Why Choose Peter Bowman Towing Centre?
Peter Bowman Towing Centre is a Quality Secured accredited centre by the National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA). We have been fitting towbars for over 30 years, so we have the experience to help you choose the right solution for your vehicle. Our workshop is based in Bury, and we serve customers from across Greater Manchester and the surrounding areas. We also meet the high standards recognised by the Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club.
Professional Towbar Fitting in Greater Manchester
We supply and fit high quality fixed and detachable towbars from leading manufacturers. Our experienced team will guide you on the right towbar and electrics for your vehicle and towing needs. Whether you are towing a caravan, trailer or cycle carrier, every installation is carried out with care and attention to detail to ensure complete safety and reliability.
Areas We Cover
Although our workshop is in Bury, we regularly welcome customers from surrounding towns and cities. We serve the whole of Greater Manchester including:
- Bury
- Bolton
- Oldham
- Rochdale
- Stockport
We serve surrounding towns and villages across Greater Manchester and the North West.
Fixed – Swan Neck Towbar
With a fixed swan neck towbar, the towball is integrated with the neck of the towbar itself. Traditionally popular in Europe, this style is becoming more common in the UK thanks to its slimmer and more compact design.
Please note that swan neck towbars may not be compatible with certain towball mounted accessories such as bumper guards and some cycle carriers. They are compatible with Al Ko equalisers, with no need to purchase a special Al Ko towball.
What You Can Expect From Our Towbar Fitting Service
- Friendly, knowledgeable service from start to finish
- A competitive quote straight away by email or phone
- Clear guidance on the best towbar and electrics for your vehicle
- Demonstrations available at our shop in Bury
- Towbars fitted by experienced technicians in our Bury workshop
- Towing equipment supplied by trusted brands including Tow Trust, Witter and Brink
- Vehicle specific electrical kits explained and fitted correctly
- On site coding and programming with our diagnostic equipment
- We can deal directly with your dealership if needed
Most towbars take up to half a day to fit professionally. Our booking times are Monday to Friday at 8:30am, 10:00am or 1:00pm, with Saturday mornings also available. We have a comfortable waiting room and we will make you a brew while you wait.
If you need to change your appointment, we kindly ask that you call us as soon as possible.
Towbar Fitting Glossary
- Towbar
The metal structure fitted to the rear of your vehicle that allows you to tow a trailer, caravan or a cargo box. Towbars can also carry bikes securely.
- Towball
The ball shaped part of the towbar that connects to the trailer or caravan hitch.
- Flange
The mounting plate to which the towball is bolted. Most commonly found on fixed towbars. The flange is also useful when towing accessories are needed such as bumper guards and cycle carriers.
- Neck
The part of the towbar that extends from the mounting point to the towball. On swan neck towbars this is a single piece.
- Fixed towbar
A permanent towbar that stays in place at all times. These towbars offer excellent strength for regular towing.
- Detachable towbar
A towbar with a removable neck that can be taken off when not needed. Ideal if you only need a towbar for certain journeys rather than daily use.
- Swan neck towbar
A slim and modern towbar where the towball and neck are one piece. It is often less noticeable and works well with Al Ko equalisers.
- Towbar electrics
The electrical connection that powers the trailer or caravan lighting, indicators and additional systems while towing.
- Vehicle specific wiring
A wiring kit designed especially for your exact vehicle make and model. It helps your safety systems work correctly when towing.
- Coding / programming
The process of updating the vehicle’s onboard computers so they recognise the towbar and electrics which helps parking sensors and safety features operate properly while towing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does a towbar fitting take?
Most towbars take up to half a day to fit professionally in our Bury workshop. You can relax in our waiting room with a brew while we complete the installation.
- Do all towbars have electrics?
Yes. When you tow a trailer, bike rack or caravan, the lights on whatever you are towing must work correctly. The towbar electrics provide power to those rear lights whenever you brake or indicate. On modern vehicles the electrics also help parking sensors and safety systems work properly while towing.
- Will my parking sensors be affected?
Some vehicles may detect the towball, especially with a fixed flange towbar. We will check this for you and recommend the best option for your car.
- Do I need towbar electrics for a cycle carrier?
Yes. The electrics are needed for the cycle carrier’s lighting board to work correctly when your lights are blocked.
- Can a towbar affect my warranty?
No, not when fitted correctly using quality parts. We supply trusted brands and fit vehicle specific electrics to protect your manufacturer warranty.
- Can you fit a towbar to a leased car?
In many cases yes. We can offer detachable options that can be removed at the end of the lease if needed. Always check your agreement first.
- Do you offer towbar fitting outside Bury?
Yes. Our workshop is in Bury and we welcome customers from across Greater Manchester including Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale and Stockport.