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If you’re towing a heavy load, you will have to set up your trailer with the utmost care. Manufacturers provide guidelines for you to follow but the onus is on you to understand the data and take the necessary safety precautions.

If you can’t figure out the difference between the GVM and the ATM, ask a professional to help you out. If you prefer setting up the trailer yourself, take a look our safety guidelines.

Speed Limits

If you’re towing heavy loads, you need to stick to your speed limits to prevent accidents. If the combined weight of the trailer and tow vehicle exceeds 4,500 kilos, you can’t travel at speeds higher than 100 km/h. This applies to drivers in both NSW and Western Australia. There is no set speed limit for towing vehicles in other states. Drivers must exercise caution and travel at speeds that suit the prevailing road conditions.

Centre of Gravity

You have to position the centre of gravity of the trailer so it’s dynamically stable on the road. Why is this important? If the trailer sways because of wind or bumps in the road, it will return to its original position behind the tow vehicle. Instead of increasing the tow ball mass to improve trailer stability, you could shift the centre of gravity ahead of the axles. If you shift the centre of gravity to the front of the trailer, you will exert downward pressure and cause braking efficiency to drop.

If there’s a high load on the rear of the tow vehicle, you won’t be able to steer the trailer around corners. This is why it’s important to shift the centre of gravity to the area just ahead of the axels.

Tow Ball Mass and Rear Axle

Every vehicle has certain front and rear axle load limits. If you exceed the load limit, you will render the tow vehicle unstable. The tow ball mass exerts pressure and increases the rear axle load. Vehicles with short overhang have less rear axle load. The rear overhang of the vehicle should not be more than 60 percent of the wheelbase. Bear this in mind when you’re towing heavy loads.

If the rear projection exceeds 1.2 meters, you will have to use a bright coloured warning flag.

Weight Distribution

Along with the total weight of the trailer, you’ll have to also focus on weight distribution. Make an effort to place the weight over the axles of the trailer so it’s easier to manoeuvre the vehicle. If the weight remains concentrated at the front and back end of the trailer, the trailer may sway. Uneven distribution of weight will reduce traction at the rear end of the car. It’s best to centralise the weight for a safe and easy tow.

Tow Hitch Installation in Melbourne

If you need help with towbar installations in Melbourne, get in touch with the team of experts at Advanced Towbars. We can help you install car towbars and accessories at affordable prices.

Our experienced towbar installers carry out the job with utmost care and precision. We stand by our premium products and high-quality services.

If you can’t find the right towbar assembly for your vehicle, we can customise orders for you! Since we work with a network of reliable towbar suppliers, we can offer you high-quality products at competitive rates.

Give us a call on 1300 238 869 if you want to install truck tow bars, nudge bars or any other accessories. We’ll help you choose the right product for your needs.

Things to know before you tow

If you’re towing a caravan, a boat or a horse float, your vehicle will behave differently. You will have to adjust your manoeuvres to accommodate the length of the trailer or caravan. There’s a lot more you have to take into consideration for a safe tow trip. Take a look at our guidelines before you set out on your journey of exploration.

Things to Know Before Towing

Weight Distribution

Weight distribution systems steady your vehicle and trailer on the road. They offer you better steering control, improved braking efficiency, and more traction. They also prevent your trailer from swaying on the roads when you’re driving at high speeds. A weight distribution hitch restores the weight to the front axle. Once the load is evenly distributed, it takes less time to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. This makes a big difference when you’re travelling at a speed of 110 km/hour.

Load Capacity

The aggregate trailer mass should be less than or equal to the towing capacity of your vehicle. Refer to the vehicle manufacturer’s documents to determine the vehicle’s towing capacity and the aggregate trailer mass. The size and length of the trailer influences its towing capacity. Small single axle trailers, for instance, can handle loads of 110-120 kilos. RV trailers carry heavier loads like motorcycles, and ATVs. Always respect the manufacturer’s recommendations so you remain within the law.

