Why is it Necessary to Hire a Professional for Installing Your Towbar?

Towbar installation is best done at the hands of a professional for the simple reason that it is not only an installation that increases the functionality of your vehicle but when done improperly could cause a massive amount of damage to both persons and property. While many individuals assume that fitting towbars by themselves are a completely safe and normal thing to do, in reality, the risks involved with improperly installing a towbar are a lot direr and absolutely not worth saving out on hiring a professional for towbar installation.

There are multiple benefits to hiring a professional when it comes to towbar installation.

Options

If you purchase any proprietor for towbar installation, you can be assured that they will also have a significant amount of expertise in different types of towbars. They can also provide a wide range of towbars for you so you can purchase them from the installation provider themselves. These options could be varied in nature, including offering detachable or fixed towbars or even all-inclusive towbars that come with a variety of functionality options. When you approach professionals for towbar installation, they can also guide you on zeroing on the most suitable option that will serve your requirements. This is important as you don’t want to end up being stuck with a towbar that doesn’t do the work you need it to or, does a lot more than what you require in the first place.

Affordability

As we have mentioned before, not hiring a professional to take care of your towbar installation is not worth the cost as the risks you might entail would end up costing you a lot more in terms of money. However, even if you don’t agree with that sentiment, the ground reality is that professional installation for a towbar has become extremely affordable in the modern age. Not only are towbar Installation experts mandated to ensure that they install your towbar according to industry standards, but you are also able to get a multitude of deals that helps you get a high value for your money. The best part is that, with many towbar installation services, there is no need to visit the garage to get your towbar installed. This can save you a large amount of time and money when it comes to towbar installation.

Convenience

As mentioned previously, a comprehensive service for towbar installation will always give you the option of coming to wherever you are and providing the services at that location. This of course requires the expertise of trained mechanics, which you can be assured the service provider will definitely have. The mobile component of towbar installation service providers is so widespread that you can have them come to any location, be it your home or your workplace. This means you no longer need to interrupt your daily schedule by dropping the vehicle at the garage and being without a vehicle for a long period of time as the installation experts can simply come to wherever you are and get the towbar installation done. This also leaves you free to pursue any other tasks while the professionals are involved with your towbar installation. This level of convenience, combined with the absolute safety in having a professional install your towbar, completely negates the need for trying to install a towbar by yourself.

While driving a car is fun and entertaining, parking it is most definitely not. Especially parallel parking in a tight spot could remove all the fun of driving your car and create undue stress. That is why most car owners are opting to have reverse parking sensor installation on their new car. As a result, reverse camera and parking sensor installation have become a norm and feature in the must-add accessories list for new car owners.

Safety and convenience packed together in small, easily installed tech are the reverse parking sensors. Beyond convenience, front and reverse parking sensor installation offers a wide range of advantages.

Ease of parking reduced stress and increased safety

Gone are the days when you’d have to become a pro in parallel parking and acquire the skills to do so for many painful hours of parking. By choosing reverse parking sensor installation, you are getting rid of all the stress involved in parking. Haven’t we all wished to have eyes on the back of the car to let us visually or audibly know how far we are from the kerb or the nearest object? With the latest state of the art reverse parking sensors, you are now pretty much having that in your car.

Increased depth of perception

The most common problem with parking is depth perception. We are unable to determine how far the object is; even with the years of parking, a single momentary lapse in judgement could cause major damage to your vehicle and/or to other cars as well.

However, there is a clear audible signal when an object is within a certain range with reverse parking sensor installation. There are low beeps when the distance is safe while moving backward, and the audible signals grow louder and faster as you inch closer and closer. The change in audible sound is an excellent signal that allows you to understand the depth of perception. In addition, reverse camera installation adds that visual element. It is quite literally having an extra pair of eyes on the back of the car.

Reverse parking sensor installations don’t spoil your paint job or the beauty of your car.

The reverse parking sensors installation looks like they are part of the original car when done by professionals. Even with reverse camera installation, the camera and sensors are flushed installed and look like they came from the carmaker itself. Thus, with reverse parking sensor installation, you’d need not worry about spoiling the aesthetic appeal of your car.

