Towbars for Bakkies

Tow bars for bakkies, on sale now. Available in Fixed Head, Detachable/ Demountable and Step Plate. SABS approved. Towing capacity of 2100kgs and 3500 kgs.

Detachable and Fixed-Head Towbars

We supply and fit SABS approved Towbars for Bakkies and certain SUVs, giving your peace of mind and ensuring your safety.  Towbars can be fitted with or without a wiring harness. Comes with a 1-year comprehensive warranty.

Our range of tow bars include Double Tube Step Bumper Towbars, Fixed Head Under-Car Tow Bars and Detachable or Demountable Towbars. Bakkie types include Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Isuzu, Chev, VW Amarok, NP200, latest and previous models, to name a few.

What are the benefits of having a Towbar ?

Fixed Head Towbars

• Capable of using accessories like some models of cycle carriers whilst towing.
• Tend to be cheaper.
• Capable of fitting a towbar and pin system required to pull trailers, caravans and the like.
• Capable of fitting a bumper protector plate.
• Capable of using height-adjustable couplings, drop plates and spacers to get different towing heights and clearances.

Detachable/Demountable Towbars

• The neck can be removed when not in use.
  
• The removable neck will not interfere with reversing sensors.
  
• Slim-line design.
  
• Easy to use.
  
• Secure (lockable neck).

Step Plate Towbars

• Step plate fits securely onto the Towbar providing a sturdy and reliable platform to step on.
• Comes standard with anti slip treads providing more functionality and convenience.
• Provides easier access to the vehicle’s bin when loading and unloading heavy items.
• Prevents unnecessary accidents and injuries.

Important information on Towing

Maximum vertical weight limit of a Towbar

Guard against overloading. Always take note of the maximum vertical legal weight that is allowed to rest on the towbar. This information is usually displayed on the towbar itself, together with the SABS approval indicating that the product is tested and approved.

What does this mean for you?

If the Towbar’s carrying capacity exceeds the stipulated weight, it will void the manufacturer’s warranty. Insurance claims  may not be settled as a result. It is important to note that non-adherence to the towing capacity manufacturing requirement will have a significant impact regarding your safety.

How do I know what my vehicle’s maximum towing capacity is?

Dont be fooled! Your vehicle’s ability to tow a certain load limit will depend on the vehicle itself. Therefore, it is imperative that you make reference to your vehicle’s handbook, which provides clear and concise instructions regarding your maximum pulling/towing capacity. Don’t compromise your safety and endanger other road users through sheer ignorance!

Note the importance to follow all towing regulations for your own safety.

Do you need a licence to tow?

Yes, you do need a licence to tow, especially if the gross vehicle mass GVM of the trailer is over 750 kilograms.

Fitment of Towbars

Fitments are primarily restricted to Bakkies and certain SUV’s, which generally take approximately 2 – 3 hours to fit. In some instances it could take longer.

Are you aware of the Legislation?

Legislation prescribes that all Towbars be SABS approved, if not, your insurance will become null and void and you will have no recourse, if you do not meet those requirements. Familiarise yourself now! All SABS approved Towbars undergo several stress testing iterations in order for a supplier to obtain the stamp of approval. If it is not, rather walk away.

Whilst some manufacturers’ claim to be SABS approved,  you as a customer need to be more discerning by asking the right questions. Make sure to do your homework properly before you fit a Towbar.

 Terminology and definitions relating to Towbars

Tare

The Tare of your Vehicle, Trailer or Caravan is the actual weight of the vehicle without any petrol / fuel, luggage, and passengers. The Tare weight will include any standard fittings.

Payload 

It is the maximum mass a vehicle, trailer or caravan including passengers fuel or luggage.

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)

GVM is the sum of the tare and payload which equals to the maximum permissible, fully loaded mass of the vehicle.

Gross Combination Mass (GCM)

As the term implies, it is the sum of the GVM of the towcar and the vehicle manufacturer’s maximum towing capacity for that vehicle, that is, the mass of the fully laden tow vehicle plus the maximum towing capacity as stated by the manufacturer.

Towbar static load

This means the maximum permissible downward force on a towbar specified as it’s static load.

Towbar maximum drawing capacity

Usually, Towbar manufacturer’ specify the maximum mass that a trailer or caravan may be towed with using a particular towbar.

Nose weight

Nose weight is the mass of a caravan or trailer measured at the tow hitch. By law, in South Africa, it has to be between 25 kg and 100 kg.