Towbar Regulations

Install towbars that come marked with their rating capacity. The manufacturer’s name should also be clearly visible. There are two types of towbars available. They’re designed for lightweight and heavy-duty jobs. The towing capacity of the towbar should be higher than the laden weight of the trailer. If you’re towing trailers up to 3.5 tonnes, you will have to use a 50mm tow ball that has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kg. Before hitting the road, always make sure the trailer is correctly loaded with the right nose load on the tow bar.

Trailer Brakes

To comply with national road regulations, you must fit a braking system if the aggregate trailer mass exceeds 750kg. The better the performance of the braking system, the less stressed out you’ll be on the road. If you’re using a boat trailer with an aggregate trailer mass higher than 2000 kilos, you’ll need independent electric brakes. Inspect your brakes regularly and replace worn out magnets when required.

Single or Tandem Axle Trailers

Tandem axle trailers are safer but they’re not as fuel efficient as single axle trailers. Both single and tandem axle trailers have their own pros and cons. If you’re going to use your trailer infrequently, you could opt for a single axle trailer. If you’re travelling long distances and you plan to do it quite often, you’ll be better off with a tandem axle trailer.

Trailer Repair and Service

You must service your trailer and towbars every year. If you want to adjust the height of the towbar or install a weight distribution hitch, get in touch with Advanced Towbars. We have a wide range of products including car towbars, nudge bars and reversing cameras.

Our towbar installers have the expertise to look after your installation needs. We know our vehicles inside out. We also work with a network of towbar suppliers who stock some of the best brands in the industry.

Call us on 1300 238 869 to find out more about our car and truck tow bars. We’ll be happy to answer all your queries.

Towbar Height - How High Is Correct?

The height of the towbar directly affects the vehicle’s towing capacity. According to the Australian Design Rules, the tow ball height should be anywhere between 350 mm and 460 mm from the ground. You’ll have to measure the distance from the ground to the centre of the tow ball. You must keep this distance in mind when you’re trying to get your caravan to sit level on the ground.

The Right Tow Ball Height

Refer to the vehicle manufacturer’s documents to find the recommended tow ball height range for your vehicle. Park your vehicle on level ground and adjust your towing gear. The distance from the ground to the bottom front and bottom rear edge of the caravan should remain the same. There are various factors that change the height of the tow ball. These include the height of the vehicle and the size of the tyres.

Height of the Caravan Coupling Head

If you’ve loaded the caravan to its maximum permitted mass, the height of the coupling head should be between 385mm and 455mm. If you look at these specifications, you’ll realise that the tow level will always be slightly ‘nose-down’, not perfectly levelled. If the tow ball is at 350mm on a fully laden vehicle and the trailer coupling is at 510 mm on an empty trailer, the difference in height is extreme. So even though you’re within the permissible range, the difference is still high.

What to Do if the Tow Ball is High

If you have an adjustable tow ball assembly, simply lower the tow ball on the bracket so it stays well within legal limits. If not, use a dropper plate to lower the tow ball to the desired height. Certain towbars are approved for use with drop plates. If you’re not sure how to address this problem, speak to both the vehicle manufacturer and the towing bracket manufacturer to see which option is best for you.

What to Do if the Tow Ball is Low

Low tow ball problems are generally seen in lowered sports suspension vehicles. Ask a towbar specialist to fit it higher if possible. If not, fix the rear suspension of the vehicle. You will have to professionally install stiffer springs or spring assisters to raise the read end of the vehicle.

Sometimes it’s not the tow ball height that’s incorrect. It’s the trailer coupling height that’s wrong. Measure and modify the coupling height to solve the problem.

Adjusting the towbar height is no easy task. It’s best to get professional help to make sure you’re in compliance with all the rules and regulations.

Towbar Installers in Melbourne

Want to adjust the height of your towbar? Give the experts at Advanced Towbars a call. We have been in business for more than 4 decades and we have the expertise to install your towbar.

