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If you’ve ever towed a trailer, caravan, or boat, you’ll know how much difference a well-fitted towbar makes. It’s not just about hooking on and heading off — the right setup means you can tow safely and confidently, no matter what you’re driving. At Loadmaster, we fit towbars to everything from compact city cars and EVs through to SUVs, work vehicles, and even trucks. So if you’re in Christchurch and thinking about getting a towbar fitted, here’s what’s worth knowing before you book it in. Why It’s Worth Doing Right It’s easy to think, “It’s just a towbar – how hard can it be?”  But there’s more to it than meets the eye. A proper setup: Handles the weight of your trailer or load safely Keeps your trailer lights and brakes working properly Protects your vehicle’s structure and wiring Improves stability and handling while towing The wiring is compatible with the vehicle's autonomous braking and electronic safety systems You don’t want to be halfway to the campsite or boat ramp when your trailer lights stop working or the towbar shifts under pressure. A well-installed towbar prevents that kind of hassle and gives you peace of mind every trip. Towbar Setup Tips You Shouldn’t Skip A towbar isn’t something you just bolt on and walk away from. There are a few things worth thinking about first: 1. Pick the Right Towbar Your towbar must suit your vehicle’s make, model, and towing capacity. A compact EV or hybrid will need a different setup than a large SUV or truck. Check your vehicle specs or talk to an installer who understands the variations, especially with newer EVs and their unique requirements. 2. Don’t Go Cheap Cheaper towbars might look fine at first (and the price will seem great), but often don’t meet New Zealand safety standards or last as long. Often rated lower vertical load and towing capacity than the vehicle's recommended rating to reduce cost. Go for proven brands and certified gear — it’s safer and performs better in the long run. 3. Get a Professional Install Considering DIY might sound doable, but precise fitting and correct wiring make a massive difference. A professional installer will make sure everything lines up, torque settings are correct, and electronics are wired safely. If you’re in Christchurch, working with someone local means they’ll know what works best on New Zealand roads and conditions. 4. Check the Wiring Your trailer lights, indicators, and brakes all depend on good wiring. Using compatible wiring modules to protect your vehicle ECU, work with your vehicles advanced safety features like, autonomous braking etc.  Make sure it’s compatible with your trailer setup — especially important for modern vehicles with complex electronics or EV systems. 5. Keep Up the Maintenance Towbars deal with plenty of weather and road grime. Give yours a clean every so often, check for rust or wear, and tighten bolts if needed. A quick check now and then helps avoid bigger problems later. What Does Towbar Installation Cost in NZ? Prices vary depending on your vehicle and towbar type, but here’s a general idea: Towbar type:  Fixed or removable (not sure which one, read our blog here Vehicle model:  Compact cars are usually simpler to fit than large SUVs or trucks Wiring:  Adding connections for brakes or lights will add a bit more Labour:  Costs differ between workshops and regions . In most cases, for a standard vehicle, you would be looking at $500–$1,200 NZD for a full installation, including parts and labour. A simple towbar on a small car or SUV might sit around $500, while a heavy-duty towbar with full wiring for a larger vehicle can push $1,000 or more. Modern luxury vehicles with advanced safety features, like autonomous braking, etc., require advanced compatible wiring modules – even larger vehicles such as campervans and trucks that require LT400 certification will be significantly higher, as these installs involve extra components, complex engineering, engineering sign-off, and certification paperwork. Not sure if you need certification, read our blog here It pays to ask what’s included and check for a warranty. A proper installation is an investment in safety — and your vehicle’s longevity. Ensure your vehicle is set up to tow the right loads safely Safe Towing Tips Once your towbar’s fitted, you’re ready to tow, but take a few precautions before you hit the road: Know your vehicle’s towing limit and stick to it Balance your trailer load evenly Check your lights and brakes every time you hook up Allow more space for braking and cornering Use towing mirrors if your trailer blocks your rear view Practice reversing and turning in an open area before heading off A little extra care before you travel keeps things running smoothly and safely. Why Christchurch Drivers Choose Loadmaster If you want your towbar fitted properly, talk to Loadmaster . We install towbars for all vehicle types, from small EVs and compact cars to SUVs, modern Europeans, utes, and trucks. Our team knows the local conditions and takes pride in doing every job right the first time. You’ll get: Towbar solutions to suit any vehicle Professional fitting with attention to detail Warranties and after-care support Friendly advice from locals who tow too We’ve worked with tradies, families, and fleet operators all across Christchurch, and we stand behind every towbar we install. Ready to Tow? A well-fitted towbar gives you confidence every time you hitch up, whether it’s for work, a weekend away, or moving gear around town. For expert towbar installation in Christchurch , get in touch with Loadmaster . We’ll make sure your setup is strong, safe, and ready for whatever you’re towing — big or small. If you would like a quote, visit our  Quote Page,  or have a question, we would love to help. Pop in to see us or enquire through our  Contact Us  page or phone 03  3415623. We are located at 3 Racecourse Road, Sockburn, Christchurch.

