Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve collated a list of answers to questions that we’re regularly asked by out customers. Take a look at our list of frequently asked below.
If your question isn’t listed below, contact us via email or phone on (08) 8360 5100 and we’ll be happy to give you the answers you need.
Click here to read our blog where we talk about popular products, safety and provide loads of tips for towing.
What is your warranty policy?
We warrant to you that the product you purchase will be free of material manufacturing defects for as long as you own it subject to the following conditions:
• The product must be installed by an authorised outlet in accordance with our installation instructions.
• This warranty will not apply if the product is removed from the vehicle on which it was first installed.
• The product must be used only in accordance with our written instructions and you must not misuse, abuse or overload the product beyond its rated capacity.
• This warranty is given to you only as the original purchaser and is not transferrable to anyone else.
• This warranty does not cover damage caused or suffered as a result of fair wear and tear, incorrect application, misuse, alteration, neglect or accident.
• Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
• The benefits to you given by this warranty are in addition to your other rights and remedies under a law in relation to the goods to which the warrant relates
Do your aftermarket products match genuine quality?
Our manufacturing group is in fact an original equipment provider of Towbars to a number of vehicle manufacturers and in doing so designs, tests and produces Towbars for OEM and Aftermarket use under the ISO9001 / TS16949 Quality Management System and each tow bar produced is tested and complies to Australian Standard AS4177 to ensure that it is rated and fit for purpose.
Find out about our Warranty promise here.
What is a Light Duty Standard Towbar?
A light duty standard towbar is designed for lighter weight towing, for example 6 x 4 trailers and small boats etc. Please note, even a 6 x 4 trailer can be loaded above the rating of a standard towbar when loaded with wet soil and rock etc.
Find out about our towbars here.
What is a Heavy Duty Towbar and why would I need a Heavy Duty Towbar?
A heavy duty towbar would normally be designed to match the maximum towing capacity of the vehicle. [Please refer to the vehicle handbook and the rating label on the towbar. Heavy duty towbars should be used for larger trailers, caravans, larger boats etc.
Find out about our towbars here or contact our expert team for more information about our range of heavy duty towbars.
Do I need brakes on my trailer or caravan?
The Australian towing regulations depend on the Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) of your caravan, trailer or boat:
GTM under 750kg
No additional brakes required
751< GTM < 2,000kg
Braking system on wheels of at least one axles; over-ride brakes allowed, although electric is recommended on all trailers over 1,000kg
GTM > 2,000 kg
Need a “breakaway” system installed on all wheels; system must be powered by a full-charged battery at ALL times (can be either standalone or auxiliary)
To learn more about electric brakes read our blog post here or click here to see our range of electric brakes.
Do I need a distribution hitch?
To understand how a weight distribution system works, we need to familiarise ourselves with two terms. Gross Trailer Weight, which describes the gross trailer weight, including all cargo loaded and Ball or Tongues Weight, which is the portion of the load (generally 10% of the gross trailer weight) pressing down on the towbar (tow bar).
Having too much ball weight in relation to the gross trailer weight can cause the rear axle of the towing vehicle to dive, therefore lifting the front of the tow vehicle. If the vehicle dives too far, you will lose braking and steering control.
The opposite is also true of too little ball weight. Too little ball weight will be prone to sway, whereby the back of the vehicle being towed can swing back and forth.
Weight distribution hitches will assist in the rectification of these dangerous conditions and improve the vehicle’s ability to turn, brake and steer. If you have a caravan/car combination experiencing these conditions, you should consult with the experts to have the problem rectified.
See our range of distribution hitches here
What do I need to know about my tow vehicle?
It is important to know the capacity and limitations of your motor vehicle.
When choosing a vehicle it is important to think about what you will be towing and the amount of travelling you will be doing. To familiarise yourself with your vehicle, it is recommended you do short trips then increase your travel distance and time as you become more confident.
Towing a caravan greatly increases the stress placed on the safety limits of any car. It is essential that the car is in first class mechanical condition, with special attention to brakes, steering, suspension, tyres and the cooling system. It is also very important to perform regular tyre maintenance.
How much does a light duty or heavy duty towbar weigh?
Towbars come in a variety of sizes and weight classes. The type of towbar you need will depend on what you’re going to be towing. Light duty towbars start at around 20kg, while heavy duty towbars can weigh up to 35kg.
Light Duty Standard Towbars
Light duty standard towbars are suitable for smaller vehicles that require a light-weight towing solution. The ultimate solution for towing light loads and mounting bike racks, these tow bars are typically rated up to 1200kg and are designed for complete reliability.
Heavy Duty Towbars
Heavy duty towbars are a must have for towing caravans, boats, horse floats etc. Our heavy duty tow bar is the industry benchmark, featuring a 50 x 50mm square hitch receiver. This hitch receiver is also compatible with our entire range of weight distribution kits offering improved safety, handling, control and comfort when towing heavy loads.
To learn more about towbars, click here to visit our product page.
Still have questions? Contact us today and speak with our friendly, expert team to find the right towbar for your vehicle.
What should I know about what I am towing?
