The Ultimate Towbar Guide 2026

Finns have always been a pulling nation. Handling a trailer, moving a boat, or transporting cottage supplies is commonplace for many – and the towbar is at the center of it. In recent years, however, the use of towbars has expanded significantly.

Today's motorists are increasingly using towbars for bike racks, cargo boxes, ski racks, or other towbar-mounted accessories. In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we will cover:

• Which towbar should you choose?
• What is the difference between a fixed and a detachable towbar?
• How much does towbar installation cost in 2026?
• Is a 7-pin or 13-pin wiring kit needed?
• Can you install a towbar yourself?
• When is a car not allowed to tow a trailer, but a bike rack towbar can be installed?

This guide was written in collaboration with Koukkupaja, Finland's leading towbar expert.

Towbar and the Law – What Do Regulations Require in 2026?

All towbars installed in Europe must comply with EU safety standards. Towing devices are regulated by:

• Directive 94/20/EC (read more: NTTA, EUR-Lex)
• E-regulations numbers 55 and 102

These ensure that the towbar is safe and compatible with the vehicle's structure. Every approved towbar has a type plate showing:

• Approval number (e.g. E11003000)
• D-value (calculated force value)
• S-value (maximum permissible nose weight)
• Manufacturer's information

Inspection and towbar

During inspection, removal of the towbar may be required if:

• the towbar is not type-approved
• the towbar has significant damage or rust
• the towing device is not roadworthy

Note! E-type-approved towbars installed by Koukkupaja do not require a separate inspection.

Towbar Options – Which One is Right for Your Car?

There are practically two main types of towbars: fixed and detachable towbars. In addition, there are also special solutions on the market, such as a swivel towbar or a towbar for a bike rack – when the car is not allowed to tow a trailer.

The primary factor in choosing the right towbar is whether the car has specified towing capacities. After that, it's good to consider how often the towbar will be used and whether a discreet ball part is desired when it's not needed.

Below, we will go through the strengths, limitations, and typical uses of each model.

1. Fixed towbar (bolt-on / swan neck)

Best choice if the towbar is used frequently.

• Lowest purchase price
• Practical and always ready for use
• Most common model in Finland
• Suitable for both passenger cars and vans.

2. Flange-type fixed towbar

A model often used in vans, where the towball is attached to a flange.

Special advantage:
A separate step board can be attached to the flange, making it easier to access the cargo area.

3. Detachable towbar

Available in two options:

Horizontally detachable

• The towball housing often remains visible, even when detached
• Easy to use

Vertically detachable

• Almost invisible when the towball is removed
• Best choice for motorists who want a clean look for their car

A detachable towbar is usually ~€200 more expensive than a fixed towbar, but offers a clear advantage in comfort and aesthetics.

4. Swivel towbar

Available only for a limited number of car models.

• Manually or electrically swiveling
• Very easy to use
• Usually the most expensive option

5. Towbar for bike rack – when the car is not allowed to tow

Some cars are not given towing capacities (D-value). In this case, towing a trailer is not permitted.

However:

Using a bike rack or cargo box is still possible with a special bike rack towbar, provided that such a towbar has been manufactured for the specific vehicle model.

In this case, the towball usually has a structural impediment, which prevents a trailer from being attached. The use of a bike rack or, for example, a TowBox-type transport solution is permitted. A bike rack towbar is also identified by the D-value on the towbar's type plate being zero (0) or marked with a dash (-).

Bike rack towbars have become increasingly common, especially in:

• Plug-in hybrids
• Electric cars
• Smaller cars

Towbar Wiring Kit – 7-Pin or 13-Pin?

The choice of wiring kit significantly depends on the lighting features of the accessory to be used. 

7-pin wiring kit

The most common and widely used wiring kit model in Finland for traditional trailers. Limitations:

• Does not support reverse light
• No power supply option, e.g., for a caravan
  

13-pin wiring kit

The 13-pin wiring kit is becoming increasingly common today because it supports a wider range of accessory lighting features. A 13-pin wiring kit is also recommended when towing a braked trailer or caravan.

Advantages:

• Reverse light works
• Caravan battery can be charged while driving
• Wider functions (e.g., fog light)
• Suitable for all accessories

Adapters

When booking an installation at Koukkupaja, you can also order an adapter.

Available:

• 7 → 13 adapter
• 13 → 7 adapter

These ensure compatibility with various trailers, bike racks, and other transport systems.

Please note that despite the adapter, the lighting features remain the same.

Always remove the adapter when not in use to prevent condensation from accumulating inside the socket.

Can you install a towbar yourself?

Short answer: Yes. You can install a towbar yourself, but it is not recommended.

If you decide to install the towbar and/or wiring kit yourself, you should at least consider:

• Manufacturer-specific requirements
• Wiring kit manufacturers often require installation by a qualified installer; otherwise, the right to compensation for damages and the manufacturer's legal responsibility will expire (e.g., wiring kit manufacturer ECS Electronics)
  
• Wiring kits often need to be coded to the car after installation, which requires special equipment and technical expertise.

The towbar is one of the most strictly controlled accessories – if installed incorrectly, it poses a risk to both you and other road users.

Towbar Use – Much More Than Just a Trailer

In 2026, the most common towbar-mounted accessories, in addition to trailers, are:

• Bike racks
• Cargo boxes
• Ski racks
• Tool racks and cargo/game baskets

A towbar transforms a car into a versatile transport solution.

Towbar Installation Price 2026

The price depends on:

• car model
• towbar type (fixed / detachable)
• wiring kit (7- / 13-pin)
• installation time

At Koukkupaja:

• A fixed towbar is approximately €200 cheaper than a detachable one
• The total cost typically ranges from €640-€1030
• The installation work typically accounts for €300-€400

On Koukkupaja's website, you can easily check the current price for your specific car model using the license plate number search in the towbar booking system.

Koukkupaja – Finland's Most Experienced Towbar Installers

Koukkupaja Oy is one of Finland's oldest companies specializing in towbar installations.

That's why we can offer:

A 5-year warranty on towbar and wiring kit installation

Towbars installed by Koukkupaja always come with a 5-year quality guarantee, covering both parts and installation work. 

If any function stops working, for example:

• trailer lights do not come on
• only brake lights work
• reverse light does not come on
• the towball does not attach correctly

…you can always contact us.

Thanks to our extensive experience, we are familiar with the structures of all car makes and models.

Welcome to Koukkupaja for your towing needs!

Koukkupaja's website always displays the final, car-specific price for towbar installation. The price always includes parts, installation work, and a 5-year warranty, with no hidden costs. You can therefore confidently book an installation appointment directly from the online booking system, at your convenience.