Manufacturer’s maximum towing capacity

Vehicle manufacturers specify the maximum towing capacity, in kilograms, that their vehicles can handle. (eg.,  GCM – GVM = towing capacity).

Braked trailer

Certain caravans and trailers come standard with what is known as an ‘overrun’ brake system, and are then classed as ‘braked’ trailers or caravans. As the South African law stipulates,  all caravans and trailers with a GVM above 750 kg must be braked.

In simple terms, overrun brakes are activated when the tow vehicle’s brakes are applied. A shock absorber behind the caravan’s coupling compresses with the forward force of the caravan, which activates the overrun brakes mechanically by means of cables.

This causes the caravan or trailer to brake simultaneously with or fractionally, after the towcar.

Service (additional) brakes

Service brakes are not common in South Africa. Most often when they are referred to as ‘service brakes’, they are hydraulic, vacuum or electrical braking systems for caravans or trailers.

Such a system should be fitted to a caravan or trailer if it has a GVM in excess of the tare of the towcar. All three types are engaged by depressing the brake pedal on the towcar, and some systems can be independently controlled from inside the  vehicle with a switch or lever.

Important pointers to know

Insurance claims resulting from accidents while towing may face serious challenges owing to any one of the following when:

• A Towbar fitted by an aftermarket accessory supplier is not SABS-approved.
• The Towbar is not fitted with an approved drop-plate and not purchased from an accredited aftermarket accessory supplier.
• The maximum drawing capacity of the towbar is exceeded.
• The maximum towing capacity of the towcar as advertised by the manufacturer is exceeded.
• The GVM of your overrun-braked caravan or trailer is more than the tare of your towcar.
• The GVM of your unbraked caravan or trailer is more than half the tare of your towcar.

Towbar Gallery

Product range:

1. CHEVROLET UTILITY (2012+)K-CHUT-12Towbar – Fixed Head Under Car. Powder Coated, Towing 1 500kg, Ball 75kg.
2. FORD RANGER Tow bar. Under Car, Fit with OE bumper, Powder Coated, Towing 1 500kg, Ball 75kg.
3. Ford Ranger 2012 to Current  – Double Tube Full Step . Powder Coated , Towing 1 800kg, Ball 75kg.
4. Ford Ranger Towbar – 2012 to current Under Car Fixed Head – Powder Coated . Towing 3 500kg, Ball 175kg.
5. Hyundai H100 Mild steel, Double Tube Full Step Bumper APR 2012:  HY1260H.
6. ISUZU DMAX Towbar. Double Tube Full Step, Powder Coated, Towing 1 500kg. Ball 75kg.
7. ISUZU RT50 (2013+) Double Tube Full Step  Towbar, Powder Coated, Towing 2 100kg. Ball 100kg.
8. Isuzu KB (2013 + ) Under Car Fixed Head  Towbar. Powder Coated, Towing 2 100kg,  Ball 100kg.
9. MAZDA BT50 (2012+) New Model TOWBARS. Double Tube Full Step, Powder Coated, Towing 1 800kg. Ball 75kg.
10. NISSAN NP200 (2009+) K-NINP2-08 Towbar. Detachable Under Car, Powder Coated, Towing 650kg, Ball 50kg.
11. NISSAN NP300 (2009+) NP300 Towbar. Double Tube Full Step,Powder Coated,  Towing 1 500kg, Ball 75kg.
12. TOYOTA HILUX   (FITS MODEL 2005 to Current) Towbar. Double Tube Full Step, Powder Coated, Towing 2 000kg, Ball 115kg.
13. HILUX Towbar – Detachable Under Car .Powder Coated,  Towing 2 000kg,  Ball 115kg.
14. HILUX Towbar. Fixed Head Under Car, Powder Coated, Towing 2 000k, Ball 115kg.
15. TOYOTA LANDCRUISER (2009+) TOWBAR:  Double Tube Full Step, Powder Coated , Towing 1 500kg. Ball 75kg.
16. LANDCRUISER  Tow bars. Fixed Head Under Car,  Powder Coated, Towing 1 500kg, Ball 75kg.
17. VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK (2010+) Towbar. Double Tube Full Step, Powder Coated, Towing 2 000kg, Ball 100kg.
18. AMAROK 2010 + Towbar. Under Car Removable Smart Hitch,  Powder Coated, Towing 2 000kg. Ball 100kg.