Ensure your towing experience is as safe, smooth, and stress-free as possible with TJM Bendigo—your trusted local expert in towbar installation across Australia. Whether you’re towing for work, gearing up for a weekend escape, or hauling heavy-duty loads, we offer industry-leading service and high-quality products tailored to meet the demands of Australian drivers.
At TJM Bendigo, we believe towing shouldn’t be a hassle. Our skilled technicians handle every towbar installation with expert precision and care, ensuring your vehicle is road-ready and compliant with all Australian safety regulations.
What is a Towbar Installation?
Tow bars are devices used for pulling their vehicle along one dashed line. A ball or other suitable fitting is typically installed on the free end of a steel tow bar.
Towbar installation refers to fitting a towbar to a vehicle so it can tow a trailer, caravan, boat, or other heavy loads. A towbar is a strong metal component that attaches to the rear chassis of a car, SUV, or truck, providing a secure connection for towing.
Why Towbar Installation is Important
At TJM Bendigo, our priority is safe and reliable towing. Here’s why proper installation matters:
- Legal Compliance: Road laws in Australia require that towbars be fitted in accordance with safety regulations. Poorly installed or non-compliant towbars can result in heavy fines.
- Safety & Stability: A secure towbar ensures your trailer doesn’t sway or detach on the road.
- Preserve Vehicle Structure: Poor installation can damage your vehicle’s frame. We guarantee a precise fit while preserving your car’s structural soundness.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your towbar is installed by professionals lets you hit the road confidently.
Types of Towbars
Choosing the right type of towbar is essential to match your vehicle’s capabilities and towing needs. At TJM Bendigo, we offer expert advice and a wide selection of towbars to suit every application—from weekend getaways to heavy industrial use. The most well-liked options are broken down here:
Standard Fixed Towbars
These are permanently attached to the rear of your vehicle and are always visible. They are a popular option for regular towers.
Best for: Everyday towing like trailers, small boats, or bike racks.
This type is often the go-to solution for utility and convenience. Once installed, there’s no need to worry about setup or preparation—your vehicle is always ready to tow. They are generally compatible with a wide range of vehicles and trailers, making them a flexible choice for daily or weekly use. Additionally, fixed towbars are typically less expensive and require less upkeep over time.
2. Detachable Towbars
Detachable towbars can be easily removed when not in use, giving your vehicle a clean look when you’re not towing.
Best for: Occasional towing and vehicles with design considerations.
Perfect for those who care about aesthetics or park in tight spots, detachable towbars allow users to enjoy the benefits of a towbar without compromising the look or performance of their vehicle. They are engineered with simple locking mechanisms for ease of use. These towbars are a great option for city dwellers who need flexibility and minimal visual impact on their vehicle’s rear design.
3. Horizontal Hitch Towbars (Receiver Style)
Often found on 4WDs, SUVs, and utility vehicles, this type of towbar uses a square receiver that allows for multiple attachments, such as towing hitches, bike racks, and recovery gear.
Best for: Off-road vehicles, tradesmen, or anyone needing multi-use accessories.
This style is extremely popular in Australia due to its flexibility. With multiple receiver sizes available (commonly 40mm and 50mm), users can install a wide variety of towing and lifestyle accessories. Ideal for weekend adventurers or tradies who frequently switch between towing and carrying tools. Receiver-style hitches also allow for easy height adjustment of tow balls and accessories, helping to maintain safe towing angles.
4. Heavy-Duty Towbars (Class 4 or 5)
Designed for serious towing—up to 3.5 tonnes or more depending on vehicle specs. Ideal for caravans, trailers loaded with construction equipment, horse floats, and more.
Best for: Industrial or commercial towing, caravanning, and farming.
These robust towbars are purpose-built for demanding towing tasks and are commonly paired with dual-cab Utes, 4WDs, and trucks. They often include reinforced mounts and support high towing capacities with complete control. They are necessary for tough use and long-distance towing. These towbars typically feature a weight distribution system, ensuring a smoother, safer towing experience even on uneven roads or during high-speed travel.
5. Gooseneck and Fifth-Wheel Towbars
Used primarily for towing very large trailers such as livestock haulers or RVs, these mount inside the bed of a Ute or pickup.
Best for: Professional haulers, farmers, or caravans with large rigs.
In contrast to conventional rear-mounted towbars, gooseneck and fifth-wheel systems are attached above or just forward of a vehicle’s rear axle. This positioning offers better stability and weight distribution. Although more complex and expensive to install, they are unmatched when it comes to towing the heaviest loads legally allowed on Australian roads. These systems are preferred by serious caravan owners and agricultural users who require precision, safety, and maximum load handling.
