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Today we’re going to shine a spotlight on TowRite Towbars, the 100% Australian-owned and operated manufacturer that’s been raising the bar on towbar design and performance.

We’re strong believers in local products here at Speedy Towbars. Towbars that are produced locally are built with Aussie conditions in mind. They handle our unique driving conditions and effortlessly meet our safety standards and expectations. 

All TowRite Towbars are proudly made in their Brisbane factory by a team of experts dedicated to pushing the envelope when it comes to function and safety. These are towbars made for Australian vehicles and the conditions they operate in, so it's no wonder their popularity has been steadily on the rise. 

Let’s take a closer look at why TowRite is making such a name for itself in the towbar industry. 

Engineered for Australia

TowRite knows the terrain because they live it. Whether you're heading to the beach, out west on a red-dirt track, or navigating city traffic, your towbar needs to be able to keep up and adapt. TowRite Towbars do exactly that. 

Every single one is put through a three-stage powder-coating process. This includes a tough E-coat primer that adds an extra layer of defence against rust, wear, and the harsh Aussie elements. That salty coastal air or muddy outback trail? No worries. A TowRite towbar is built to take it all in stride and still look good doing it.

Built with Precision

TowRite doesn’t do cookie-cutter solutions. They use 3D CAD design and laser-cutting technology to tailor each towbar to a specific vehicle. The install is a clean and accurate fit straight into the factory mounting points, whatever compatible model of vehicle you drive. 

There are no dodgy gaps or awkward drilling with a TowRite towbar. The solid engineering looks good and puts safety first, so you can tow with confidence, whether it's for work or play. 

Safety You Can Count On

Towing isn’t just about having a robust and reliable towbar. It’s about keeping you, your passengers, and whatever you’re towing safe on the road. That’s why TowRite towbars offer more than just strength. They’re ADR62 compliant, meaning they meet and exceed strict Australian safety standards for towing gear. Whatever job you’re doing, a TowRite will get it done safely.

And if you’re worried about your vehicle’s warranty, don’t be. A properly installed TowRite towbar won’t void your vehicle warranty. Don't believe the myth floating around that they do! As long as the towbar doesn’t cause damage and meets the right standards, your manufacturer can’t knock back your warranty just because you’ve chosen aftermarket gear.

Lifetime Warranty

Nothing gives you greater confidence in a product than a lifetime warranty. You want your towbar to last at least as long as your vehicle does, and the lifetime warranty TowRite offers means you can be confident it will. The warranty covers any defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service, and is valid across the whole of Australia. 

This isn’t a marketing gimmick, it’s a reflection of the pride TowRite takes in their craftsmanship and the trust they have in their products.

They’re confident a TowRite towbar will go the distance, so you can be too.

Designed for Your Vehicle

TowRite’s range covers most popular makes and models, including:

• Toyota (HiLux, RAV4, Prado)
   
• Ford (Ranger, Everest)
   
• Mazda (BT-50, CX-5)
   
• Mitsubishi (Triton, Outlander)
   
• Nissan (Navara, X-Trail)
   
• Volkswagen (Amarok, Tiguan)
   
• And many more.
   

Each model is carefully designed to align with your vehicle’s specs and towing capacity. The towbars come with compliance stickers that show its max tow rating and tow ball weight limit. This gives you a clear understanding of what it can handle.

If you’re wondering where to find your vehicle’s towing capacity, the best place to look is in your owner’s manual. There should be a ‘towing ‘ section where you’ll find it. It’s important to always be aware of and stay within those limits for a safe towing experience.

Get it Installed Right

A good tow bar with a poor installation can still end up letting you down. We’d recommend a professional installer like Speedy Towbars to install your TowRite towbar. Our team has years of experience fitting these products to all types and makes of vehicles. Your install will be clean, tidy and ultra-dependable, just like your towbar.

Browse our range of TowRite towbars in our online store here, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if we can guide you or help you with the installation. 

Here at Speedy Towbars we love being your trusted source of intel for towing gear and accessories. In this Elecbrakes review, we cut through the noise and give you the lowdown on a brake controller that truly stands out from the crowd! 

The compact and easy-to-use system is packed with smart technology and features, setting a new benchmark for trailer braking systems in Australia. Whatever you’re towing, you’re going to appreciate the convenience, safety and stopping power of the Elecbrakes system. Let’s take a look why. 

First, when and why do you need electric brakes? 

Why Do You Need Electric Brakes?

The brakes on your vehicle are designed to stop your vehicle, not a trailer. If you’re towing a heavy trailer such as a boat or caravan, your vehicle's brakes aren’t designed to safely stop the extra load. That’s where electric brakes come in - they ensure smooth and safe stopping of both your vehicle and trailer. 

Electric brakes aren’t just a safety requirement, they’re the law. If your trailer exceeds 750kg GTM (Gross Trailer Mass), it's legally required to have an assisted braking system on the trailer, In most cases, this will be electric brakes.

The electric braking system requires a controller to control the braking response.  An electric brake controller allows you to control how much braking power is sent to the trailer, depending on the weight of the load you are towing. A reliable controller prevents uneven braking, loss of control, or trailer sway. 

Introducing the Elecbrakes EB2 and VM1

The EB2 and VM1 are the next generation models of the popular Elec Brakes wireless brake controllers. The main difference between the two is the EB2 is trailer-mounted and the VM1 is vehicle-mounted. They both come with a range of shared features that help make them a standout electric brake controller for local conditions. 

