The flange style towbar is the most commonly fitted bar. The towball is bolted to the towbar and will be black or silver depending on the make of towbar. It is the most versatile towbar as it can be used with towbar mounted accessories. It is particularly great for cycle carriers.
Cheapest option
Can be used with all accessories
Compatible with cycle carriers
Can be used with a bumper guard
These towbars may not be suitable for you as they can be picked up by parking sensors and you may prefer a towball that looks neater.
Detachable
Detachable towbar
The great thing about these towbars is that the neck of the bar can be unclipped when not in use so that little or nothing of the towbar is left on view. They are more expensive than flange towbars, but offer a number of advantages.
Suitable for use with parking sensors
Appearance of car unaffected when towbar unclipped
Compatible with AL-KO stabilisers
Swan Neck
Swan Neck towbar
Some people prefer a swan neck towbar to a flange type as it looks tidier. It is more expensive than a flange type but cheaper than a detachable bar so may provide a good compromise. It is less versatile - it is not compatible with many cycle carriers and cannot be used with a bumper guard.
Tidy appearance
Less likely to trigger parking aids than a flange bar