Come rain or shine; parking camera sensors work effectively.

The front and reverse parking sensor installation are done in such a way that all the wiring is well hidden. The electronics of both camera and parking sensors remain unaffected even in pouring rain or blistering heat. During a heavy downpour, it isn’t easy to see the road, and having a backup of a fully functioning reverse camera and parking sensor installed is sure to make your life easy and your driving that much safer.

At Advanced Towbars, you can choose from a wide variety of front and rear parking sensor models and installations. We have various types and multiple brands at different price ranges. Whether you require rear parking sensors installed or need front and rear parking sensors fitted or reverse camera installation along with parking sensors, we can cater to your needs.

Based on the technology, there are three main types of front and reverse parking sensors installations available at Advanced Towbars – ultrasonic reverse parking sensors installation, electromagnetic front and reverse parking sensors installations and reverse camera installations.

Dial us on 1300 238 869 to know about the latest front and reverse parking sensors on display at Advanced Towbars. We are happy to give you the best parking sensor installation at a highly competitive price.

what is an electric brake controller and how does it work

Do you need an electric brake controller installation? The type of brakes and brake controller in your vehicle makes all the difference. It is important that you only use quality car parts and accessories to ensure your safety and the safety of your vehicle while you are on the road.

According to the Australian rules and regulations, it is mandatory for all vehicles towing heavy load items above 750kg GTM to be fitted with brakes. If you are a trailer user, then you may need to consider your options for installing electric brake controllers. For towing heavy-weight items, you need to have a secure braking system on your car’s wheels. Still, wondering why do you need one?

This blog contains all the essential information you need on electric brake controllers.

First, let’s start with what is a caravan electric brake controller?

A brake controller is an electronic device installed in the vehicles to activate the trailer brakes. The controller is used to apply the tow vehicle brakes. This is done to ensure a safe driving experience while you are towing a trailer or caravan.

Why do you need electric brake controller installation in Melbourne?

The systematic electric brake controller helps the driver to manage the stopping distance by activating brakes whenever they need. The driver can adjust the speed of the brakes based on:

Size of trailer
Total load weight
Existing road conditions

How does it Work?

The controllers work on the principle of electromagnets and friction. Once an electric signal is generated from the vehicle, the magnet comes in contact with the drum face. The actuating arm begins to rotate and pushes against the drum which results in friction. The brake controllers consist of an accelerometer that determines the tow vehicle’s rate for a smooth driving experience.

The controllers also consist of multiple sensors which help in adjusting the braking force with high accuracy. Electric brake controller installation is a quick and effective way of ensuring a safe towing experience for the driver.

Protect your vehicle on road with a caravan electric brake controller

You cannot take any chances when it comes to towing. You need to be fully prepared on the road, which is why you need to proceed with caution. The controllers can be used for towing small trailers as well. The controller works by determining the overall brake’s speed of your tow vehicle. You can either get a dual-mode electronic brake controller or proportional brake controller system and operate the towing vehicle.

Looking for reliable electric brake controller installation in Melbourne?

Advanced Towbar’s team of skilled and experienced technicians are here to assist you 24/7. If you are searching for on-time and trustworthy installation services, then we can help. We specialise in offering compatible 4WD accessories and on-site installation services on demand. We offer same-day installation services.

Need more detailed information on caravan brake controllers? Give us a call on 1300 238 869 and receive an accurate quote today.

Bull bars are installed in vehicles to protect them against any kind of collision or strikes. The 4×4 bull bars are added to the front side of your vehicle. It comes in a variety of shapes, dimensions, and materials such as steel and alloy. Their prime purpose is to ensure the safety of your vehicle while you are on the road.

Not sure whether or not you want to go ahead with a bull bar installation? Don’t worry, check out the top six reasons why you should go for bull bar installations.