We also have a wide range of towing accessories, nudge bars and towbars for sale. We offer professional towbar fittings at affordable rates!

Call us on 1300 238 869 for an obligation-free quote. Also, visit us online to see our products and the brands we work with.

Is It Wise To Fit A Second Hand Towbar?

Towbars are very durable but they do get damaged when they’re put to good use or exposed to dust, dirt, and saltwater. If you’re looking for a second-hand towbar, you need to find out if it’s in good working condition before buying it.

Should You Fit a Second Hand Towbar?

If you’re buying a second-hand towbar online, you may not be able to look for weak spots or signs of damage. If you have the opportunity to inspect it in person, you’ll be able to identify cracks and rust. It’s not always the best idea to fit a second-hand towbar but if it’s offered for a good price and has only minor problems that need attention, buy it. You can ask a towbar specialist to fix minor problems before installing it.

What to Watch Out for

Rust

Rust is one the most important things to watch out for. Rust damages the metal and destroys its integrity. Towbars are specifically designed to tow loads. If the towbar can’t bear the weight of the load, it could crack and cause road accidents.

The Right Match

Towbars are also tailor-made to suit vehicle makes and models. If you buy a used towbar that doesn’t match your vehicle’s make and model, it may not fit correctly.

If the used towbar doesn’t come with original fitting instructions, you will find it difficult to securely attach it to your vehicle.

Towbar Parts

Even if you buy a second-hand towbar for a small price, you may have to change all washers, nuts, and bolts if they look worn out. This will add to the cost of purchasing the towbar.

You have to also wire the towbar to power the trailer lights. If you buy a second-hand towbar that isn’t compatible with the electrical systems on your vehicle, you won’t be able to install it.

Warranties and Damage

Second-hand towbars don’t come with any manufacturer’s warranty. If you have problems with the towbar after installing it, you’ll have to spend more money to fix the issues.

Watch out for cracks and dents on the second-hand towbar. The towbar should be straight and strong enough to tow the trailer in the right direction.

Instead of buying a second-hand towbar that has no guarantee; look for new towbars that are specifically designed for your vehicle. You could also ask for a custom towbar if you’ve modified your vehicle and can’t find a standard towbar that fits correctly.

Towbar Installation in Melbourne

If you’re looking for a high-quality car or truck towbars, get in touch with Advanced Towbars. We work with a network of towbar suppliers so we can offer you low prices.

Whether you’re looking for light, medium or heavy duty towbars, we’ll help you find the right product. Our towbar installers are well trained and highly experienced. They will help you choose and fit the right towbar and towbar hitch.

Who Should Fit My Towbar?

There’s nothing like hitting the open road with your own boat or caravan in tow. With summer just around the bend, now is the ideal time to explore Australia’s hidden treasures.

You’re probably wondering whether you ought to fit your towbar on your own or ask a specialist to do the same. Before you grab your spanners, take a look at few things you should consider when it comes to towbar installation.

Electrical Components

You could look up a towbar tutorial online to try to install the towbar on your own. This, however, is easier said than done. Cars come with different specifications. It’s going to be hard to find a tutorial that teaches you how to fix a towbar for your particular make and model. This matters because vehicles come with digital electronics and safety systems. If you don’t know how to integrate the towbar wiring with your vehicle’s electrical components, you’ll end up wasting your time.

Interior Removal

Apart from the wiring, you have to also remove the vehicle’s bumper and rear lights along with the interior trim. If you’re not careful enough, you could damage vehicle parts. This can cost you a hefty sum of money to fix.

Void Manufacturer’s Warranty

If you install the towbar incorrectly, you run the risk of voiding the manufacturer’s warranty and the insurance. Towbars are specifically designed to tow certain loads. If they’re not fitted properly, they could cause fatal road accidents. Apart from damaging the vehicle, you could end up taking someone’s life. If you’re in doubt, ask the professionals to help you out.

