This inspection applies to: all types of towbar fitted to
the rear of a vehicle. It does not include emergency
towing eyes.
If a tow ball or pin is not fitted at the time of test, e.g.
because it is detachable, has been unbolted or
otherwise removed, but the attachment brackets are still
in place these brackets should still be assessed unless
they have been deliberately rendered unfit for further
use.
Assessing wear
Wear in a pin, jaw or hook should be regarded as
excessive if the thickness of the metal at any point is
reduced by more than 25% of the original thickness.
Pin locating holes should be rejected if they are worn or
elongated by more than 25% of their original diameter.
These criteria also apply to pins and brackets for any
height adjustment or swivel devices.
For tow balls the amount of acceptable wear is
considerably less. However, a tow ball should only be
rejected if a visual assessment indicates that the tow
ball is obviously excessively worn.
Play in detachable tow balls
Some detachable tow balls have play between the
receiver socket and the tapered swan neck fitting, with
up to 3mm movement measured at the ball end.
Reason for Rejection 4a should only be used where
play is greater than this.
Inspection of components
No covers or panels shall be removed to facilitate the
inspection of any components, including tow ball covers.
However, it may be necessary to inspect some
components from inside the luggage compartment,
including lifting of loose fitting mats or carpet.
Quick release mechanisms must not be operated, only
visually assessed
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1. Visually assess the towbar for wear and pull on the
towbar and/or its mountings to check for security,
corrosion, fractures or damage.
2. Check the towbar assembly is attached to the
vehicle structure using mountings, supports and
fixings of an appropriate size and type.
3. Check the presence and security of:
a. retaining devices e.g. nuts & bolts
b. locking devices e.g. split pins, ‘R’ pins.
Note: Some locking devices are not obvious. In such
cases, the vehicle presenter should be advised of any
evidence of disturbance or insecurity.
4. On detachable tow balls:
a. check for play between the tow ball arm and its
receiver socket
b. visually assess the condition of any quick
release mechanism.
5. On height adjustable or swivelling towbars, check:
a. for presence, and security of locating or swivel
pins
b. locating or swivel pins and brackets for
excessive play or wear
c. locating or swivel pin retaining devices for
presence and security.
6. Check the condition of the body and chassis in the
vicinity of the towbar mountings.
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1. A towbar component insecure, fractured or
excessively:
• worn
• corroded, or
• damaged.
2. Towbar assembly is attached to the vehicle
structure using a mounting, support or fixing which
is obviously of an inappropriate size or type.
3.
a. Retaining device missing or insecure
b. locking device missing, insecure, inadequate or
damaged to the extent that its operation is
impaired.
4.
a. Excessive play between a detachable tow ball
and its receiver socket
b. a quick release mechanism that does not
secure the tow ball arm as intended.
5.
a. A locating or swivel pin missing or insecure
b. excessive play or wear in a locating or swivel
pin or bracket
c. a locating or swivel pin retaining device missing
or insecure.
6. Any deliberate modification, excessive corrosion,
damage, fracture or inadequate repair of a load
bearing structure or supporting panelling within
30cm of the towbar mountings, which affects its
strength to the extent that the security of
attachment of the towbar is significantly reduced.
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