Personalising your vehicle

Personalising vehicles has long been the domain of enthusiasts wanting to stand out, but this trend is changing as more people opt to have their car modified before it leaves the showroom.

Statistics from Subaru of New Zealand for the first half of this year show that more customers are personalising their new vehicle by adding optional accessories at the point of purchase.

Towbars Cape CC believes this reflects a greater social trend, where people are happy to spend more on quality products that enhance their lifestyle. "Vehicles have moved from being purely for transport and now feature as a key element of people's lifestyle," they said. "This is reflected in the number of lifestyle-related accessories they are investing in.

"You could almost say that the vehicle becomes an extension of a customer's personality."

Among the most popular Subaru accessories are carpet mats, a necessity for active families and the finishing touch for many people's car.

Ranked in second place, towbars have become increasingly popular, with many car owners venturing off the beaten track in Foresters and Outbacks, towing caravans or trailers.

"People drive to and from the office during the week, but it's on weekends where they get to enjoy their vehicle," Towbars Cape said.

This recreational trend is also reflected in the number of bicycle carriers, roof cross-bars and ski carriers being bought.

Whether it's taking the kids to sport, going camping, or heading to the mountain slopes, the trend in accessories reflects the active South Africa lifestyle.

Protection devices also feature heavily in the top 15 with cargo trays, headlamp covers and bonnet protectors all sought-after items.

"With people spending more money on their vehicles, they naturally have an interest in protecting their investment," said Towbars Cape.

Desire to personalise the look of the car is reflected in the high number of front and rear spoilers being bought, while CD stereo equipment shows that interior comfort is just as sought-after as external additions.

All about Towbars

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we have come across at Towbars Cape - If you need more information dont hesitate to contact us on 021 595 4010/1/2

Why should I use a tow bar over a trailer or tow dolly ?
Ease of use, low cost, and practicality are the most common answers. Tow bars allow conveience in set up and use, along with a minumal amount of equipment. Cost is often less than a trailer or dolly set up and concerns over storage is never an issue, as the tow bar is attached to the coach and the base plate is attached to the vehicle.

What types or tow bars are available ?
There are 3 basic types, the self aligning receiver mount, the self aligning vehicle mount, and the basic rigid, or commonly known as A Frame tow bar.

Whats the right one for me ?
Self aligning tow bars are the most common due to their ease of use. A rigid or A Frame bar requires exact positioning and usually 2 people, a driver and a spotter, to make the hook up.

Why should I consider a coach mount tow bar over a car mount ?
The car mount tow bar adds weight to the front of your tow car, often reducing ground clearance, affecting suspension compliance and increasing wear to the suspension, brakes and tires.

When choosing a tow bar what Class should I use ?
There are 4 classes of towing equipment based on the weight of the towed vehicle. Class I is up to 2000 pounds in weight, Class II is from 2001 and up to 3500 pounds in weight, Class III is from 3501 and up to 5000 pounds in weight and Class IV is from 5001 to 10,000 pounds in weight. When choosing a Class be sure to determine the weight of the vehicle being towed along with any items also attached and being stored inside the tow vehicle. If close in weight to the maximum of the class limit go to the next class.

What if the Class of hitch is different than the Class of tow bar ?
Always adhear to the weight ratings of the lowest Class . It is best to match Classes to avoid confusion.


How hard is this to install ?
Its best left to a professional like Towbars Cape

What information will I need to order the right equipment ?
The make and model of your car or bakkie  the height of the receiver hitch from the ground, the make and model of your tow vehicle, and a brief consultation with on of our specialists to determine what the right equipment is for yor and your vehicles.

Now that I have the equipment mounted and I'm ready to hook up, how is it done ?
First you should practice hooking and unhooking. You want to familiarize yourself with the equipment, the range of distance and angle to hook up and make a routine to follow that suits you.

I'm hooked up and it only takes a couple of minutes ! I'm ready to pull away, any last to do ?
After making sure of all connections, make sure the steering is centered and UNLOCKED, tha parking brake is OFF, and check all lamp operation to be sure signals, lamps and stoplights are working. Make a final check of tire condition and that the tow vehicle is completely closed with all windows up. You're ready to go !

Now that I'm on the road any tips ?
Just a few, remember that you now have additional weight behind you and stopping will take longer, so keep a safe following distance, also you've got additional length, so leave lots of room for lane changes and turning. Practice turning and parking in a large parking area or lot to get familiar with your set up.

A word for the wise, never ever back up with the tow vehicle hooked up, it can damage the tow bar.

What kind of products do you carry ?

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