Towbar Express Review: Trusted Mobile Towbar Fitting for Caravanners
- Caravan Coach
- Apr 1
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 15
Overview
Service Type: Mobile Towbar Fitting
Provider Name: Towbar Express
Location/Coverage Area: Nationwide mobile service covering approximately 90% of England, plus parts of Scotland and Wales. Based in Whitby, North Yorkshire.
Price Guide: Quote-based (enter your vehicle registration for instant pricing). Typically mid-range; prices include fitting.
Best For: Caravanners needing convenient at-home towbar installation, those without easy access to a garage, and anyone wanting professional fitting without leaving their driveway.
Contact: Website: www.towbarexpress.co.uk | Phone: 0800 328 0592 (Freephone)
Accreditations: EC 94-20 Type Approved towbars | Company Registration 05990815 | VAT Registration GB 159711881 | Authorised retailer for Brink, Thule, Tow Trust, PCT, and ECS Electronics
Towbar Express Review - Introduction
Getting a towbar fitted is one of those essential steps every caravanner faces, yet finding a reliable fitter can be surprisingly tricky. In this Towbar Express review, we examine why this family-run company has built a reputation over more than 25 years as a go-to provider for mobile towbar fitting, bringing their service directly to your driveway, workplace, or wherever your vehicle happens to be parked.
The company operates as a family-run business from North Yorkshire but serves customers across the vast majority of England and parts of Scotland and Wales. Unlike some competitors who use subcontractors, Towbar Express directly employs and trains all their fitters, which gives them greater control over service quality.
For those new to towing, having a properly fitted towbar is fundamental to safe caravanning. If you are still getting to grips with the basics, our guide to connecting your car to a caravan hitch covers the essentials you will need to know once your towbar is in place.
Services Offered
Towbar Express provides a comprehensive range of towbar-related services. Their core offering is mobile fitting, where a fully equipped engineer arrives at your chosen location with everything needed to complete the installation.
The towbar options include fixed swan neck, detachable swan neck, and fixed flange designs. They source products from major manufacturers including Brink, Witter, Westfalia, PCT, and Tow Trust, all of which must meet EC 94-20 Type Approval regulations. The company states they prioritise quality and neat fitting over simply finding the cheapest option.
Beyond towbars themselves, they fit the necessary towing electrics. Customers can choose between universal aftermarket wiring or vehicle-specific (dedicated) wiring. The latter integrates properly with modern vehicle electronics and is recommended for newer cars, particularly those with manufacturer warranties or advanced driver assistance systems.
Additional services include cycle carrier fitting (they are authorised Thule retailers), towbar-mounted accessories, bumper guards, and adjustable height couplings. They also offer fleet solutions for businesses requiring multiple installations.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Convenient mobile service: fitter comes to home or workplace, no garage visit or alternative transport needed.
Professional fitters: punctual, tidy, and thorough; explain towbar use clearly, especially helpful for first-time caravanners.
Smooth booking system: instant online quotes, flexible morning or afternoon slots, confirmation emails, and day-of calls.
Reliable warranties: strong manufacturer guarantees on towbars; 12-month coverage on installation and electrics, with free repairs for covered faults.
High customer satisfaction: 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating from over 10,000 reviews.
Cons
Occasional appointment changes: rescheduling may occur due to parts or engineer availability, potentially disrupting plans.
12-month installation warranty may feel short: post-warranty issues incur an £80+VAT call-out if unrelated to original work.
Mains power required for some vehicles: towbar coding may need a nearby electrical socket; not always communicated beforehand.
Customer Experience
The booking process deserves credit for its simplicity. The website guides you through selecting your towbar type and electrics, shows the total price upfront, and lets you choose from available dates. Everything is paid in advance, which some may find off-putting, though it does mean no surprises on the day.
Pre-fitting communication typically includes email confirmation and often a phone call to verify details. On the fitting day, most customers report their engineer calling ahead with an estimated arrival time. Fitters generally arrive within the booked morning or afternoon window, though occasional delays do occur.
The fitting itself usually takes between one and four hours depending on vehicle complexity. Engineers work from their fully equipped vans, meaning they carry all necessary tools and parts. After completion, a demonstration of how to use the towbar (particularly important for detachable models) and electrics testing are standard practice.
Towbar Express’s aftercare is truly industry-leading. Several months after installation, my vehicle failed its MOT due to a towbar lighting fault
I contacted their office, and a technician arrived the next morning. The engineer conducted full diagnostics and found no faults with the towbar. When I spoke to the garage, they admitted the error. Despite the issue being no fault of Towbar Express, I was not charged for the unnecessary callout.
Pricing and Value
Towbar Express positions itself in the mid-range price bracket. Quotes vary significantly based on vehicle make, model, towbar type, and electrics chosen, so direct price comparisons prove difficult without specific details.
Many customers note that prices compare favourably with main dealer quotations, sometimes significantly so. Others find them slightly higher than independent local garages but consider the convenience of mobile fitting worth the premium.
All prices shown include fitting, with no hidden extras for labour. VAT is included in quoted figures. Trade customers can request discounted rates.
The value proposition centres on convenience and reliability rather than being the cheapest option available. For caravanners who struggle to spare a day waiting at a garage, or those without a suitable workshop nearby, the mobile service justifies its cost.
Accreditations and Credentials
Every towbar supplied meets EC 94-20 Type Approval requirements, which became mandatory for vehicles registered after August 1998. This means the products have passed strength and quality tests and are designed specifically for your vehicle's mounting points.
The company holds full company registration (05990815) and VAT registration, operating as a legitimate established business rather than a sole trader operation. They are authorised retailers for major towbar and accessory brands including Brink, Thule, Tow Trust, PCT, and ECS Electronics.
Fitters are trained in-house rather than being subcontracted, which the company emphasises as a quality control measure. While individual fitters do not necessarily hold separate industry certifications, the company takes responsibility for their work through its warranty provisions.
Why We Recommend Them
Towbar Express earns recommendation primarily through consistent service delivery backed by an impressive volume of positive customer feedback. More than 25 years in business and over 10,000 Trustpilot reviews provide substantial evidence of reliability.
The mobile fitting model solves a genuine problem for caravanners. Rather than hunting for a local fitter, arranging transport, and losing a day to waiting, you simply book online and carry on with your life until the engineer arrives.
Quality control through direct employment of fitters, combined with warranties that cover both product and installation, provides reasonable protection against problems. When issues do occur, the company generally responds appropriately.
For first-time caravanners especially, the hand-holding approach proves valuable. Fitters who take time to demonstrate equipment and answer questions help build confidence for those nervous about towing.
The main considerations before booking are checking coverage for your area and ensuring you have suitable space for the fitter to work safely on your vehicle.
Rating
Overall Score: 4.5/5
Score Breakdown
Service Quality: 4.5/5
Communication: 4/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Professionalism: 5/5
Disclaimer
This review reflects our genuine opinions based on research and available customer feedback. Service quality, pricing, availability, and coverage areas may change without notice. Please contact the provider directly for the most current information before booking. Caravan Coach cannot be held responsible for differences between this review and the actual service you receive.
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