Protection to your Vehicle

While you are driving, you may encounter tarred roads, rocks, stones or other objects that can cause serious damage to your car. With the installation of bull bars in Melbourne, you can drive your car without worrying about such kind of damage. If any accidents occur and your car collides with another vehicle, the bulbar will protect the front part of your car.

Minimises Potential Damage

4×4 bull bars protect your car’s front against collusion. If your car collides with an object or animal on the road, having bull bars can significantly minimise the chances of strikes. Otherwise, such strikes can damage your car’s headlights and bonnets. The bull bars prevent the collision impact from dissipating thus minimising the chances of damage to the vehicle.

Add More 4WD Accessories

Nudge bar installation provides accessible mounting points. The bull bars provide a stiffer base where you can easily mount car accessories such as winches, fishing rods and antennas. You can even add a sand flag and protect your vehicle during sand dunning.

Improves Approach Angle

Installation of bull bars in Melbourne improves the car’s performance by improving the approach angle. This will enable you to drive on the road without encountering the terrain. Even if the car comes in contact with the terrain, the front part of your car will remain protected. Also, the worn off bull bars can be replaced or repaired immediately.

Better Aesthetics

The 4×4 bull bars are sleek, stylish and improve the appearance of your 4WD. They look great and are made from durable and tougher materials. The bull bars are engineered as per the highest quality standards and complement the aesthetics of a car regardless of the make and model. You can choose a suitable bull bar for your car based on its shape and size.

Durability

Nudge bar installation is the perfect way to enhance the functionality of your vehicles. This way your vehicle will stay protected on the road and you can drive comfortably without worrying about damages. The reinforced steel bull bars offer a high level of protection to the car. They are built to last and provides maximum ground clearance.

Are you looking for bull bars in Melbourne?

Advanced Towbars offers comprehensive on-site towbar installation services in Melbourne. We offer car accessories and products for a wide range of car makes and models. Contact us today and state your requirements. We will send a FREE quote to you within a day.

Prior to any trip that involves a towbar, precautions must be taken. The last thing you want is for an avoidable accident to occur because of a problem with your towbar. With a thorough inspection prior to your trip, you will save time and money while avoiding an accident and the attention of the police.

Towing a caravan

That big holiday you have been planning might fall off the rails without a proper inspection. Prior to travelling, be sure to check your caravan for any faults.

Make sure that:

The number plates, towing lights and caravan labels are clearly visible
The load is not heavier that the GMT of your trailer or vehicle
Your trailer brakes and lights are working
The amount you pack into your car’s boot is limited
You have correctly set your mirrors so that you have clear vision while driving
Your tyres are pumped and the tread depth is more than 1.6mm
Nothing is attached to the back of the caravan
The weight of the caravan is distributed evenly throughout the chassis

Caravans are becoming increasingly popular with holidaymakers, especially older, retirees. The luxury of having a home away from home has its perks, but caution is needed. Anyone found in breach of road laws while towing a caravan faces heavy fines and a loss of demerit points. If you are planning a trip, have a mechanic inspect your caravan. At the same time, have you tow bar checked by an expert.

Towing a Trailer

If you’re constantly towing a trailer, you probably understand the importance of safety measures. Trailers are not immune to the damage caused by general wear and tear on the road, but with proper maintenance, your trailer will be carrying those heavy loads for years to come.

Before you cart that next big load, ensure your trailer meets the following:

Tyres are inflated to the required Psi
The coupling socket and ball match in size
The trailer is registered if the GMT is more than 750kgs or it’s bigger than 3 meters
Towing brake lights work and they’re not obstructing the number plate
Ensure you have a safety connection device in your car. This is in addition to your normal coupling
Have the appropriate safety connection. This can be one of:
- Chains
- Shackles
- Cables or,
- A combination of all 3

Safety matters when it comes to trailers. For added safety, particularly when towing heavy loads, a weight distribution hitch is ideal. This system ensures that the weight of your load is evenly balanced throughout your vehicle’s axis. Doing this will take the pressure of your car, enhancing performance and suspension.