Suppose you want to have a towbar fitted to your heavy vehicle, passenger vehicle or motorhome in New Zealand, and your vehicle is on a Certificate of Fitness (CoF). In that case, you will likely need an LT400 certificate. We’ll walk you through what’s required, step by step. What’s a Certificate of Fitness (CoF) — and Do You Actually Need One? If you drive a motorhome, truck, or commercial vehicle or passenger service vehicle, you will be required to have a COF. It stands for Certificate of Fitness, and it’s basically a regular safety check to make sure your vehicle is roadworthy — especially when it’s doing the long haul. So who needs a CoF? If your vehicle is over 3,500 kg GVM (gross vehicle mass), it’s a must. If you’re running a shuttle, bus, taxi, or rental, even lighter ones, it’s likely required too. There are two types of CoF: CoF A  – for light vehicles under 3,500 kg GVM, like taxis, small rental cars or Ubers. CoF B  – for the bigger vehicles: trucks, motorhomes, large vans — anything over 3,500 kg GVM. If you’re unsure which applies to you, we can help you determine the correct option. Towbar Requirements for CoF A vs CoF B CoF A  vehicles need towbars with a low volume cert plate that indicates: Make and model Towing capacity Towbar code Build number Vertical Load CoF B  vehicles require an LT400 certificate, issued on-site by an independent, NZTA-approved heavy vehicle certifier, once the installation meets the standards. What Is an LT400 Certificate? LT400 Certificate Sample If your vehicle falls under the CoF B  category (that’s anything over 3,500 kg GVM), you’ll need something called an LT400 certificate. This isn't just a form, it’s proof that your towbar has been designed, installed, and signed off by a qualified heavy vehicle certifier to meet strict New Zealand standards (NZS 5446). Once issued, a copy of the certificate gets uploaded into the NZTA system, and you’ll also receive a compliance plate. This rating plate must be attached to your vehicle near or on the towbar. The LT400 is, however, designed to be used separately, so make sure to keep it (like in the glovebox). It may be requested by the testing station when you go for your COF. GVM, Why Combined Mass Is a Big Deal When it comes to towing with a motorhome or camper, weight matters — a lot more than many people realise. Let’s break it down: GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) is the maximum your vehicle can weigh when its fully loaded, this includes passengers, gear, water tanks, and so on. GCM (Gross Combined Mass) is the total allowable weight of your vehicle and whatever you’re towing. Many owners mistakenly assume that if their motorhome can legally tow 2,000kg, they can hook up a trailer without issue. But if your GVM is 4,000kg and your GCM is only 5,200kg, your trailer must not exceed 1,200kg — not the assumed 2,000kg. The certifying engineer will determine the maximum towing capacity, which will include factors such as the strength of the chassis, design of the towbar and determination of the vertical load. TIP:  Always check the GCM before buying or towing with a camper. How your Tow Rating is Determined Although we provide you with an initial consultation and quotation, below are the technical and legal factors that the certifying engineer will use to determine the final tow rating: 1. Vehicle GVM & GCM Ratings GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass): Max legal weight of the vehicle fully loaded. GCM (Gross Combined Mass): Max combined weight of the vehicle and whatever it's towing. 2. Chassis Type & Construction Is it a ladder chassis, monocoque (unibody), or extended? Chassis extensions may lower capacity. Does the chassis go all the way to the rear? If not, additional reinforcement may be required. Engineers may request photos or physical inspection of rear chassis rails, mounts, and crossmembers. 3. Mounting Points & Load Distribution Are the towbar mounting points strong enough? Are they correctly braced or reinforced to spread the load? Are factory points used, or has a custom bracket been welded/fabricated? 4. Material Strength & Towbar Design Grade and thickness of steel used in the towbar. Welding quality and fabrication method. Bolt types, torque specs, gusseting, and cross-member support. Engineers may require FEA (finite element analysis) or load calculations for custom setups. 5. Vertical (Tongue) Load Rating Also known as downforce or static load. This is typically 10% of the braked towing capacity, but varies depending on design. Important for things like bike racks or A-frame towing (e.g. Suzuki Jimny on a camper). 