Towing with an EV is not just possible, it’s downright fashionable
EV Stealth Towbars offer a revolutionary way to enhance your electric vehicle’s functionality without compromising its sleek appearance. Designed to be fully concealed when not in use, these innovative towbars allow you to maintain the original aesthetics of your car while providing the capability to tow when needed. In this guide, you’ll discover how EV Stealth Towbars can transform your EV experience, ensuring that you can easily transition between everyday driving and outdoor adventures with seamless convenience.
Understanding EV Stealth Towbars
The EV Stealth Towbar is a revolutionary solution for electric vehicle owners, designed with aesthetics and functionality in mind. This innovative towing accessory allows you to maintain the sleek appearance of your EV while enabling your vehicle to tow various loads, catering to a wider range of needs for modern EV owners.
What is an EV Stealth Towbar?
Assuming you are a proud electric vehicle owner, you don’t want a towbar sticking out the back all the time. An EV Stealth Towbar is a fully concealed towing solution engineered for environmental and aesthetic considerations. It integrates seamlessly with your vehicle, ensuring no visual obstruction while providing the capability to tow when needed.
Features of EV Stealth Towbars
There’s a host of features that set EV Stealth Towbars apart from traditional towing solutions. These include a fully concealed design, local manufacturing, and compliance with Australian Standards (AS4177.2) to ensure safety and reliability for your towing needs.
To enhance your experience, EV Stealth Towbars are crafted to be unobtrusive when not in use, preserving your vehicle’s original look. Each towbar is rigorously tested for safety and quality, allowing you to tow with confidence, all while supporting local manufacturing in Australia and working with trusted installers in your area.
Compatibility with Electric Vehicles
With high demand for towing solutions among electric vehicle owners, compatibility is a crucial factor. EV Stealth Towbars are designed to cater to a variety of electric vehicle models, ensuring you can find a solution that works seamlessly with your specific make and model.
Compatibility is key for effective towing; that’s why EV Stealth Solutions actively works to develop new products for models without existing solutions. If you have an electric vehicle that lacks a listed towbar, you can easily reach out to us for custom solutions, making sure no EV owner misses out on towing capabilities.
Goodbye Beeping and Braking
With many cars, you need to disable features like the rear collision alerts and emergency braking so the sensors on the back of your car don’t assume you’re about to back into something every time you try to reverse your tralier. As if reversing a trailer isn’t stressful enough for some people, having all the alarms and emergency braking go off the moment you try to revers can really throw you out. Then you’ve got to remember how to turn it all off before you can back the tralier up. Worse still, you might forget to turn it all back on and actually back into something after the trailer is detached.
Not so with an EV Stealth solution! The car detects the trailer is plugged in, then disables all that beeping and braking for you, and turns it all back on when you unplug the trailer. Easy Peasy!
Range Recalculation
In many cases the EV can also re-calculate your range based on the trailer load (light, medium or heavy), but this can be dependent on the EV make and model.
Types of EV Stealth Towbars
One of the most appealing features of EV Stealth Solutions™ is the variety of towbars tailored for your electric vehicle. You can choose the one that best fits your needs from the following options:
- Hitch Only – A square hitch for fitting a bike rack or other accessory.
- Hitch and Tow – If you want to tow, you get both options. A tow ball and a square hitch for fitting a bike rack or other accessory.
- Customised Solutions – you’ll have to talk to them about this, but they will look to see if they can customise to your needs.
Any of these options will ensure your towing needs are met while maintaining your vehicle’s sleek appearance.
Hitch-Only Option
Removable hitch-only options are perfect for those who need a bike rack or other accessory. This design provides just the imperatives for attaching your accessory while allowing your vehicle to maintain its clean lines when not needed.
This setup minimises weight and maintenance while giving you the flexibility to handle accessories when necessary, aligning perfectly with your EV’s efficient design. Any square hitch accessory can be fitted, so long as it meets the necessary weight and safety requirements. Check local laws and regulations to make sure you’re not going to get fined. Also make sure you’re not obsuring your number plate, or get a bike rack plate fitted on the accessory. The small one off fee for the bike rack plate might save you a hefty fine. Check with your local motor registry about a bike rack plate.