When towing it is vital to know the weight of what you are towing, this can prevent damage to your vehicle or the prized asset you are towing. It is important to know both the total and ball weights of your caravan, boat or trailer. You can weigh your rig at a public weigh bridge and we are able to weigh your tow ball weight at Hall Towbars.
What do I need to know about my braking system?
The most effective and efficient type of brakes today are electric brakes, which operate when the brake pedal of the car is depressed. They have the big advantage where they can be operated separately from the car by a hand control inside the car. This means that the caravan is never pushing onto the rear of the car, which is often when the caravan can start to sway. There are a vast range of electric brake controllers currently on the market. You can choose from pendulum or remote style units. Be mindful of where the unit can be safely mounted in your vehicle especially if you have airbags on the driver’s side of your vehicle.
What kind of braking system do I need for towing heavy loads?
An electric trailer braking system allows you to tow with confidence, knowing you can rely on your vehicle to come to a smooth and safe stop when you need it to, even with a large and heavy trailer behind you!
Hall Towbars supply and install a large range of electric brake controllers to operate your trailer brakes from inside your vehicle. Our extensive range of Tekonsha, REDARC, and Hayman Reese brake controllers ensures we have a unit to suit your towing requirements.
We have electric braking systems to suit all makes, models, and needs.
Click here to learn more about our range of electric brakes.
To learn more about how electric brake systems work and the legal requirements of when electric brakes are required, click here.
How do I choose my towing mirrors?
If you are choosing towing mirrors, make sure you can clearly see your entire rig length. Eliminate any blind spots you may have by choosing the mirrors that are right for you.
Reversing
With the growing amount of SUV, commercial vehicles and family cars that are hard to see behind whilst reversing, it is important to keep your vehicle, family or staff safe. A reversing camera is a very effective way of seeing exactly what is behind you while reversing and eliminating your blind spots. There is a complete range of reversing camera’s and screens available to suit any vehicle requirements.
How often should I perform a routine check?
Make sure you do a thorough check of your tow vehicle and rig each time you tow. Always check your trailer or caravan is attached to your vehicle prior to driving, even after a short break.
What should be checked?
Before moving the caravan at any time, make a routine check to ensure that everything is in order for travelling.
Be sure to check the hitch is secure, trailer plugs are connected and the hitch pin is secure.
Power, water and waste water services should be disconnected, gas bottle turned off, all windows and cupboards fastened, parking legs fully raised, step up and jockey wheel removed.
Most importantly, check that the coupling electrical connection and chains are properly located and secure.
Have someone assist you in checking that all the tail/brake lights indicators and side marker lights are working properly, including the rear number plate light.
How should I drive when towing?
When towing, keep a safe driving distance between you and the vehicle in front. Even with electric brakes it takes a longer braking distance to come to a complete stop.
What types of Towbars are there?
You can choose from a standard light duty towbar or a heavy duty towbar depending on what type of towing you will be doing.
A light duty towbar is designed for lighter weight towing, for example 6 x 4 trailers and small boats etc. Please note, even a 6 x 4 trailer can be loaded above the rating of a standard towbar when loaded with wet soil and rock etc.
A heavy duty towbar would normally be designed to match the maximum towing capacity of the vehicle. (Please refer to the vehicle handbook and the rating label on the towbar). Heavy duty towbars should be used for larger trailers, caravans, larger boats etc.
Find out about our towbars here.
What is Air Suspension and why do I need it?
Air suspension for a vehicle is the use of specialised airbags to ensure a smoother, safer ride.
Air suspension is not just for 4wd’s towing a caravan, boat or trailer. If your vehicle tows or carries uneven loads causing the rear or front end to sag then you would benefit from using air suspension.
At Hall Towbars, we use Airbag Man for all our customers air suspension requirements. Airbag Man engineer, design and manufacture over 1000 airbag kits to suit a wide range of vehicles such as passenger cars, family sedans, station wagons, 4wd’s, suv’s, tradies utes and commercial vans, light trucks, trailers, caravans, camper trailers, heavy trucks, industrial and agricultural vehicles, motorhomes, hot rods, show cars, military and emergency vehicles – just about every type of vehicle you can imagine.
By installing Airbag Man to your vehicle you can take advantage of many features and benefits which include adjustable levelling control, eliminating spring sag, safer load carrying, better braking, improved steering and handling, stabilise body roll, prevents bottoming out, excellent ride quality, reduced tyre wear and lower maintenance costs.
Find out more here.
Can I stop my towbar from rattling?
There are anti-rattle devices such as anti-rattle hitch pin locks or clamps, which are an effective way to reduce noise from your towbar.
We also supply and install Milford Ult1Mate Next Gen towbars which eliminate all shake and rattle issues beginning with the development of a purpose designed, precision formed receiver tube, towing lug and patented HitchHush™ end cap.
Find out more about the Milford Ult1Mate Next Gen Towbars here.
Do you offer mobile towbar installation in Adelaide?
Hall Towbars provides a mobile towbar fitting and towing accessory installation service, covering all locations within the greater Adelaide area.
Find out more here.
What are the towing laws in South Australia?
Regardless of whether you tow regularly or just now and then, it is your responsibility to be familiar and compliant with towing laws when towing in South Australia.
Click here to read our overview of towing laws in South Australia.