This type of tow bar is the most basic, lightweight and inexpensive system. The arms are welded together in an A-frame and do not collapse or adjust. It can therefore be more challenging to successfully align and connect it to the trailer ball mounted on the towing vehicle. It generally takes two people, and a lot of patience, to hook it up. The rigid A-frame tow bar is inexpensive and simple to use and it is popular for those who don't need to disconnect and reconnect the towing system often.
The flange ball is the most commonly used tow bar in Europe. It is inexpensive and can be used with all types of tow bar accessories. The flange ball system is simply a tow ball mounted on the tow bar and attached to the towing vehicle with bolts. This type often needs stabilizers and can put a lot of torque on the towing vehicle.
A collapsible, self-adjusting tow bar is easy to hook up and adjust. It is connected by pins that can be quickly removed, allowing for frequent disconnections and reconnections. However, this also means it can easily be stolen unless it comes with a locking system. When not in use, this type of tow bar easily collapses out of the way and can remain on the vehicle. Once the collapsible tow bar is put in place and the vehicle to be towed is connected, the arms of the tow bar automatically extend and lock into place as the towing vehicle pulls away. Collapsible, self-adjusting tow bars have two different sub-types: one that is installed on the towing vehicle--motor home mounted--and one that is installed on the vehicle being towed--car mounted).
This type of adjusting tow bar has become the most popular type primarily due to the replacement of the traditional ball coupler with a swivel joint, which does away with the drop ball mount that can scrape the road when the towing vehicle goes over bumps or dips. The tow bar is mounted on the rear of the towing vehicle and can be locked into the receiver hitch to deter theft.
This type of collapsible tow bar was the industry standard until the motor home mount came along. Its primary market niche is now for those who typically rent motor homes, trucks or other vehicles and tow their own car behind. The tow bar is permanently installed on the front of the vehicle being towed. Weight is one of the disadvantages of this type of towing system. Although some models come with quick-release systems, the cumbersome weight discourages repeatedly disconnecting the tow bar when not use and reconnecting again when it is needed. If the tow bar is left on the vehicle when not in use, possible front suspension damage could result due to the extra weight. It is also unattractive and must be compensated for when parking or pulling up behind another vehicle.