Tools and Equipment

To attach towbars to a vehicle chassis, you need to have access to the area under the car. You most likely won’t have a car hoist lying in your garage. Instead of spending money on buying a hoist and the extra tools, pay a specialist to do the job. You’ll have the peace of mind knowing your towbar has been professionally installed. The specialist will also determine whether you’re using the right type of towbar for your vehicle/trailer.

Custom Towbars

If you’ve modified your vehicle, you may need a custom towbar to tow trailers. Custom towbars may have a different design. To make sure the towbar is securely attached to the vehicle, get it professionally installed.

Lastly, towbar specialists will install the right weight distribution hitch for your vehicle. Without the right hitch, the vehicle will remain imbalanced. You’ll have poor steering control and reduced braking efficiency. This will exert extra pressure on the tyres and the vehicle’s braking system.

Towbar Installation in Melbourne

Don’t risk your life. Ask the experts at Advanced Towbars to install your towbar. Whether you need trailer maintenance or towbar fitting in Melbourne, get in touch with our experienced specialists.

Our tow bar installers are ready to travel to your location to fit towbars. We’re also experts in installing LED Lights, reverse camera installations, car alarms, and electric brake controller installation.

We have the latest technology and we work with the best brands in the industry. We carry a wide range of roof racks, towbars, towing accessories, and nudge bars in Melbourne.

Visit us online to view our products or call us on 1300 238 869 to enquire about standard/custom tow bars in Melbourne.

How Much Can I Tow?

Towing capacities vary from one vehicle to another. It’s important to keep the manufacturer’s recommended towing capacity in mind so you don’t cause any road accidents. If you tow loads that exceed the maximum towing capacity, you will also void the manufacturer’s warranty.

It’s always best to buy a vehicle that has a towing capacity that’s higher than the weight of the load you intend to tow. There are different factors you need to consider when you’re calculating a vehicle’s towing capacity. Let us take a look at them.

Calculating Vehicle Towing Capacity

Manufacturer’s Recommendation

Refer to your owner’s manual to find out if your vehicle is not ideal for towing certain types of trailers. If you look at the sticker next to the driver’s door, you’ll find the Gross Vehicle Weight, the Gross Combination Weight, and the Gross Axle Weight. You’ll find similar information for the trailer on its VIN plate. Add the weight of the fully loaded vehicle to the weight of the laden trailer to reach the Gross Combination Weight. Don’t exceed the maximum limit.

Towbar Load Limit

The weight of the load also depends on the towbar load limit. Standard towbars are ideal for towing small 6 x 4 trailers. They have a limit of 1250kg. Heavy duty towbars are ideal for towing heavier loads like boats, caravans, and horse floats. They’re generally equipped with a 50mm x 50mm hitch box. Towbars come with a plate that specifies the maximum towing capacity. If you’re using an older towbar and don’t know what the specifications are, talk to a towbar specialist.

Brakes

Trailers that have a Gross Trailer Mass of more than 750kgs must have brakes. If you fail to follow legal requirements, you will damage your vehicle and nullify insurance. There has to be a braking system on at least one axle for trailers with a GTM of 751-2000kgs. Trailers with a GTM higher than 2000 must have a braking system on all axles.

Car Type

Towing capacity also depends on the type of tow vehicle you’re using. 2WD vehicles have a higher towing capacity than 4WDs of the same class. If you’re buying a tow vehicle, consider how often you’re going to use it to tow trailers. Diesel may be a better option if you’re visiting remote places in Australia. Look for larger capacity diesel engines because they offer better power and torque characteristics. Although front wheel drive 6 cylinder vehicles are popular these days, large 4WDs offer better towing capacity for towing horse floats in particular.

After taking all these factors into consideration, you must also choose a right sized hitch. A general rule of thumb is to buy a trailer hitch that has a higher towing capacity than your actual requirements. If your towing needs change in the future, you won’t have to buy a new hitch.