6. Clearance & Obstruction Engineers will assess whether tanks, pipes, spare wheels, steps, etc., obstruct towbar mounting or create weak points. “Obstructions like septic or water tanks often reduce viable mounting areas or limit reinforcement.” 7. Compliance with Standards Engineers will ensure the design and installation comply with: NZS 5446 – trailers and towing hardware NZTA Heavy Vehicle VIRM – construction standards AS/NZS 4968 series – drawbars and couplings Manufacturer recommendations (where available) 8. Vehicle Use Case Is the vehicle used privately or commercially? Will it be towing regularly or occasionally? Is it fitted with brake controllers or electronic stability systems? 9. Inspection & Testing The engineer may require a physical inspection or a weighbridge certificate. In some cases, destructive or non-destructive testing may be used (for non-OEM towbar installs). 10. Labelling and Documentation Certifier ensures the final installed towbar has: Make/model of vehicle Towing capacity Build number Towbar code or ID This is often laser-etched or permanently labelled on the towbar itself. Keeping Your LT400 Certificate Safe Once your towbar has been certified and your LT400 certificate is issued, it’s not just a formality — it’s a legal document you’ll need to present: ✅ A copy is loaded into the Waka Kotahi (NZTA) system by the certifier ✅ A physical copy should always be kept in your glovebox ✅ It’s required to be shown at your CoF B inspection or if requested by an enforcement officer You will receive a compliance plate, which is either: Affixed to your vehicle near the towbar, or Handed to you to store securely if affixing isn’t possible TIP:  If you're buying a second-hand vehicle that is on a CoF and has a towbar fitted, check that it comes with a valid LT400 for the towbar — and confirm it's in the NZTA system. How Loadmaster Can Help How our process works: Consultation and Inspection - We discuss your towing requirements and inspect your vehicle Towbar Design & Engineering — We account for GVM, GCM, chassis design, and potential obstructions (e.g. water tanks or septic). Fabrication & Fitting - After designing the towbar, we will fabricate it to the standard (NZS 5446) at our facility in Christchurch. On-Site LT400 Certification — We partner with NZTA-approved certifiers to certify your towbar installation, who will issue an LT400 certificate. (We keep a copy on file just in case) Compliance Plate & Certificate — You’ll receive your compliance certification and plate or have it attached immediately — giving you full traceable certification. The certifying engineer will load this to the NZTA, and you will be fully compliant :) Final Word Whether your tow vehicle is a camper, bus, or truck, having the right certification protects you, your vehicle, and ensures you're compliant with NZ law. With Loadmaster, you're supported at every step, from design, through to certification. Need help? get 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.

Top 10 Questions (and Answers) for Kiwi Riders Are you thinking about carrying bikes on the back of your vehicle? Towbar-mounted bike racks are one of the safest and easiest ways to transport your bikes. This article answers the top 10 questions we hear about using standard and e-bike racks with towbars. 1. What Type of Towbar Do I Need? The type of towbar you need depends on the kind of bike rack you're using. Some racks are designed for a tow ball mount, while others are designed for removable (hitch) receivers. A tow ball mount bike rack will work on either a fixed or removable towbar. 👉 Want to know more about towbar types? Check out our blog on What sort of towbar do I need, fixed or removable? 2. Do I Need a Special Towbar Just for a Bike Rack? Not necessarily, but your rack must be compatible with: Your towbar style (fixed towbar or hitch receiver) Your tow ball size (typically 1 7/8" or 50mm in NZ) Also, make sure your towbar's vertical load rating can safely support the bike rack and bikes combined. 3. Can I Use a Bike Rack on a Removable Towbar? Yes! Hitch-mounted bike racks (that slide into a receiver) are often more stable and easier to use than tow ball-mounted options. They're especially ideal for: Heavier bikes (like e-bikes) Tilt access to your boot Long-distance travel This bike rack sits on the top of your towball This bike rack slides into the towbar receiver on a removable type 4. How Much Weight Can My Towbar or Rack Carry? You need to check both: The towbar's vertical load rating (often found on a rating sticker of your towbar) The bike rack's max weight rating , including per-bike limits 🔋 Tip: Remove e-bike batteries if possible to reduce weight. 