Note: while it looks like you could add a square hitch towball, this should NOT be done. The hitch only options isn’t a towing solution.
Removable Hitch and Tow
EV Stealth towbars provide you with the flexibility to easily attach or detach your towing equipment. This feature ensures that when not in use, your vehicle maintains its original sleek appearance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize aesthetics alongside functionality.
You get the hitch only attachment, so when you’re not towing, you can get the kids bikes to the park or the beach with your traditional square hitch bike rack.
A Range of Vehicles Catered For
- Kia
- Hyundai
- Tesla
- BYD
- MG
- Nissan
- Ford
- BMW
- Polestar
- Volvo
- Audi
EV Compatibility and Specifications
One of the first steps in your towing journey is confirming your EV model’s compatibility with the towbar. Understanding the manufacturer’s specifications is crucial, as not all vehicles support aftermarket towing solutions. EV Stealth Solutions™ offers tailored solutions, ensuring you have a perfect fit for your electric vehicle.
Weight Capacity and Towing Requirements
To maximise your towing experience, it’s crucial to evaluate the weight capacity of the towbar. Each EV has a specified towing capacity based on its design, which must be adhered to for safe towing. Engaging with experts can help clarify these requirements and avoid complications.
With electric vehicles, understanding your specific towing needs can greatly influence your choice of towbar. Consider what you’ll be towing, whether it’s a small trailer, bike rack, or other equipment, and ensure that your chosen product meets the necessary weight limits. EV Stealth Solutions™ offers certified towbars that comply with Australian Standards (AS4177.2), assuring you of quality and safety.
Local Regulations and Compliance
Even if your EV and towbar are compatible, compliance with local regulations is vital. Different regions within Australia and New Zealand have specific laws regarding towing equipment, including installation standards and safety requirements. Knowing these rules will save you from potential fines or issues down the line.
Compliance with local regulations ensures safety and protects your investment. It’s advisable to consult with local authorities or approved installers to understand the pertinent laws regarding EV towing in your area. This diligence will help you maintain the integrity of your vehicle while enjoying the broader capabilities added by EV Stealth Solutions™’ products.
Maintenance Tips for EV Stealth Towbars
Many EV owners might overlook the importance of maintaining their EV Stealth Towbars, but regular care ensures optimal performance. Here are some crucial tips to keep in mind:
- Check for any visible wear and tear.
- Keep the mechanism lubricated as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Inspect electrical connections if applicable.
- Clean the towbar regularly to prevent corrosion.
- Use the provided rubber plugs to close the hole when the towbar isn’t fitted – this will keep debris out.
- Make sure the electric plug is secured and don’t let it drag on the ground.
- Keep your trailer lights in good order. Your car will likely alery you if your tralier lights aren’t in good working order. Mine certainly did, resulting in me replacing a faulty tail light (and possibly avoiding a fine). My old car never alerted me, it was up to me to check manually (still a good practice, I guess).
Any neglect could lead to complications when you need your towbar the most.
Towing with an Electric Vehicle: Tips and Tricks
Despite the advanced technology behind electric vehicles, towing should be a seamless experience. Designed to blend in with your vehicle’s original aesthetics, these fully concealed towbars make it easy for you to tow without compromising on style. Whether you’re heading for a weekend getaway or transporting equipment, the EV Stealth Towbar is your perfect partner in your electric journey.
Attaching and Detaching the Towbar
Attaching and detaching it is straightforward. Designed for user-friendliness, it allows you to quickly secure the towbar or release it when not in use, ensuring convenience for your towing needs.
Load Distribution Techniques
There’s more to towing than just attaching a trailer; understanding load distribution techniques is vital for safe towing. Proper weight distribution can significantly affect your vehicle’s handling and braking performance, enabling you to tow safely and confidently.
A well-distributed load helps maintain your vehicle’s balance, reducing the risk of swaying and improving control on the road. Ensure that the trailer’s weight is evenly distributed along the axles. attention load management not only enhances your safety but also extends the life of your towbar, ensuring a long-lasting, reliable towing solution.