Tow Hitch Installation in Melbourne

If you’d like to professionally install a tow hitch in Melbourne, get in touch with Advanced Towbars. We have the tools and experience to complete your installation without any hassle.

We carry a wide range of towing accessories and car towbars for sale. Since we network with suppliers all over the nation, we can offer you the lowest prices.

We also install LED lights, reversing cameras and nudge bars in Melbourne. Call us on 1300 238 869 if you’d like to book a towbar fitting. Also, visit us online to view our products and services.

7 Tips For Trailer Safety

If you’re planning to explore farmland, beautiful lakes, and national parks this summer, make sure your trailer is in mint condition before you head out. If you’re towing a trailer for the first time, read the state towing rules and regulations to know how to become a safe driver.

Tips for Trailer Safety

  1. Looking after Your Trailer

One of the most important things you could do is to keep the trailer sparkling clean. Wash it with non-abrasive soap, especially the undercarriage area. If dirt collects in the area between moving parts, there will be a lot of wear and tear. To keep things moving smoothly, you must lubricate moving parts with grease. This will keep friction to a bare minimum. Don’t forget to lubricate towing winches, ball hitches, and trailer jacks.

  1. Tyres

Inspect your tyres before you do a long haul journey. Heavy loads wear out trailer tyres quickly. Check the tyre pressure and inflate the tyres if required.

  1. Lights

It’s a bad idea to drive without proper working trailer lights. Inspect the wires on the trailer and the coach vehicle. Look for worn out spots or inadequate insulation. If you can’t change the entire wiring, fix cracks or worn out spots with electrical tape.

  1. Bearings

Trailer bearings work very hard to give you a smooth ride. They protect your trailer from unnecessary wear and they prevent friction between the wheel and the wheel assembly.  Before heading out on a long journey, dismantle the wheel assembly to grease the bearings.

  1. Brakes

Inspect and clean the brakes at least once a year. Use a jack to raise the trailer. Then remove the outer wheel bearing and the drum in order to inspect the brake. Check the magnet arm for damage and replace magnets if they’re worn out. If the drum or the armature looks worn out, replace the entire assembly.

  1. Trailer Towbars

Check the towbar pins and bolts for anything unusual. The pins get rusted and worn out with repeated use. The bolts may become loose or shift over a period of time. You may also see the towbar paint peeling off. To protect your towbar from damage, keep it free from dust and dirt. Also, avoid pulling loads that are heavier than the towbar’s maximum load bearing capacity.

  1. Springs

Inspect the trailer springs for cracks. If the spring looks flat and worn out, it will most likely break in the future. Look for signs of rusting. Apply softened toilet ring wax to the springs, to prevent them from getting rusted even further.

Professional Trailer Servicing

If you don’t have the time to service your trailer, contact the professionals at Advanced Towbars. Whether you need tow hitch installation in Melbourne or preventive maintenance for your trailer, we can help.

We know vehicles inside out and we can identify and repair worn out trailer parts. If you’d like to replace your old towbar with a new one, look up our towbars for sale.

We supply and install car accessories including LED lights, bike racks and reversing cameras. We also fit nudge bars and custom tow bars – our professional towbar installers will come to your home/office to do the job.

Call us on 1300 238 869 for an obligation-free quote for towbar fittings. Also, view our range of towbars and car accessories online.

Two Bar Types - Benefits And Things To Consider

If you’re shopping for a towbar, you’ll probably come across many options. To choose the right one for your vehicle, you’ll have to understand the pros and cons that come with different towbars. You’ll also have to keep the manufacturer’s recommendations in mind when making a choice.

Types of Towbars

There are either fixed or detachable towbars available. They come in two styles – the flange and the swan neck. The flange is the most widely used towbar. The assembly consists of a tow ball that’s secured to the flange plate with bolts. The flange plate is permanently attached to the vehicle. If you need to pull lighter loads (up to 1250 kg) a standard 50mm towbar with a bolt-on tongue should work. For heavy loads, use a hitch receiver.

