Towbar towballs are an essential component of many towbars, particularly those designed for utility vehicles, off-road vehicles and SUVs.
But what makes them so special, and which type is best suited to your needs: a 2-hole or a 4-hole towball? Read on to learn everything you need to know about towbar balls in this Towbars-Online article.
Definition of a Flanged Towball
A flanged towball is a type of ball joint that is designed to be mounted on towbars. Towbars with a flange towball ball feature a flat, rectangular or square plate to which the tow ball is attached.
The flange ball itself is mounted directly onto the towbar flange using screws. One of its main advantages is its flexibility. This allows different towballs to be installed and replaced depending on the trailer or accessory’s needs and requirements.
Flanged towball – differences
The popularity of flange towbars is due to:
- Adaptability: The towball can be interchanged to accommodate different heights and load requirements.
- Load capacity: These are designed to withstand high tensile loads and are ideal for heavy trailers.
- Easy replacement in case of wear: Only the towball needs to be replaced, not the entire towbar.
Removable flanged towball – it’s also possible
Few people know that flanged towball can be removable. Special adapters, such as the Varioblock interchangeable system, enable the ball joint to be swiftly removed and replaced with various accessories, including anchor plates, height adjustment plates, offset plates and step plates.
What are the standards for flanged towball?
There are two types of flanged coupling standard in Europe: 2-hole and 4-hole. The difference lies in the type of attachment.
- The 2-hole towball has a centre distance of 90 mm and is designed for two M16 screws.
- The 4-hole towball has a hole pattern of 56 x 86 mm. The holes are designed for four M10 or M12 screws.
Flanged towball 2-4 holes
Comparing Two- and Four-Hole Flanged towball
A thorough analysis is required to determine whether a two- or four-hole flange towball would be more suitable. It is a common misconception that four-hole couplings are generally superior due to their ability to withstand higher loads. However, this is not always the case. Both types of towball are subject to the same strict testing standards, and their suitability depends on specific approval values. For vehicles with a total weight of 3.5 tonnes or less, the maximum D-value, which corresponds to the tensile load, is 17.2 kN — equivalent to a load of up to 3,500 kg.
Nameplate with towball values
It is worth noting that some two-hole towball can achieve higher D-values than some four-hole models. The maximum permissible loads are always indicated on the coupling’s data plate. Two-hole balls have the advantage of being compact and lightweight, which, in many cases, allows for additional height adjustment — an option that is often lacking with four-hole balls.
Four-hole towball, on the other hand, offer a greater variety of shapes and sizes. While direct height adjustment is generally not possible, they offer additional ways to position the ball as needed. Therefore, the choice between a two-hole towball and a four-hole towball fitting depends heavily on personal preference and the user’s specific requirements.
Adapter plate for changing the ball from 2 to 4 holes (and vice versa)
Additional Accessories for Flange towballs
Flange towball allow the installation of numerous accessories that optimize everyday use, on construction sites, or in the field.
Here are some examples of adapters and mounting plates that can be mounted on a towbar. You’ll find these and many other products for commercial vehicles at X-CAMPING and in the AHK-OnlineShop.
- Winch mounting plate
Winch mounting plate
- Tractle lyre shakle, towing eye
Adapters for winches, snow plows to insert
Interchangeable plate, height adjustment plates, offset plate
Running boards for motorhomes and utility vehicles
Pivoting swivel for bike racks
Anchor plate for trailer cable
Conclusion
Flange balls offer great flexibility and adaptability, meeting a wide variety of towing requirements. Whether to choose a 2-hole or 4-hole ball ultimately depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences. The right accessories can further enhance functionality, making flange balls a popular choice for many vehicle owners.