Tow Bars

About this range

A properly matched tow bar is the foundation of safe towing, whether you are hauling a camper trailer, boat or work trailer. As an authorised TJM stockist we carry TJM rear bars and rear step tow bar options to suit popular utes including the Nissan Navara NP300, Ford Ranger PX and Mazda BT-50.

Order online with Australia-wide shipping, or have your tow bar supplied and fitted at our Burwood workshop. Call 03 9808 8966 to check fitment for your vehicle before you buy.

2 products

Buying guide

Towing set-up explained

Safe towing comes down to a few numbers on your trailer and your vehicle. Here's how they decide what brakes, controller and towbar you need.

  1. GTM decides the brakes

    Trailer brake rules use the trailer's GTM (the mass on its axles), not its ATM. Up to 750 kg GTM, no brakes are needed. Over 750 kg the trailer needs brakes, and electric brakes need a controller in the vehicle.

  2. Over 2,000 kg

    All wheels must be braked, with a breakaway system that applies the brakes immediately and holds them for at least 15 minutes if the trailer comes off (VSB 1).

  3. The lowest rating wins

    Your towing limit is the lower of the towbar's rating and the vehicle's rating. The tow ball weight counts towards your vehicle's GVM.

  4. The right plug

    On a 7-pin plug, pin 5 is for brakes only. If the van needs power for a fridge, use a 12-pin plug or an Anderson connection.

Choosing a tow bar

Start with your vehicle's braked towing capacity and the loads you actually pull, because the bar, tongue and hitch all need to be rated for the job. Vehicle specific bars are engineered around each model's chassis and mounting points, which is why our TJM options are listed by make, model and build date rather than as universal parts.

Think about accessories at the same time. Towing electrics need to match your trailer's plug, and heavier trailers with electric brakes bring a brake controller into the picture. Tow ball mount height and drop affect how level the trailer sits, so it pays to sort the mount when the bar goes on rather than afterwards.

Related categories

Common questions

When does my trailer need electric brakes?

Brakes are required once the trailer's GTM is over 750 kg. Over 750 kg the brakes must work from a controller in the vehicle unless they are override (over-run) brakes, which are only allowed up to 2,000 kg. Over 2,000 kg every wheel must be braked, plus a breakaway system (VSB 1).

What's the difference between ATM and GTM?

ATM is the trailer's total mass when loaded, including the weight on the tow ball. GTM is the mass carried by the trailer's own axles. ATM minus GTM is the tow ball download. Both are maker ratings, not weighbridge readings.

Proportional or user-controlled brake controller?

A proportional controller brakes the trailer in step with the vehicle and suits most on-road towing. User-controlled (time-based) braking gives you manual control, which Redarc recommends for sand and steep descents.

What is a breakaway system?

A battery-powered system on the trailer that applies its brakes if it separates from the vehicle. It's required over 2,000 kg and must hold the brakes for at least 15 minutes (VSB 1).

How much tow ball weight should I have?

Guidance ranges from about 5 to 10 percent of the trailer's weight. It counts towards your vehicle's GVM and must stay within the towbar's and vehicle's tow ball limits.

How many safety chains does my trailer need?

One chain built to AS 4177.4 up to 2,500 kg ATM, and two above that (VSB 1).

Keep going

Electric Brake ControllersProportional and user-controlled24 in range Towing MirrorsSee past the van50 in range GVM UpgradesWhen tow ball weight pushes you over10 in range