What is the difference between a factory installed tow bar and an aftermarket tow bar? – Jalopnik

One of the main advantages of a pickup or SUV is the ability to tow a wide variety of equipment and other vehicles. While these vehicle types typically offer the most robust towing capabilities, crossovers can also be a good option. The Model Y’s towing capacity isn’t bad, especially if you opt for the factory towing package. The absolutely essential part needed to tow things with your vehicle is the tow bar or tow bar receiver. The tow bar is a part that is attached to the frame of the vehicle and provides an attachment point for a trailer.

These tow bars are available in different configurations depending on the tow vehicle and the power required. For many, a tow bar will be sufficient as it works with most vehicles and can handle a wide range of loads. The ball coupling is mounted at the rear of the vehicle, just below the bumper. Especially for heavy pick-ups, fifth wheels and gooseneck couplings are also designed to pull enormous weights. Instead of being attached to the frame under the rear bumper, these heavy-duty hitches use mounting points in the truck bed to place the weight over the rear axle, helping to stabilize heavy trailers.

There are two ways to get a tow bar on your vehicle: opting for a factory tow package or installing an aftermarket product. When comparing the two, the main differences lie in appearance, performance, cost and convenience. Choosing which one suits you best also depends on what you are going to tow.

Original manufacturer parts (OEM) also have a much more attractive appearance, as they are made specifically for a particular model. This means that while aftermarket products may look bulkier and less uniform, the factory parts are better integrated and appear as part of the vehicle, rather than as additional components.

In addition, if you choose a tow package from the car manufacturer, the installation is already complete when you receive the vehicle. This means you’re ready to tow right away, without having to spend part of your weekend sliding around the garage floor bolting on parts.

It is also important to remember that factory installations are not immune to problems, as there have been cases where OEM parts were discovered to be defective. A good example was a 2022 recall where it was discovered that Kia and Hyundai tow bar wiring could spontaneously combust. In this case, an aftermarket option would have been safer, as the recommended action by the car manufacturers was to park the vehicle outdoors until repairs could be made.

In some cases, such as when purchasing a used vehicle, an aftermarket tow bar system may be your only option. This allows for greater flexibility of third-party options, meaning those with older models can still benefit from the towing capacity.

Essentially, if you plan to regularly tow heavier loads, such as a camper, farm animals or large equipment, it is worth purchasing a factory towing package that will prepare the vehicle for the workload. However, if you’re planning less rigorous applications, like hauling a riding mower or perhaps a few sport ATVs, the aftermarket options should be more than sufficient. Additionally, if cost is a consideration, you can find big towing capacity on a budget with used trucks and aftermarket options.