Safe Towing Practices
To ensure a seamless and secure towing experience, always adopt safe towing practices. Always verify that your towbar is compatible with your electric vehicle and check the load limits according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Understanding the capacity of your EV will not only enhance your safety on the road but also preserve the performance of your vehicle while towing.
Preparing for Towing
Clearly, proper preparation is key before you hit the road. Start by inspecting your EV Stealth Towbar and coupling mechanism for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure that your load is properly balanced, and remember to distribute weight evenly for optimal handling and stability during your journey.
Driving with a Tow Load
On the road, it’s important to adjust your driving style when towing. Increased stopping distances and altered handling characteristics should be at the forefront of your mind. Familiarise yourself with the additional weight behind your vehicle, as this can impact acceleration, braking, and cornering.
The added load means you need to maintain extra caution, especially when merging, braking, or making sharp turns. As your tow load might increase your vehicle’s overall weight, consider reducing your speed to allow for better control and stopping ability, ensuring a smoother ride for both you and the cargo.
Parking and Maneuvering
If you find yourself needing to park with a tow load, take extra time to assess the space around you. Always use your mirrors and consider your turning radius before maneuvering. Practice patience and precision when parking, as towing requires more space and time for adjustments.
Parking with a tow load can be tricky, so be mindful of your surroundings. Utilize a spotter if needed and make use of broader parking spaces that allow for easier entry and exit. Always check behind you for clearance and avoid tight spaces where maneuvering could become a challenge—after all, safety is paramount when towing your cargo.
Future of Towing with EVs
An exciting future lies ahead for towing with electric vehicles. As technology advances, you can anticipate even greater towing capacities and improved efficiency tailored for EV usage. The seamless integration of towing features into electric designs means a growing array of options will soon be available for EV enthusiasts like you.
Plus, with efforts from industry leaders like EV Stealth Solutions™, the potential for innovative, eco-friendly towing solutions is immense. Imagine a future where your electric vehicle seamlessly handles a variety of towing needs, from camping to transporting goods, all while maintaining high sustainability standards. This evolution not only benefits your adventurous lifestyle but also positively impacts the planet, paving the way for greener transportation solutions.
The torque and efficiency of electric motors ensures steady and smooth acceleration even with the additional weight of a trailer. Not having a traditional gearbox (manual or auto) futher improves the experience, by removing the jerkiness of gear changes.
Author’s Experience
I heard about the EV Stealth Towbars online through user forums and in particular through the Kia EV Owners Club Australia. My towbar was fitted in my driveway by a recommended mobile installer. There was a small problem with one component on installation, which was replaced by the mobile installer returning next day. The fiting was done on a Thursday and he knew I was hoping to tow my trailer on the weekend , so he was back on Friday morning with the required part.
I’ve towed my trailer a few times in the few weeks I’ve had the towbar and it’s been an easy and enjoyable experience. I’m generally just doing tip runs or to the garden centre, around 10 to 15km. I’m yet to do a longer trip with the trailer, but I’ll be back to let you know when I do,
Editor Note: I paid for my EV Stealth Towbar and I’ve not received any endorsements from this post. I have reached out to EV Stealth to see if they’ll provide a link to my blog from their web site.
Where to Buy EV Stealth Towbars
If you like what you’ve read, then here’s how you can get yourself setup with an EV Stealth Towbar. If you own a Kia, head over to the Kia EV Owners Club, to join up (it’s free) for some additional information on Kia EVs and EV Stealth Towbars.
Online
The EV Stealth online store is a convenient platform for you to explore and purchase EV Stealth Towbars directly. Our website features a comprehensive catalog of products, making it easy to navigate and find the right towbar to suit your vehicle’s needs.
It’s imperative to check the product specifications and ensure compatibility with your EV model before purchasing. You can also view customer reviews and ratings to make an informed decision, all while enjoying the benefits of competitive pricing and nationwide shipping.
Installation Services
EV Stealth Solutions™ works with a network of approved installers who specialise in EV technology, ensuring your towbar is fitted properly and safely.
EV Stealth installation services are designed to be seamless, coordinating with your novated lease or finance leasing representative to package the towbar and installation costs together. This integrated approach simplifies the process and supports your transition to EV towing without hassle.