Swan neck towbars are becoming popular because of their slimline design. They generally don’t obstruct parking sensors and they’re available as both fixed and detachable towbars. Swan neck towbars are always mounted below the vehicle. They have a narrow neck, hence the name.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Flange Towbars

Flange towbars are versatile. You can fit different tow balls and you can mount various accessories along with the tow ball. These accessories include cycle carriers, drop plates and rear steps. Both fixed and detachable towbars have the same towing capacity. The only difference between the two is that you can easily remove the detachable towbar when it’s not in use. This improves the appearance of your vehicle.

Both fixed and detachable flange towbars aren’t as aesthetically appealing as swan necks towbars. Your parking sensors will consider them an obstruction and give you false alerts when you’re reversing. Apart from this, the fixed flange towbar gets in the way of your legs when you’re accessing the boot.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Swan Necks

Swan neck towbars offer better aesthetic value than flange towbars. They don’t always get rid of the parking sensor problem, though. Some swan neck towbars aren’t as versatile as flange towbars. You can’t use tow bar mount cycle carriers along with swan neck towbars. Neither can you fit drop plates, couplings or rear steps. Their biggest advantage is their slimline design. If you use a detachable neck, your vehicle will look clean when you remove the neck.

The Price

When it comes to price, swan neck towbars are more expensive than flange towbars. It’s also expensive to replace a lost neck type towbar.

As a general guideline if you’re towing trailers up to 3.5 tonnes, look for a standard 50mm tow ball.

One of the newest towbars available is the electric swivelling towbar. This towbar goes into position at the touch of a button. You’ll also come across vertical and horizontal detachable towbars, pin system tow bars, and nut system tow bars.

Tow Hitch Installation in Melbourne

If you need help finding the right towbar for your vehicle, get in touch with Advanced Towbars. We carry a wide range of car and truck tow bars in Melbourne. From installing towbars to service and repairs, we do it all.

If you’re on the lookout for towbars for sale, don’t hesitate to contact us. We work with a network of towbar suppliers who give us high-quality products.

Call us on 1300 238 869 to get in touch with our professional tow bar installers. Also, visit us online to explore the different brands we carry.

Top 7 Risks When Towing

If you’ve bought a new boat or caravan, you’re probably longing to head outdoors. This is where towing comes into the picture. If you’ve never towed a trailer before, you need to practice your manoeuvrers and know the risks that come with towing. We’ll run you through the top 7 risks that you need to be aware of.

Towing Risks

  1. Toppling Over

It’s a good idea to practice your turns on quiet streets or an empty parking lot. You need to know how to control your vehicle at different speeds so you don’t topple over on sharp turns. If you think you can’t make tight turns, go slow so you don’t endanger anyone’s life.

  1. Overloading Your Trailer

Whether you’re towing a trailer full of work supplies or a caravan, you need to make sure your vehicle can handle the weight of the load. Always play it safe by referring to the manufacturer’s recommended load bearing ratings. It is very dangerous to exceed the maximum weight limit.

  1. Using the Wrong Equipment

The trailer hitch and the second-hand have to fit properly so the trailer remains stable on the road. The tow bar should never be at an angle to the ground. If it’s not parallel to the ground it can lead to jack-knifing.

  1. Limited Visibility

If you’re carrying a load that’s wider than your own vehicle, you may not be able to see vehicles coming in from the side or the rear. To avoid this problem, install extended mirrors for better visibility. Also, ask your passengers to look out for vehicles that seem to come out of nowhere.

  1. Incorrect Judgement

Because of the length of your trailer, you could easily cause accidents on the road if you’re not careful. When passing other vehicles, remember to signal early. Always return to your lane of traffic when there’s enough space between you and the vehicle you’ve passed. Never pass vehicles that are going uphill or downhill. Pass on level ground when you can clearly see the road in front of you.