5. What's the Difference Between Towing Capacity and Vertical Load? Towing Capacity  = how much weight your vehicle can pull (e.g. a trailer) Vertical Load / Tongue Weight  = how much downward force is applied on the towbar (static load) Overloading your towbar with too much vertical weight isn’t just bad for your vehicle, it can be dangerous and it might: Put stress on the vehicle’s chassis Overload your rear tyres Make your vehicle harder to control, especially during braking or cornering which isn't good! Could void your vehicle and/or towbar warranty It’s important to check the vertical load rating on your towbar and make sure your total bike rack and bike weight doesn’t exceed it. 6. How Many Bikes Can I Carry on a Towbar Rack? Most towbar-mounted bike racks are designed to carry between two and four bikes. But the actual number you can load safely depends on a few key things: How much each bike weighs (especially e-bikes) Your towbar’s downward load rating How far the rack extends from the rear of your vehicle (longer racks create more leverage and reduce safe capacity) Always check both your towbar rating sticker and the bike rack’s user guide before loading. The vertical load is located on your loading sticker How Many Bikes Can I Carry on a Towbar Rack? Not this many ! 7. What Bike Racks Do You Recommend? We recommend two trusted brands: 🚲  Thule Premium quality Easy loading and secure fit Models available for e-bikes and various bike types Many include built-in lights and plate holders which connect to your wiring socket. 🚲  RockyMounts Excellent value and rugged design Hitch pin locks and tilt-away features Lightboard and number plate accessories available One of the best manufacturers, especially for e-bikes. We can help you choose the right rack for your vehicle and lifestyle. 8. What do I need to know about Standard and E-Bike Racks? Standard Bikes Bike weight still counts toward your vertical load limit The further back your rack extends, the less weight you can carry (leveraging) Always follow the load rating shown on your towbar E- Bikes E-bikes are heavy! Here's what to check: Some weigh up to 27 kg each Always check bike weight vs. rack capacity Check the towbar's vertical load label Use a support strap to stabilise the rack Choose racks designed for e-bikes they need to be strong and well engineered. E-bikes are a significant investment, so don't skimp on the bike rack and quality towbar to support it. IMPORTANT - Hanger-style racks should be used with caution and always use stabilising straps. There are a number of manufactures buiding up to eight bike hanger brackets. They often extend half a meter from the rear of the reciever, and are up to 2 meters high. This places significant loads (dynamic load) on your towbar and vehicle. The movement of the bike rack and bikes this in situation is highly likely to cause damage. 9. What Tips do you have for securing my Bikes? Here are some of our recommendations: Stabilising straps really help If you have a hanger-style rack, attaching stabilising straps can make a big difference. They help keep your bikes secure, prevent side-to-side movement, and reduce sway while driving. (dynamic load) T ake a moment to check the frame mounts Make sure the mounts are snug around the bike frames. Most racks have adjustable arms or clamps to fit different bike shapes—tightening these properly helps protect both your bikes and your vehicle. Check the Weight Distribution Place heavier bikes on the rack closer to the vehicle for better stability, helping to maintain balance and reduces the risk of tipping. Secure all your Accessories Make sure that all bike accessories, such as water bottles or bags, are either removed or securely fastened to stop them from falling when the vehicle heads off. Double-Check Connections Before you head off, do a final check to make sure that all connections and straps are tightly secured. Give the bikes a shake to make sure they’re stable. 10. Do I Need Wiring for a Bike Rack? Yes, if your rack or bikes block your number plate or tail lights. In NZ, it's illegal to obscure your plate or lights. If you do, you'll need: A supplementary number plate A lightboard with indicators and brake lights Many Thule racks include these features and RockyMounts offers compatible lightboards and plate holders as add-ons. ⚠️ You could face demerit points and fines if lights or plates are obscured. NEED HELP CHOOSING A BIKE RACK? We're here to help and can give you guidance on what is right for you. 👉 Pop into our showroom at 3 Racecourse Road, Sockburn, Christchurch or, give us a call 03 34 15623 , or send us a message  through our Contact Us page. We'd love to help you get on the road safely and securely.

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 Fixed towbar installed by Loadmaster 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.