Your detachable towbar locks into place so it is safe and secured to your car. When you remove your detachable towbar, there is a release mechanism. You will need to unlock it, as it cannot be removed without the key.
Your towbar electrics will remain attached to your car and your electrics holder can be folded away when the towbar has been removed. Once you have removed your towbar, you can store it in the boot of your car to prevent bumping your legs when you access the boot.
So if you're wondering 'how do detachable towbars work?' We've got you covered. This guide will cover the following:
- What is a detachable towbar?
- How to use your Witter detachable Towbar
- Attaching the neck
- Detaching the neck
- How to use your Westfalia detachable Towbar
- Attaching the neck
- Detaching the neck
- What if I've lost my Keys?
What is a detachable towbar?
If you've never had a towbar before, choosing the right one can seem like a tricky task. We have a range of towbars, from fixed to detachable. If you are stuck between the different types and designs, you are probably wondering 'which one do I need?', 'what neck type should I choose?' and 'how does a detachable towbar work?'
You may be aware of the concept of a fixed towbar, a towbar that is permanently attached to your vehicle at all times. A detachable towbar is just as safe and sturdy as a fixed towbar, with the added benefit of being able to remove the neck. Some detachable towbars allow you to tow and carry bikes at the same time and when you are not towing, it becomes almost invisible once removed.
A detachable towbar doesn't affect your car's appearance and is easy to use, remove and store.
How to use your Witter detachable Towbar
Attaching the neck
Step 1: Identify the mechanism position by inspecting the part that is inserted into the towbar receptor.
- Discharged state: If the pin with the gold surround is protruding approximately 3mm and the silver plunger is visible beyond the end of the housing then the mechanism is in a discharged state, it will not load and will need to be recharged, go to Step 2.
- Charged state: If the pin with the gold surround is protruding approximately 8mm and the silver plunger is hidden within the end of the housing then the mechanism is in a charged state, it is ready to load, go to Step 4
Step 2: Ensure the handle is unlocked, if the key slot is perpendicular (90°) to the handle grip, then it is in the locked position and must be unlocked. Insert the key and rotate 90° clockwise, the key slot should now be in-line with the handle grip, now remove the key.
Step 3: If the neck is in the discharged position place the detachable neck on the floor with the handle facing upwards. Then push down on the handle and whilst keeping the handle pressed, rotate clockwise until a click can be heard. Once the handle clicks and stays in position and the silver plunger is hidden within the end of the housing, the mechanism is now in a charged state and ready to load.
Step 4: Remove the weather cover from the towbar housing and store safely for when you next remove the neck.
Step 5: With the key removed, keeping hands clear of the handle. Insert the detachable neck fully into the receptor then push down for horizontal systems or pull the ball towards you for vertical systems to activate the mechanism. The handle will spin anti-clockwise to show green in the inspection window.
Step 6: You can then lock the neck by inserting the key into the barrel and turning the key 90° anti-clockwise.
Detaching the neck
Step 1: Unlock the neck by inserting the key into the barrel and turning the key 90° clockwise so the key slot is in-line with the handle grip.
Step 2: Take the weight of the neck in one hand and push the handle into the neck with the other. Whilst keeping the handle pressed, rotate it clockwise until a click can be heard. The neck will then be released from the housing and you can lower it out.
Step 3: Place the neck safely in the provided bag and store it in the boot of your car.
Remember to always keep your keys safe for when you want to remove your towbar!
How to use your Westfalia detachable Towbar
Attaching the neck
Step 1: Remove the weather cover from the towbar housing and store safely for when you next remove the neck.
Step 2: Ensure the handle is unlocked by twisting the key clockwise and that the green tab on the handle is facing upwards and not inline with the green sticker on the neck.
Step 3: If the green tab is inline with the green sticker on the neck, pull the handle outwards and rotate clockwise until a click can be heard. Once the handle clicks and stays in position with the green tab facing upwards the mechanism is ready to load.
Step 4: Keeping hands clear of the handle, insert the detachable neck fully into the receptor. The mechanism will then be triggered, you will hear it 'clunk' and the handle will spin round so the green tab is inline with the green sticker on the neck.
Step 5: You can then lock the neck by inserting the key into the barrel and turning the key anti-clockwise.
Remember to always keep your keys safe for when you want to remove your towbar!
Detaching the neck
Step 1: Unlock the neck by inserting the key into the barrel and turning the key anti-clockwise.
Step 2: Take the weight of the neck in one hand and pull out the handle from the neck with the other. Whilst keeping the handle pulled out, rotate it clockwise until a click can be heard. The neck will then be released from the housing and you can lower it out.
Step 3: Place the neck safely in the provided bag and store it in the boot of your car.
Remember to always keep your keys safe for the next time you want to tow!
What if I've lost my Keys?
We understand that sometimes keys can easily be misplaced. That's why we offer replacements for our detachable towbar necks!
You can find the key number engraved on the barrel of the locks or on the keys themselves. We always recommend taking note of the key number when you first purchase your towbar just in case the engraving on the barrel becomes hard to read over time.