  1. Improper Use of Brakes

If you’re going to rely solely on your vehicle’s brakes to come to a halt, they will undergo unnecessary wear and tear. Use the trailer’s braking system with your vehicle’s brakes to come to a smooth stop. Don’t slam the brakes but apply steady pressure. Also give yourself enough time and space to come to a complete stop.

  1. Inadequate Maintenance

Regular towbar and trailer maintenance go a long way in preventing road accidents. You have to check the tyre pressure to reduce instability and examine the towbar for signs of corrosion. Nuts and bolts should be tight enough and the parts of the towbar should be free from dust and dirt. Trailer owners must also inspect the electrical components of the towbar so there aren’t any surprises along the way.

Trailer Service in Melbourne

Thinking of towing your trailer cross-country? Ask the experts at Advanced Towbars to service your trailer before you hit the road. We have the necessary expertise and tools to repair faulty towbars and trailers. From fitting reversing cameras to installing truck tow bars, we offer a wide range of services.

We have been in the auto industry for more than 40 years. Our trained staff members offer you excellent workmanship at low prices.

We also have bike racks, towing accessories and towbars for sale in Melbourne. Whether you’re looking for standard or custom towbars, we are happy to help.

Call us on 1300 238 869 to learn more about tow hitch installation. Alternatively, visit us online to view our range of bike racks, LED lights, and truck tow bars.

Towbar Maintenance - What You Need To Know

If you use your towbar every weekend, you have to clean and lubricate it for trouble-free operation. A tow bar has many parts that perform different functions. The wiring that runs to the trailer ensures that the trailer you’re towing has the correct brake lights and turn signal lights. To make sure everything is in proper working order, follow the maintenance tips given below.

Towbar Maintenance Tips

– Take a good look at the towbar for signs of damage, corrosion, or cracks. If the metal looks like it’s coated with a heavy layer of rust, or has visible cracks don’t use it. Buy a new towbar instead.

– Find out if you’ve used the right fittings to secure the towbar assembly to your vehicle. It’s important to use supports and mountings of the right size so your vehicle doesn’t get damaged while towing another car or caravan.

– Make sure all the retaining devices like nuts and bolts are in place. Also, inspect the hitch pin and R-clip on the trailer for signs of corrosion or damage.

– If you have detachable tow balls, check for excessive play between the retriever socket and the detachable tow ball.

– Inspect the swivel pins on swivelling couplings. Also, examine the swivel joint. If the swivel joint seems loose, you need to fix it with the help of a bushing kit.

– Find out if there are any missing swivel pins.

– Attach the trailer to the tow bar and check for faults in the electrical wiring. Also, try to collapse and fold the tow bar to see if the parts are moving freely. If there is any sign of stiffness, clean and    lubricate the towbar. Test the towbar by moving it through its complete range of motion. If it doesn’t move in any particular direction, you have to repair it.

– Inspect the surface of the tow ball. Look for rust or the presence of grooves. Clean the tow ball with the help of a brake cleaner.

– Replace old bushing and locking nuts. This will tighten all the parts of the towbar. Nothing will come loose because of vibrations or bumps in the road.

– If you see paint peeling away from the tow bar, sand the area and apply a primer. Wait for a few hours before spray painting it.

– Lastly, check the chassis of the vehicle or the area where the towbar is generally mounted. If there’s any damage, get in touch with a professional towbar specialist.

Trailer Repair in Melbourne

For all your routine towbar inspection and maintenance needs, get in touch with Advanced Towbars. We have a team of experts who can attend to all types of car towbar problems. We also have a wide range of bike racks, bull bars, and towbars for sale in Melbourne. Whether you need to install 4WD accessories or tow trucks bars, we can do it for you. We know vehicles inside out and we can suggest the right type of towbars for your towing needs. Since we network with numerous tow bar suppliers, we can offer you competitive prices.

Give us a call on 1330 238 869 for tow hitch installations in Melbourne. You could also leave us a message online.