What's in Campervan Towbars?
Towing kit splits roughly into mechanical (stabiliser, jockey wheel, hitch head), electrical (7-pin/13-pin connectors, lighting boards), and convenience (covers, weight gauges, mirrors). Get all three right and your tow is stable, legal, and rust-free.
Stabilisers
Friction or blade stabilisers reduce snake/sway under braking and crosswind. Required by some insurers for vehicles over a certain weight.
Jockey Wheels
Heavy-duty wheels for moving the caravan on and off the pitch. 48mm or 60mm shaft sizes - check yours before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a stabiliser?
Required by some caravan insurers and strongly recommended for any unit over 1.2 tonnes or any setup with marginal vehicle/caravan weight ratio. Massively reduces snake and crosswind sway.
7-pin or 13-pin towing electrics?
Modern caravans use 13-pin (single connector for lights, fridge, charging). Older trailers and most utility trailers use 7-pin. Adaptors available both ways.
How big should the jockey wheel be?
Bigger is easier - 250mm wheels handle gravel and grass; 200mm is fine for hard standing. Always check the shaft diameter (48mm or 60mm) matches your hitch.
Do I need towing mirrors?
By law, yes - if your caravan is wider than the tow car you must have mirrors that show 4m beyond the trailer. £40-150 for a decent pair, well worth it.
