Tow bars

[Slime101]

I'm looking to fit a towbar to my Passat Estate (02, 2002, face lift model) - thing is looking areound there seem to be various differing types.

Flange mount
Swan neck
Bosal

I like the idea of detachable so its as if its not there when not in use, but are the swan neck types weaker than flange mount/other towbars??
Also can they all be used for bike carriers etc. or is that restricted to certain types?

Advice please...

 

[Slime101]

Bumper mount??? Only in america

All towbars for modern cars in the EU are EC marked and hence are certified for fitment and have proper chassis mounting frames and most are certified upto 2000Kg - way over the safe towing limit for most vehicles (except posibly my old landy - but it weighted several tons alone!)

I'll be towing a box trailer, single axle, fairly light - nothing out of the ordinary, used to tow it loads with my Leon and also with the landy, but dont have them anymore!

I could legally tow a caravan with the car...however i neither own a caravan or have any desire to tow one

My origional question was more relating to the types of towbar, rather than the regs. I can only fit approved EC marked towbars so legalities arent an issue.

 

[Slime101]

Well from further reading i can answer my own question in part anyway.

Swan neck is a kinda U shaped hitch where the mount is hidden beneath the bumper and only the tow ball protrudes from under.

Flange is a flat plate to which a standard 50mm tow ball bolts to - no fancy fittings meaning you could use drop plates etc if nessecary - it is however bigger and bulkier than the swan neck.

Bosal seems to be a manufacturer altho many places refer to it as though its another type.

The swan neck also comes in removable fitting so nothing shows at all, although this is way more expensive.

The only question unanswered is if either of these systems hold advantages or disadvantages over others?