PRICE GUIDE · VEHICLES & TRANSPORT · 2026–2027
Tow Bar Fitting cost in the UK
£200–£1,200 per job. Typically £400.
Tow bar fitting costs £200–£1,200 per job in the UK, with about £400 typical for a supplied and fitted bar. A fixed flange bar with universal electrics is cheapest; a detachable bar costs more, and a retractable bar with dedicated wiring and coding costs the most.
- Search and compare — no account needed
- Nearest to you first
- One score from Google, Trustpilot and Locufy reviews
HOW MUCH IT COSTS
How much does tow bar fitting cost in the UK?
| Low end | £200 | a fixed flange bar with universal electrics |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | £400 | what most people pay |
| High end | £1,200 | a retractable bar with dedicated wiring |
Locufy guide prices for 2026–2027. Updated 2026. A national range, not a quote — enter your town above for real prices from the garages, mobile mechanics and valeters near you.
What moves the price
- Type of tow bar — fixed flange bars cost least, detachable swan necks more, retractable bars the most
- Electrics — a dedicated wiring kit that talks to the car's computer costs more than a universal kit
- Coding — many newer cars need the tow bar electrics coded so trailer lights and stability systems work
- Bumper work — some cars need the bumper cut or removed to fit the tow bar neatly
- Make and model — premium cars and SUVs often need dearer, model-specific tow bar kits
- Mobile or workshop — a mobile tow bar fitter saves you a trip but may cost a little more
Vehicle maintenance prices in the UK are up 38% over five years (ONS Consumer Price Inflation, Maintenance and repairs, to 2026 August). Five years ago a typical tow bar fitting would have cost about £220 — an estimate from today's guide price and that index, not a recorded price. Source: ONS MM23 D7ED →
WHAT YOU GET
What a tow bar fitting booking includes
Takes: Two to four hours, longer if the bumper needs cutting or the electrics need coding. Not included: Bike racks, roof bars and trailer servicing are priced separately — see the related guides below.
WHAT PEOPLE BOOK
Common tow bar fitting jobs
KNOW THE PRICE? NOW SEE THE REAL ONES
Tow Bar Fitting near you, with prices shown
The garages, mobile mechanics and valeters that cover your area, nearest first, each with their price and one score from every review. No account needed to look.
Or post the job free and let them come to you.
How to pay less
- Choose a fixed tow bar if you tow often and are happy for the neck to stay visible
- Ask for a supplied and fitted tow bar price, which is often lower than buying parts separately
- Choose simpler tow bar electrics for a small trailer and pay for extra circuits only if a caravan needs them
Before you book
- Check your car's towing limit in the handbook before choosing a tow bar or trailer
- Ask whether the tow bar is type-approved for your car, as most newer cars need one
- Tell your insurer about the tow bar, as it may change your cover
- Check your licence allows the weight you plan to tow before buying a trailer
Tow Bar Fitting cost: questions people ask
£200–£1,200 per job, with about £400 typical. A fixed flange bar with universal electrics costs the least; a retractable bar with dedicated wiring on a premium car costs the most.
Two to four hours for most cars. Cutting the bumper or coding the electrics can add time.
Most drivers can now tow a trailer up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass, the category BE limit, but the car's own towing limit may be much lower.
A fixed bar is cheapest and suits frequent towing. A detachable bar keeps the bumper tidy, and a retractable bar hides away fully but costs the most.
Bike racks, trailers and roof bars are separate purchases, and caravan servicing is priced on its own.
They are Locufy guide prices for the UK, drawn from published UK tow bar fitting price guides. They form a national range, not a quote, and your car and the bar type set the price.
MORE GUIDES