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What’s the Difference Between Fixed Flange Ball Towbar and Fixed Swan Neck Towbar?
When looking to tow for the first time, the world of towbars can seem like a daunting place. The various towbars on the market can easily leave people confused and worried about the safety of their vehicles. This article is going to help calm any nerves and dispel any confusion. We’ve detailed all you need to know about the two most popular towbars: the fixed flange ball and the fixed swan neck.
What is a fixed flange ball and what is a fixed swan neck?
Two of the most commonly found towbars, the fixed flange ball and fixed swan neck both offer top of the range towing abilities, but excel in different areas.
The physical difference between the flange ball and the swan neck is what coined their individual names. The flange ball towbar features two distinct parts — the towball and the tow neck — which are bolted together to create the towbar. In contrast, the swan neck towbar features the towball and the tow neck as one single solid unit.
What are the differences?
Beyond their appearances, the fixed flange ball and fixed swan neck towbars are better equipped to handle specific circumstances and operations.
Bumper shields – Fixed flange balls are compatible with the use of bumper shields on vehicles. Fixed swan necks are not compatible.
Al-ko stabilisers – The apparatus used to increase stability in towing performance is not compatible with fixed flange ball towbars but is compatible with fixed swan neck towbars. Al-ko stabilisers can potentially be used with fixed flange ball towbars but it is likely you will need to use an extended towball to achieve this.
Parking sensors – Fixed flange ball towbars have been known to interrupt parking sensors in cars. Fixed swan neck towbars avoid this issue.
Cycle carriers – Fixed flange ball towbars are suited to carrying cycle carriers, unlike swan neck towbars.
Price – Fixed flange ball towbars are generally less expensive than their swan-necked counterparts.
Versatility – Fixed flange ball towbars are generally considered more versatile than fixed swan neck towbars.
Which should I get?
The towbar most suitable for you will come down to a number of variables. If you are looking to carry bikes often, then the fixed flange ball towbar is certainly the right one to go for. Alternatively, if you are looking tow with a parking-aid incorporated vehicle, then we highly recommend using a swan neck tow bar so that the parking technology is not interfered with. If towing large vehicles is your main priority (a caravan perhaps), it may be wise to invest in a swan neck towbar due to its ability to easily accommodate an al-ko stabiliser.
If you’re unsure of exactly what you will need it for in the future, perhaps getting a fixed flange ball towbar is your best bet due to its versatility and cheaper price point.
Here at Towbar2U we stock a wide range of towbars with high quality towing ability. If you wish to learn more about any of our wide range of products and services, give our friendly team a call today on 0800 998 1969 and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
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Our Reviews
Amazingly efficient and more importantly personable service from both the administrator, Rebekah, who booked my fitting (and was both knowledgeable and charming), and also the fitter, Neal, who did the job rapidly and tidily in the car park while I was seeing patients, and was happy to wait until I was free to come out and review his work. The whole process, including booking, fitting, and workmanship, was exemplary. This company deserves a 6th star.
Found towbar2u on Google when I searched for towbar fitting in County Durham enquired via email to get a quick response from Rebekah with all the quotes and details I needed I then rang and booked the appointment with Rebekah was booked and done within the week great service Simon came out and fitted the towbar would highly reccomend this company
Arrived when arranged. Did a great job. Cost was reasonable. Good warranty on towbar. Would use again.
3rd time I’ve used these guys. Excellent service, friendly and efficient. Highly recommend. Smooth fitting right from booking to installation. Excellent.
Good service, good price and neatly installed!
Absolutely brilliant service, Josh was really thorough and has made an amazing job on our car. In addition to his work, he's a lovely chap, very professional but also really friendly. I'd definitely recommend Towbar2U
This is my first try out at towing a caravan. The fitter was excellent, and he gave me some good advice, tips, I am very pleased with the towbar so far, very good.
Absolutely fantastic service from start to finish. I booked over the phone and paid in advance. I did have to change the fitting date which was handled professionally. Everything was done within an afternoon. The towbar is a removable one which is easy to fit and remove by following the instructions. Very highly recommended
Really happy with this company, the price was really competitive and the product was really good. The technician was a very nice and explained everything to me very well. He went the extra mile to make sure I was happy with the tow bar. Very professional and very thorough. Excellent 👍
Great job at a great price. They helped me understand which towbar I needed, and answered my many many questions!! Would definitely recommend
Excellent, lovely people to deal with, did a great job.
Brilliant service