Ultimate Guide to Motorhome Towbars
Fitting an aftermarket towbar to your motorhome is one of the most practical upgrades you can make. It opens up a range of options—whether you want to carry bikes, mount a storage rack, or tow a trailer or small car.
So, what do you need to know before having a motorhome towbar fitted?
What is Type Approval?
All motorhomes registered after April 2012 must have a type-approved towbar fitted.
Type approval means the towbar has been specifically designed and tested for your exact vehicle make and model. This ensures safety, compatibility, and legal compliance.
Fitting or using a non-type-approved towbar on a post-2012 motorhome is illegal in both the UK and EU. In the UK, this can result in fines of up to £2,500 and 6 penalty points.
Will My Motorhome Need Chassis Extensions?
Most motorhomes are built on a base vehicle chassis that has been extended to accommodate the living area.
- Campervans and smaller motorhomes usually use the original chassis and typically don’t need extensions.
- Larger coach-built motorhomes often have extended rear sections supported by lightweight materials like aluminium.
These rear sections are not always strong enough to support towing loads. In such cases, chassis extension supports are required to safely install a towbar.
What Is My Motorhome’s Towing Capacity?
Before towing anything, you must check your motorhome’s maximum towing weight.
You can find this on:
- The vehicle’s VIN/chassis plate
- The owner’s handbook
Exceeding the towing limit is illegal and can cause serious damage to your vehicle.
What Are the Main Types of Motorhome Towbars?
There are three main types:
Fixed Flange Towbar
A popular choice for motorhomes. Offers maximum versatility and allows different accessories to be fitted (bike racks, tow balls, etc.).
Fixed Swan Neck Towbar
A more streamlined design, commonly seen on cars. Suitable for towing but less flexible for accessories.
Detachable Swan Neck Towbar
Can be removed when not in use, keeping the vehicle looking clean. However, options for motorhomes are limited.
What Motorhome Towbar Brands Are Available?
Common manufacturers include:
- Memo
- Tow-Trust
- Westfalia
Tow-Trust is widely regarded as a premium manufacturer and Original Equipment supplier, making it a popular choice for motorhome installations.
Do Motorhomes Need Special Towbar Electrics?
Yes—and choosing the right electrics is important.
13-Pin Electrics (Recommended)
Provides full functionality:
- Brake lights
- Indicators
- Side lights
- Fog lights
- Reverse lights
- Permanent and switched 12V power
7-Pin Electrics
More basic:
- No reverse light
- No 12V power supply
You can easily adapt a 13-pin system to 7-pin using an adapter, which is why 13-pin is the preferred option.
Dedicated vs Universal Wiring
Dedicated Wiring (Recommended)
- Designed specifically for your vehicle
- Integrates with manufacturer systems
- More reliable and safer
Universal Wiring
- Uses splice connectors (Scotch locks)
- Outdated and less reliable
- Not recommended for motorhomes
What Modifications Could Affect Towbar Fitting?
Some motorhomes have rear-mounted components that can complicate installation, such as:
- Water tanks
- Gas pipes
- Aftermarket electrics
Always inform your towbar installer of any modifications beforehand to avoid delays or complications.
What Are You Planning to Tow?
Cycle Carriers & eBikes
Pay close attention to nose weight (the downward force on the towball).
To calculate:
- Weight of bikes
- Plus weight of carrier
Ensure the total does not exceed the towbar’s nose weight limit.
Towing a Car
There are two main options:
- A-Frame system – Popular and convenient
- Car trailer – Fully separates the towed vehicle from the road
Whichever method you choose, ensure the combined weight stays within legal limits.
How Much Does a Motorhome Towbar Cost?
Costs can vary significantly depending on:
- Vehicle make and model
- Whether chassis extensions are required
- Complexity of electrics
- Installation time
Typical considerations:
- Towbars can weigh over 30kg, requiring two technicians
- Standard van-based motorhomes are cheaper to fit
- Large coach-built motorhomes may take a full day and cost considerably more
Benefits of Fitting a Motorhome Towbar
- Protects the rear of your motorhome
- Adds resale value
- Increases practicality and flexibility
- Highly desirable feature for buyers
Who Should Fit Your Motorhome Towbar?
Motorhome towbar installation requires specialist knowledge.
This is not the same as fitting a towbar to a car—incorrect installation can damage the vehicle or cause electrical issues.
Choose an experienced, professional installer who understands motorhome construction and regulations.
Recommended Motorhome Towbar Fitters
Ultimate Motorhome Towbars are part of Ultimate Towbar Systems Ltd, a well-established specialist in aftermarket towbars.
They offer:
- Expert installation
- Mobile fitting service
- Coverage within ~100 miles of Sheffield
Get a Quote
👉 https://ultimatemotorhomes.co.uk/motorhome-towbar-fitting/
📞 0114 360 7080
