Tow bar installation

Professional installation and programming of tow bars for modern cars

Installing a tow bar seems like a simple job, but appearances can be deceiving. With modern cars, it's very important that the right tow bar is installed and the installation must meet strict requirements. Especially now that most cars are equipped with safety systems and complex electronics. Connecting to the rear light, as in the past, is no longer possible. With an error in the installation, all kinds of malfunctions can occur in your car's computer. Work for the specialist! At Autobest, you're at the right place for professional installation and programming of tow bars.

Is a tow bar allowed on your car?

A tow bar may not be installed under every car. With some cars, it's technically not possible or even prohibited. Think for example of:

• Some electric and hybrid cars – the extra weight and load can adversely affect range and performance
• Eco-line versions – these are optimized for low consumption and low emissions, and a tow bar can disrupt this
• Sports cars and specific models – sometimes there's simply no space or the bodywork isn't suitable

It's therefore important to first check whether your car is suitable for a tow bar. This is stated in your car's instruction manual or registration certificate (part I), under 'maximum mass towed vehicle'.

At Autobest, we check for you whether your car is suitable and advise you on the possibilities.

Which tow bar do you need?

If your car is suitable for a tow bar, the next question is: which tow bar best suits your situation? A tow bar must be able to do everything: pull a caravan or trailer, but also carry a heavy bike carrier, for example.

Different loads

Pulling a caravan creates a horizontal load on the tow bar. A bike carrier, on the other hand, creates a vertical load. These are two completely different types of loads, and not every tow bar can handle both well.

That's why there are different types of tow bars:

Fixed tow bar

The classic, non-removable tow bar that's always visible. Advantages:

• Cheapest option
• Strong and reliable
• Simple to use

Disadvantage: always remains visible, even when you're not using it.

Detachable tow bar

You can remove this tow bar when you don't need it. Advantages:

• Maintains sleek appearance of the car
• No chance of damaged shins when unloading
• Better access to the boot

Disadvantage: more expensive than a fixed tow bar.

Retractable tow bar

The tow bar folds away under the rear bumper. Advantages:

• Virtually invisible when not in use
• Electrically operated (with some models)
• No loose part that you can lose

Disadvantage: most expensive option.

Vertical load

Also pay attention to the maximum vertical load (D-value). This is the weight you may place on the ball, for example with a bike carrier. This usually varies between 50 and 100 kg. Want to use a heavy e-bike carrier? Check whether your tow bar can handle this.

Our professionals are happy to help you choose the right tow bar for your car and use.

Professional installation: more than you think

Installing a tow bar used to take about as long as drinking a cup of coffee. Two bolts through it, cable to the rear light and done. But that's different today.

Modern cars are packed with electronics and safety systems. If a tow bar is connected incorrectly, all kinds of annoying malfunctions can occur:

• Warning lights that stay on
• Parking sensors that constantly go off
• ESP and stability control that don't work correctly
• Error codes in the on-board computer
• Rear lights that don't function

That's why professional installation is essential.

What do our mechanics do during installation?

1. Check whether the car is suitable – we check the specifications and possibilities
2. Order the right tow bar – specifically for your car brand and model
3. Mechanical installation – the tow bar is firmly attached to the chassis according to factory specifications
4. Electrical connection – not just to the rear light, but via special modules that communicate with the on-board computer
5. Software installation – the tow bar must be 'programmed' into the car
6. Testing and adjustment – we check whether all systems work correctly

Tow bar programming: essential for modern cars

Once the tow bar is installed, it must be 'programmed'. Professional diagnostic equipment is needed for this, so our mechanics can 'activate' the tow bar in your car's on-board computer.

Why is this important?

Modern cars have all kinds of systems that must 'know' a tow bar is installed:

Parking sensors
The parking sensors on the back of your car must know there's a tow bar, otherwise they constantly beep because they detect the tow bar as an obstacle. After programming, the 'dead zone' of the tow bar is programmed.

Trailer Stability Program (TSP)
This system helps prevent swaying of a trailer or caravan. It must be activated, otherwise it won't work when you actually pull a trailer.

Rear fog light
When you pull a trailer or caravan, the rear fog light of the towing car must be switched off. The trailer has its own rear fog light. The car must recognize this automatically.

Reversing camera and 360-degree cameras
These systems must be adjusted so they take into account the tow bar and any trailer.

Adaptive cruise control and emergency braking systems
These systems must react differently when you pull a trailer (longer braking distance, more weight).

Programming prevents error codes, warning lights and malfunctions. It ensures all systems work correctly with the tow bar.

Why choose installation at Autobest?

• Professional mechanics – experience with all brands and models
• Professional diagnostic equipment – to program the tow bar correctly
• Right parts – we supply tow bars that fit perfectly
• Warranty – on both the tow bar and the installation
• Official inspection – if necessary, we arrange the RDW inspection
• Personal advice – we help you choose what best suits you

RDW inspection and registration

After installation of a tow bar, it often must be inspected and registered with the RDW. This depends on the type of tow bar and the date your car was first registered.

When is an RDW inspection needed?

• For cars first registered before January 1, 1998
• If the tow bar is not type-approved for your specific car
• With certain imported cars

For most modern cars, a separate inspection is no longer needed, provided the tow bar is type-approved. However, the tow bar must be registered, so it appears on your registration certificate.

We arrange this for you, including any RDW inspection. This way you know for sure everything is legally in order.

Costs of tow bar installation

The costs of a tow bar including installation depend on various factors:

• Type of tow bar (fixed, detachable, retractable)
• Car brand and model
• Complexity of installation
• Any RDW inspection

Roughly you can expect:

• Fixed tow bar: from €400-600 including installation
• Detachable tow bar: from €600-900 including installation
• Retractable tow bar: from €900-1500 including installation

Want to know exactly what it costs for your car? Contact us for a no-obligation quote.

Have tow bar installed?

Want to have a tow bar installed? Contact us at 0499 - 390 475 or stop by our showroom. We're happy to advise you on the possibilities, give a clear quote and schedule the installation.

At Autobest, your tow bar is professionally installed and correctly programmed – so you can go on the road carefree with your caravan, trailer or bike carrier.