Detachable towbars: how they work, cost and who they suit
Reviewed by an experienced Leicester towbar fitter Last updated
A detachable towbar has a removable neck and ball that lock into a bracket hidden behind the bumper, so you can take it off for a clean rear end and clear parking sensors when you are not towing. It costs around £100 to £200 more than a fixed towbar and suits occasional towers and anyone who cares about how the back of the car looks. Detachable is an attachment choice; you also pick a ball style, flange or swan-neck.
How a detachable towbar works
A fixed bracket is bolted to the car and hidden behind the bumper. The neck and ball click or bolt into that bracket and lock in place, usually with a key. When you are not towing, you remove the neck and store it in the boot, leaving little or nothing on show.
Detachable vs fixed: the trade-offs
| Detachable | Fixed | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance when not towing | Clean, neck removed | Towball always visible |
| Parking sensors | Less interference | Can trigger false alerts |
| Cost | ~£100 to £200 more | Cheapest |
| Convenience | Fit the neck each time | Always ready |
| Security | Deters bike-rack theft | n/a |
Who detachable towbars suit
A detachable suits
- Occasional towers who do not want a towball on show every day
- Cars with parking sensors, where a removed neck avoids false alerts
- Premium and prestige vehicles where looks matter
- Anyone who wants easier boot access when not towing
Things to remember
- You need to bring and fit the neck each time
- The neck needs storing safely when removed
- The locking mechanism needs the occasional clean
What does it cost?
Expect a detachable to add roughly £100 to £200 over the equivalent fixed towbar. See our towbar fitting cost guide for full prices.
Prices correct as of August 2026.
Frequently asked questions
If you tow occasionally, care about how the rear of the car looks, or have parking sensors, yes. If you tow regularly and do not mind a visible towball, a fixed towbar is cheaper and always ready.
Yes. With the neck removed there is nothing behind the car to trigger false alerts, which is why detachables are popular on cars with rear sensors.
It locks into the bracket, usually with a key, so it is secure while fitted. When removed, store it in the boot so you have it when you need it.
Choose detachable for a clean look and clear sensors, fixed for the lowest cost and always-ready towing. It is a separate decision from the ball style (flange or swan-neck).
Get a detachable towbar fitted in Leicester
Request quotes from local Leicester fitters and get a detachable towbar in the ball style that suits your towing.
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