the pros and cons of each.

Fixed Towbar

A fixed tongue towbar is permanently welded to the towbar frame and then bolted to your vehicle. They are built strong and always ready to tow.

ADVANTAGES:

Budget-friendly: A great choice if ou’re watching the dollars.
Always connected: No need to fit or remove parts before towing.
Built for repeat use: Perfect if you’re regularly towing the same type of trailer or load.

THINKGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

Sticks out – The tongue and tow ball are always sticking out the back of your vehicle, which can make tight parking or reversing into a garage tricky.
Shin hazard – If you’ve ever walked into a towbar, you’ll know the pain. Fixed towbars are notorious for catching people off guard (especially in dimly lit garages or driveways — OUCH!).

Removable Tongue Towbar

Removable towbar installed by Loadmaster

Removable tongue towbars are designed for flexibility. The tongue section – which includes the tow ball – can be detached when you’re not towing. This gives you a cleaner look and more practicality in day-to-day use.

The tongue is held securely in place with a removable pin and clip system. Additionally an anti-rattle bolt secures the tongue and prevents rattling when towing or not. When you need to tow, simply loosen the anti-rattle bolt, slide the tongue into the towbar housing and secure it with the heavy-duty pin and safety clip and then tighten the anti-rattle bolt. When you’re done towing, loosen the anit-rattle bolt, pull the R-clip out, slide out the pin, and remove the tongue – it’s quick and easy.

Advantages:

Neat and tidy – No more sticking out towbar. Once removed, there’s almost no sign of a towbar.
Perfect for small garages – Without the towbar jutting out, you can park closer to walls or garage doors.
Save your shins! – No more bumping into the towbar when walking past or loading the boot.
Versatile – With an additional tongue you can easily swap tongues to accommodate different tow ball sizes and (e.g. 1 1/78", 50mm and 50mm high-rise). Thereby allowing you to tow different loads such as caravans, trailers, boats and bike racks.
Lower or Higher Tongues – With an additional tongue it is possible to change the tongue height to suit specific requirements.
Towing a custom trailer that needs an extended tongue for clearance? No problem – just insert the right one for the job.
Quick release system – The pin and R-clip and anit-rattle bolt design makes attaching or removing the tongue a breeze.

What to keep in mind:

Slightly more expensive – The design and removable mechanism add a little bit to the cost.
Extra part to store – You’ll need to pop the tongue in the boot or somewhere safe when not in use.

So what sort of towbar do I need?

Fixed vs Removable Towbars: Which towbar is right for you?

It depends on your lifestyle.

If you tow regularly and want a rugged, always-ready setup, the fixed tongue is a simple, strong choice.

If you tow occasionally, have a smaller garage, or want the flexibility to change between accessories like bike racks, trailers, or even custom tongue lengths – the removable option is well worth the investment.

Need help deciding?

Still unsure? That’s what we’re here for! Loadmaster can talk you through the options and recommend the best towbar based on your vehicle, towing plans, and budget.

Pop in, give us a call, or request a quote online – we’ll help you get towing with confidence (and bruise-free shins!) 😀

If you would like a quote visit our Quote Page or have a question we would love to help, pop into see us or enquiry though on our Contact Us page or phone 03 3415623.

We are located at 3 Racecourse Road, Sockburn, Christchurch.