A tow bar (hitch) opens up possibilities on a motorhome: towing a small car to get around towns, a trailer for extra luggage or gear, or a bike or motorbike rack fitted to the ball. But it also has weight, driving and legal implications you need to understand well. Here we explain the uses and the limits you must respect.
What it's for
- Towing a small car: very useful for having a nimble vehicle to get around towns while leaving the camper at the campsite (see the camper in the city).
- A trailer: to carry extra luggage, sports gear, a motorbike or a quad.
- Bike or motorbike racks fitted to the ball: a convenient way to carry bikes (see bike racks) or a motorbike (see motorbike racks and trailers).
The critical factor: weight
This is what you most need to watch. Every vehicle and hitch has weight limits that must not be exceeded:
- Maximum towable mass: the most you can tow, according to the vehicle's technical specifications.
- Vertical load on the ball: the downward weight the ball can bear (important for bike and motorbike racks).
- The combination as a whole: adding a loaded trailer affects total weight and handling; remember not to exceed your GVW or the combination's (see weight and GVW).
Exceeding these limits is illegal, dangerous and subject to fines. Always respect them.
Driving and licence
- Towing changes how you drive: more length, worse manoeuvring, tricky reversing, longer braking distances; take it more slowly.
- Your licence: depending on the weight of the trailer and the combination, you may need a specific category (B+E or others). Check this (see what licence do I need). [Note: licence requirements depend on the weight of the combination.]
Type approval and installation
Fitting a tow bar is a conversion that needs type approval (see approving conversions). Have it fitted by a professional with a hitch approved for your vehicle, and update your paperwork.
In summary
A tow bar lets you tow a small car, a trailer or a bike/motorbike rack, but it requires respecting weight limits, adapting your driving and getting the installation type-approved. The step to take today: if you're interested, first check your vehicle's maximum towable mass and ball load limits, and whether your licence covers it, then have an approved hitch fitted by a professional; never exceed the weight limits.