Tow Bars

Custom tow bars, made to suit your vehicle

We make and fit tow bars for cars, utes, vans and 4WDs. Because the bar is made for your vehicle rather than picked from a shelf, it can be built around what you actually tow, whether that is a box trailer, a boat or a caravan. That matters most on vehicles where an off-the-shelf bar is not available, or where the standard option does not suit the job.

What to tell us when you ask for a quote

• The make, model and year of the vehicle
• What you plan to tow, and roughly how heavy it is when fully loaded
• The tow ball size your trailer's coupling needs
• Whether you need a trailer plug for lights

With that, we can give you a free, no-obligation quote. If you are not sure of any of it, bring the trailer details with you and we can work it out together.

Towing safely and legally

The NZ Road Code's guidance on safe loading and towing is worth reading before a big trip. A few points that catch people out:

• New Zealand uses two tow ball sizes, 1 7/8 inch (47.55mm) and 50mm. The ball and the trailer coupling must match, or the trailer can come off.
• The towing connection and the safety chain or cable must be secure and strong enough for the load.
• On a full car licence, the vehicle, trailer and load together must not weigh more than 6000kg. On a learner or restricted licence the limit is 4500kg.
• Extra weight behind you means you need more room to stop.

Your vehicle manufacturer's towing limits apply too, and they are often lower than the licence limit. They are usually in the owner's manual.

A quick check before every tow

Before you pull out, make sure the coupling is locked onto the ball, the safety chain is attached, the trailer lights and indicators work, and the trailer tyres are properly inflated. Spread the load evenly and tie it down, with the heavier items low and over the axle. It only takes a couple of minutes and it is the difference between an easy trip and a roadside problem.

Tow bar work alongside the rest of the vehicle

If the vehicle doing the towing is also due for a service or WOF, it makes sense to do both in one visit, since brakes, tyres and suspension all work harder with a trailer on the back. See our automotive services for what we cover, or our fabrication work if your trailer or deck needs changes of its own. Finance is available through Gilrose Finance.