Whether it’s a big delivery or a family holiday, don’t let your towing experience turn into a disaster. Make sure you do a thorough inspection before you travel and if you are concerned about your towbar, get in touch with Advanced Towbars. Our experienced fitters will install your towbar and have you driving safely to your destination. Book you car in today by calling 1300 238 869.

People who can perfectly reverse a trailer might seem like a genius or a magician, but they are nothing of the sort.

In fact, with a little time and practice, anyone can master the art of reversing a trailer. If you want to hone your reversing skills, read on for our tips. Just remember, this is only a guide – it also takes practice and an understanding of your surroundings to pull off the perfect reverse.

Start with an Assistant

There’s no shame is asking your passenger to get out of the car and stand on your blind side. In fact, it’s often critical to success. Communication is the key here, so make sure you use clear directions and hand signals and discuss them before you start.

Get it Right from the Beginning

It is much easier to reverse a trailer when the driver’s side of the vehicle is facing the right. When you’re in this position, the arc of the trailer as it reverses should be visible on your side. As you begin to reverse, you should be able to see the length of the trailer in your mirror.

Don’t forget to wind down your windows and adjust your side mirrors to show both sides of the trailer before you start. You want to ensure both mirrors are free from obstruction.

Do the Opposite

When reversing a trailer, you need to think of the opposite action. If you want the trailer to go left, turn the steering wheel right and vice versa. Just be careful not to turn too much as the trailer can jack knife. This is where communication with your partner is important.

Use the Mirror

The rear-view and left side mirror are not needed at this point. The right-hand mirror should be sufficient or you can simply look over your shoulder. If you have trouble seeing the trailer, ask your partner to instruct you.

Reversing a Tailer in 3 Simple Steps

1. Go Back

Shift into reverse and start to turn the steering wheel left. As you steer left, the wheels of the vehicle will go left, while the rear of the trailer will go right. This will ensure the vehicle and trailer start to go around in an arc.

2. Follow the Curve

You want to follow the arc to the point where the relationship between vehicle and trailer is constant. Imagine reversing around in a circle.

3. Straighten Yourself Up

Now comes the time to ease up. Straighten up the wheels of both the vehicle and trailer. Make any minor adjustments that are needed to ensure the car and trailer and lined up in a straight line.

Job Well Done

Congratulations on mastering the art of reversing a trailer. Now that it’s been completed, the rest of the day will seem like child’s play. The important thing to remember is that you need to steer opposite to where you want the trailer to go.

Of course, the best way to learn how to reverse a trailer is to practice. At Advanced Towbars, we are experts in all things trailers, towing, towbars and accessories. We understand the frustrations that may come with towing and we have the products and services to make it all easier. Come to us for a brand new towbar, a great range of accessories and for towbar fittings. For a free onsite fitting of any of our custom towbars or accessories, contact us online or call 1300 238 869.

There is no better feeling than packing a suitcase and heading off on a holiday. Australians have a love affair with holiday travel and caravans are the accommodation of choice. However, there are laws that you need to adhere to when towing a caravan. In Victoria, these laws are stringent and must be abided by.

Victorian Towing Laws

Regardless of whether you are an experienced caravanner or you’re new to the scene, all drivers must follow the rules. If not, you face hefty fines, a loss of demerit points and an increased chance of a traffic accident.

To ensure you’re always in the right, here are the rules you must follow:

Roadworthy

Just like any vehicle, caravans must be roadworthy and registered. To register a light trailer or caravan, you must be at least 17 years old. For heavy trailers and caravans, you must be 18 or older. Prior to your holiday, have a mechanic inspect your caravan. To ensure it is compliant with Victorian road laws, the caravan must meet the following criteria:

• Brakes and external lights are working
• Safety chains and couplings are in good condition
• All tyres are the same and have a tread depth of 1.6 mm or more
• Wheel, tyres, bearings and suspension are in good condition on both caravan and trailer

If the trailer is less than 200kgs (tare mass) and smaller than 3 meters, it is exempt from some of these rules. Just ensure the suspension and tyres are in good working condition.

