Frequently Asked Questions
We are always happy to answer your queries via telephone and email, but to allow you to quickly gain the information you need, see our frequently asked questions below.
What is required to have a Towbar installed at my home or workplace?
We need to access a regular Power point so we can run an extension lead out to power our tools and air compressor.
We need a Space close to your vehicle, so we can park our work vehicle and access our tools.
On rainy days and very hot days, we request Shelter (Garage, Carport or Workshop, etc) for the rear half of your vehicle. This protects both your vehicle and our installers from the elements.
What is a Standard Towbar?
Standard Towbars are mainly used for light-medium towing applications. Typically, most passenger vehicles and small-medium SUVs have Standard Towbars designed for them. They are distinguished from the Hitch Receiver Towbar by their "Bolt-on" ball mount (tongue). In other words, the ball mount is attached to the towbar by two bolts and tools are required to remove it.
What is a Hitch Receiver Towbar?
Hitch Receiver Towbars are engineered to be used for medium-heavy towing applications. They are characterised by their "Slide-in" ball mount (tongue). The ball mount is held into the towbar with a high tensile pin and retaining clip. This enables the ball mount to be removed from the Towbar without the need for tools. Hitch Receiver Towbars are also useful to people with small garage spaces, as the ball mount can be removed when not in use.
How much weight can my Motor Vehicle Tow?
Most Motor Vehicles have a Tow Rating. This can be found under the Towing section in your Vehicle Handbook. If unsure, please contact Metro Towbars and we'll look it up for you. A Motor Vehicle's Tow Rating consists of two components:
A. Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) - this is the total weight capacity of the trailer PLUS its load (This includes luggage, fuel etc).
B. Ball Weight (BW) - this is the downward force on the towball caused by the weight of the trailer coupling (Usually 10% of GTW).
Will Installing a Towbar void my Vehicle Warranty?
Not at all. As long as you stay within your Vehicles Maximum Towing Capacity (See FAQ #3), you are always covered by your Vehicle Manufacturer's Warranty. In addition, all our Towbars come with a Lifetime Warranty of their own which endures for all the time that you own that Motor Vehicle. You can also be assured that all our On-site Installers hold current Motor Vehicle Repairers Certificates. These are now required by Law by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Protection.
Do I need an Electric Brake Controller?
All Trailers with a Gross Trailer Weight (See FAQ #3) exceeding 750kg, by law must be equipped with some form of braking system. For trailers with an Electric Braking System, Towing Vehicles must be fitted with an Electric Brake Controller. These send a signal to the trailer activating both the timing and output of the Trailer Brakes. In addition, Electric Brake Controllers have a manual override which activate the Trailer Brakes in emergency situations or steep hill descents.
What is Smartclick ™ Wiring?
Most late model Motor Vehicles now come with Hayman Reese's Smartclick™ Wiring Solutions. These are Vehicle Specific Wiring Harnesses that simply plug- in to a vehicle's electrical connectors, eliminating the need for soldering or quick-splicing into wires. The result is a seamless electrical integration between both your Motor Vehicle and your Trailer. In addition, Smartclick™ technology enables other accessories such as Electric Brake Controllers and Power Harnesses (For Boat Winches, Caravan Fridges etc), to be later added or integrated into the Vehicle’s electrical system.
What is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit)?
Electrical systems in modern Motor Vehicles are becoming increasingly more complex. With an increase in the use of LED lighting and electronic engine management systems, supplying adequate power to a trailer’s lights can become a challenge. Put simply, ECUs are used to relay Vehicle signals (e.g., Indicators) to the trailer WITHOUT drawing power from the Vehicle's electrical system. ECUs utilise an independent power source (From the Battery or Fuse Panel) in order to power your trailer’s lights.
What is a Weight Distribution Hitch?
Sometimes the Ball Weight (BW – See FAQ #3) of a trailer can push the rear of the towing vehicle down, causing the rear end to sag. This not only causes extra stress on your vehicles tires and suspension, but also interferes with proper steering, traction and handling. In order to return the towing vehicle back to a level height, we recommend the addition of a Weight Distribution Hitch. These are basically a set of spring bars, chains and attachments that are engineered to force or lift the Vehicle/Trailer connection back to a level and safe towing height. So rather than the towing vehicle sagging under the weight of the trailer, the torsion force from the spring bars push the load back upwards ensuring a level Vehicle/Trailer connection. They’re a bit like the ‘Push Up Bra’ of Towbars.