Tools & Materials for Towbar Installation
If you’re curious about the process or considering a DIY approach (we recommend professional service for most drivers), here’s what goes into it:
- Wrenches and sockets
- Torque wrench
- Screwdrivers
- Safety gear such as gloves and goggles
- Jack stands and/or ramps if necessary
- Drill and bits if modifications are required
- Electrical wiring kit
Choosing the Right Towbar for Your Vehicle
Choosing the right towbar is of utmost importance. TJM Bendigo provides an array of towbars for different makes and models of vehicles. To share the experience with family and friends, or even alone, should not be hampered by trivialities concerned with packing space and the like.
- Consider the towing capacity, type of coupling, and what you intend to use it for while searching for the perfect match.
- Consult the manual of your car regarding towing capacities and decide whether to mount a fixed, detachable, or retractable towbar.
Safety Precautions Before Installation
- Your car should be on a level surface with the handbrake applied.
- Remove any possible hindrances near the rear bumper if necessary.
- Some of these cars need minor adjustments, such as taking out the undertrays or making extra holes.
- Find out if your vehicle has a pre-installed towbar mounting system.
- Ensure that the mounting locations are rust- and corrosion-free.
5 EASY TOWBAR INSTALLATION: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS
Let’s guide you through the 5 steps to enable you to equip your car with a quality towbar from the best-branded manufacturers in the industry.
Step 1: Removing the Rear Bumper (If Required)
- Certain vehicles require the removal of the bumper to access all mounting points.
- Unscrew and carefully detach the bumper: damage will occur if this isn’t done.
- Keep this bumper and its fasteners in a secure place.
Step 2: Positioning and Mounting the Towbar
- Align the towbar with the designated mounting points on your vehicle’s chassis.
- Before securing it in place, make sure it is positioned correctly.
- Use support stands to hold the towbar if necessary.
Step 3: Fitting the Chassis to the Towbar
- Secure the towbar using the bolts provided, tightening them to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Use a torque wrench for precise tightening.
- Double-check all fastenings to ensure stability.
Step 4: Wiring the Towbar Electrics
- It is a cable that runs from the car’s electrical system to the towbar.
- After the wire is built, connect the trailer lights to the system using the wiring harness.
- Then, make sure the connections for the brake lights or indicators are working.
Step 5: Reassembling and Double-Checking the Installation
- Reattach the bumper if it is removed.
- Go through everything to see that there are no loose bolts or elements that are out of alignment.
- Complete the work with a final functionality test before you are ready to roll.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Performance
- Check the towbar regularly for damage or indications of rust.
- To prevent wear and tear, lubricate all incoming parts.
- Verify that the electrical connections are still secure and functional.
- Before each towbar use, check towball, and hitch connections.
- Detachable towbars should be kept dry when not in use.
When to Use Towbars
There are innumerable instances where towbars are just ideal for the occasion, but these three examples are among the more important ones:
- Travel: Off to the wild with friends or family, even just alone, just a time when you should really leave behind very minor worries such as baggage space. Towbars leave you with the option to take everything that you require for an adventure: bikes, skis, surfboards, camping gear, and have some room left over. Not legroom though.
- Moving: It can be costly and time-consuming to move from one place to another, and it requires extensive logistical planning. You will need to account for the expenses of hiring a moving company to move your belongings to your new address, at the absolute least. You can save the stress and costs of relocating by moving your belongings yourself with towbars. You can start a new life by simply hooking the appropriate kind of towbar to your car and connecting it to a trailer that holds your belongings.
- Protection: When You Wish to Reduce Possible Auto Damage. Lastly, towbars might lessen the possibility of major repercussions from rear-ending. When anything unfortunate occurs, these items may make a huge difference by acting as a buffer against other cars.
Towbar Installation Cost: What to Expect
The cost of installing a towbar can vary based on several factors:
- Type of towbar (fixed, detachable, heavy-duty, etc.)
- Make and Model of Vehicle
- Any additional wiring or modifications required
- Commercial installation services
In Australia, the average towbar installation price is approximately between AUD300 and AUD1,500, covering both parts and labor. Please get in touch with TJM Bendigo right away for an exact quote!
At TJM Bendigo, we provide honest quotes, with no hidden surprises. Give us a call today to get an exact figure based on your vehicle and towing needs.
Why Choose TJM Bendigo?
- High-quality attaching tow bar for all vehicle models.
- Expert installation across Australia.
- Australian safety standard compliance.
- Experts support every step of the way.
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Getting your towbar installed correctly with TJM Bendigo guarantees that your car is ready for any towing needs. Our high-quality materials, experienced advice, and professional support make the process simple and straightforward.We are available if you would like a professional installation. Contact TJMBendigo immediately to equip your vehicle with a dependable towbar and drive with confidence!