Number Plate Visibility

When towing a caravan, it must never hide the number plate. Even when the caravan has been detached, the towbar must not obstruct the number plate.

Fully Licensed

You can register a caravan on your learners, but under no circumstance can a learner drive with a caravan attached. Red p-platers are only allowed to drive with a caravan under certain circumstances. When driving with a caravan, the same general road laws apply.

No Travellers Are Permitted in the Caravan

When travelling with a caravan, no one is permitted to be inside it. Not only are you putting your life and the lives of others at risk, but you are increasing the weight of the trailer and caravan. This will make it more difficult to drive and handle your car.

Weight Limits

Before setting off, you must know the weight of your caravan. The manufacturer will provide this information when you purchase it. Make sure the weight of your caravan never exceeds:

• The weight rating of the tow bar
• Towing limits that are recommended by your car’s manufacturer

If you are travelling interstate, it is best to check with the local authorities about the towing capacity. Each state has their own laws on caravans, so just be vigilant when travelling.

Driving with a caravan requires a strong and reliable towbar. At Advanced Towbars, our products are compliant with Australian safety standards. If you are interested in our range, feel free to contact us on 1300 238 869. Our experts will assist with all of your enquiries and we’re experts at fitting your towbar, too!

Whether you tow all the time or it’s a weekend activity, there are plenty of ways to enhance your ride. There is a wide range of towbar accessories on the market that can improve your towing skills and make your road trip easier overall.

If you want to enjoy a smoother travel while towing, invest in any of these accessories.

Sway Controls

Without a doubt, this is one of the best towbar investments you will ever make, especially if you tow frequently. You can’t control the weather, but with sway controls, you can ensure you get the job done properly in any weather.

A sway control is designed to restrict trailer sway by encumbering the movement between the tow hitch and trailer. This means the job can go on if the wind picks up or the weather is threatening.

Reverse Cameras and Sensors

Your rear and side vision can sometimes be obstructed as a result of the load you are towing. To get eyes where you need them, invest in reversing cameras or sensors.

Most new cars come fitted with cameras, but for those with older models, it is well worth the investment. At Advanced Towbars, we have two options to choose from.

• Front or rear sensor installation
• Front or rear camera installation with a monitor inside the cabin

Regardless of what you choose, the safety standards of our products meet Australian regulations. For maximum vision, it is recommended that you combine both sensors and cameras in one installation.

Winch

Driving a 4-wheel drive gives you that extra grunt a standard vehicle can’t provide. To ensure you’re not stranded in an emergency, we supply and fit a wide selection of winches that are tailored to your vehicle’s needs. The weight capacity of a winch is determined by the load you are bearing and your towing capacity. Speak to us about choosing the right winch for your vehicle.

Weight Distribution Hitch

Put simply, a weight distribution hitch is a system that evenly distributes the weight of your load while towing. A weight distribution hitch provides a significant increase in handling and vehicle control, restoring the control that would otherwise be lost with a heavy load. This is because the weight is evenly distributed throughout the vehicle’s chassis to all 4 wheels. Our team of installers will help you choose the right system for your vehicle.

Electric Brake Controllers

Australian road laws state that any trailer with a gross trailer mass (GTM) exceeding 750kgs must have brakes. Without these brakes, you could be facing hefty fines. By fitting your vehicle with electric brake control, you are enhancing the braking capabilities of both trailer and vehicle.

Advanced Towbars is Melbourne’s leading towbar fitting team. We professionally install your towbars and provide a range of accessories to match. For more information about our towing products or services, contact us today. Our experienced team will assist you with any question relating to your towing needs.

Are you always using your towbar to carry heavy loads? If so, you may want to invest in a weight distribution hitch. It may be the best investment you have ever made for your vehicle.

Read on to learn more about weight distribution hitches and what they can do for you.

What is a Weight Distribution Hitch?

Attaching a heavy load to your vehicle can really take its toll. It can cause unevenness and cause your car to sag, particularly at the rear. This will wear out your suspension and your tyres, increasing your risk on the road.

A weight distribution hitch is a system that helps to relieve the stress and ensure a level ride while driving. By evenly distributing the weight, you can enjoy a much smoother drive without added stress on your vehicle.

You may need a weight distribution if:

Your headlights are facing upwards
You experience trailer sway
You have difficulty steering
The weight of the trailer is more than 50% of your vehicle’s weight

The Benefits

Constantly carrying heavy loads with your towbar takes a toll on your vehicle. With a weight distribution system, your car will be more evenly balanced while driving. The benefits of this system include:

Improved Handling

With a weight distribution system, your vehicle is much more stable. With evenly distributed weight and less pressure on your car, your steering and handling can greatly improve. Steering usually bears the brunt of the damage when carrying heavy loads, but a weight distribution hitch can effectively reverse this!

Lessens the Impact While Driving

Driving can be a heavy impact activity, especially if you’re towing large loads. Weight distribution systems take the pressure off your vehicle while driving. They reduce the sag at the rear of your vehicle, preventing it from overloading and avoiding wear and tear to your suspension.

Reduce Trailer Sway

A swaying trailer is difficult to control and a danger to you and those around you on the road. Trailer sway occurs when the load is either:

Not secure or
Caught in high winds

Weight distribution systems ease the load on the axis of your vehicle, meaning there is less reliance your car. This helps to control the external factors that cause trailer sway, making you safer on the road.

Talk to Advanced Towbars

Talk to our team today for more information about enhancing your towbars. At Advanced Towbars, our name says it all – we are one of Melbourne’s premier towbar installers and we offer excellent products and services to match. For all your towbar needs, get in touch with Advanced Towbars today.

7 Tips For Safe Towing

When you have a towbar attached to your car, your potential for travel, adventure and carrying extra loads increases. A towbar can help take you anywhere, but if it’s not fitted and functioning properly, it can all go pear-shaped.

Before you hit the road, make sure your towbar is properly secured and follow these safety tips.

Safe Travelling with a Towbar

Before towing anything, you need to ensure that you meet all safety measures. The last thing you need is your load trailing off into the distance. We have listed the important steps in ensuring your towbar is adequately fit to tow.

Know Your Vehicle

Your vehicle is built to carry a limited capacity when towing. If you drive a small car, you wouldn’t have a 3-tonne trailer attached to it. Knowing your car’s capacity and limits are important when using a towbar. Research this before you begin.

Tow Bar Capacity

Not all tow bars are the same. Attaching a heavy load to a small tow bar can be a recipe for disaster. Too many accidents have been caused by people who don’t know their towing limits. Just like you know your car’s capacity, make sure you learn your towbar’s limits.

Attaching the Tow Bar

Before taking off, check to see if the trailer is securely attached to the towbar. The attachment should not be loose anywhere and it should only be able to be unattached using specialised equipment.

Tightening the Load

There have been many horror stories of people losing their loads due to slack restraints. If you’re carrying a load that needs securing, make sure you use industrial strength straps.

Driving

Driving with a trailer can present a number of challenges, one of which is vision impairment. For those towing a caravan, a second side mirror is needed to improve your side vision. Never go over the speed limit or drive in the right lane with a heavy load.

Install Safety Equipment

If you are not confident driving with an attachment on your towbar, use safety equipment. The two most common safety accessories that drivers use are:

Weight Distribution Systems
Sway Controllers

A weight distribution system will ensure the weight is evenly distributed throughout the vehicle while sway controllers ensure there is no swaying of the trailer while driving.

Use Common Sense

Prior to any travel, check your attachments and ensure they are secure. Obey all road laws and never, under any circumstances, speed with a load attached.

Also, take the time to understand your towing needs. Why are towing and where are you towing to? Towing a caravan is very different to towing a trailer full of building supplies and you will need to adjust your techniques and procedures accordingly.

Advanced Towbars are Melbourne’s leading towbar providers and installation team. With a dedicated team of fitters and a wide range of products, we’ll make sure you’re ready to hit the road. If you would like to learn more about our service, contact us today on 1300 238 869.