Made right here in Australia, they allow you to tow multiple trailers (VM1) with multiple vehicles (EB2), with no dashboard modifications required. Adjustment and control of the system is either through the Elecbrakes smartphone app, or the convenient Elecbrakes remote control. 

Fully ADR-compliant, corrosion resistant, IP67 rated and built tough for Australian conditions, the EB2 and VM1 deliver powerful performance, plug-and-play capabilities and extreme versatility. Here are some of the standout features: 

Features of the EB2

Easy Installation

One of the EB2’s biggest selling points is its plug-and-play setup. Installation doesn’t require an auto electrician, literally anyone with a basic understanding of trailer wiring can do it. The whole process only takes around 15 minutes. 

The EB2 is mounted to your trailer’s drawbar using the provided fixings, securing the bottom surface flush to the frame of the trailer so it's unable to move. You then connect it to the trailer’s electrical plug for a ‘hardwired’ connection using the TWL leader loom (purchased separately).

Alternatively, for an even easier installation, purchase an adapter that connects from the brake controller to the 7-pin flat or 12-pin flat plug This makes it fully plug-and-play!

Once it's in place, you’re ready to pair the unit to the Elecbrakes smartphone app or remote control. Simply tap your smartphone on the EB2 logo on the main unit and it takes you to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for download. Follow the prompts in the app to connect your unit! 

Trailer Mounted Convenience

Because the EB2 mounts directly to the trailer, it’s a perfect solution for people who use multiple tow vehicles. There’s no need to install a separate controller in each car. Any compliant vehicle can tow the trailer safely. 

As an added bonus the EB2 does not require any additional wiring to your vehicle, it utilises power from the tail light circuit (which must remain on whilst towing) and the brake light circuit once activated.

If you share your caravan with other family members or have a commercial trailer used by  multiple fleet vehicles, the flexibility of the EB2 will hit all the right notes. 

Features of the VM1

The Elecbrakes VM1 is the latest addition to the Elecbrakes family. VM stands for vehicle-mounted, as this model has been specifically designed to be mounted in your vehicle. You don’t have to secure anything to your trailer! This is especially handy if you use the one vehicle to tow multiple trailers. 

Connection to the trailer wiring is identical to the EB2. You can choose between a TWL leader wired into the trailer plug on your vehicle, or by running the cable out of the boot and connecting it via an adapter to the 7-pin flat or 12-pin flat plug. 

One thing to keep in mind is the VM1 requires a 12v power source connected to the tow vehicle's existing trailer circuit. 

Want more to compare? Don't just take our word for it, Visit www.elecbrakes.com.au and click on the EB2 v VM1 Comparison. Alternatively give our team a call at any stage to see which unit might be right for you! 

Elecbrakes Smartphone App

The Elecbrakes app, available on iOS and Android, acts as your control centre for both the EB2 and VM1. It integrates with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so you no longer need to use your phone for adjustments and control of the braking system. It can be done from your vehicle's infotainment system.

From your phone, you can:

• Adjust brake response on the fly
• Pre-program and choose between five braking programs
• Monitor brake activity in real time
• Pair or unpair with the EB2 unit
• Run diagnostics.
• Use ‘Manual override’, a critical safety feature for applying the trailer brakes.

There’s also an optional remote control that offers physical buttons for all major functions if you’d rather that than the smartphone integration. 

Why We Love the EB2 and VM1 from Elecbrakes

We’re big fans of products that make towing safer and easier for the installer and the customer and the EB2 and VM1 tick all the boxes in this regard. What strikes us most is the versatility and ease-of-use, which helps make towing more accessible to the general population. 

Your electric brake system is plug-and-play, instead of having to hire an auto electrician and pay huge installation costs on multiple vehicles. One unit, easy install and more versatility from a single purchase! 

What’s more, the EB2 and VM1 are easy to use, with intuitive controls and app-based adjustments. They’re clever, featuring smooth proportional braking that responds to how hard you apply your tow vehicle’s brakes. It’s wireless, which streamlines installation and ongoing use. We could go on forever!

Adding to all the above is the Australian-made quality, robust build, and legal compliance. No wonder Elecbrakes are fast becoming a go-to controller for vehicles and trailers alike. 

The Speedy Towbars Verdict on the EB2 and VM1

We love that these products are built for the Aussie towing lifestyle: rugged, no-nonsense, and legally compliant. Whether you’re towing a caravan to Cape York or hauling gear around town, Elecbrakes provide a versatile solution that has your braking covered.

At Speedy Towbars, we’re always on the lookout for top-tier towing gear. The EB2 and VM1 more than earn their place in our recommended lineup. If you're after an easy-to-install, highly adaptable and road-legal electric brake controller, these should be right at the top of your list.

 

If you’re gearing up your 4WD for some serious off-road adventures, you’re going to need a towbar that can keep up. We’re talking about rugged durability, off-road capabilities, and built-in recovery options to help you tackle any mountain and get out of any situation! 

They don’t get much tougher than the Hayman Reese X-Bar, the Australian towbar that ticks all the boxes for hardcore off-roaders, weekend warriors and grey nomads alike. Designed first and foremost for four-wheel drivers, the X-Bar is as tough as they come, offering towing, recovery, and rear-end protection.

Let’s take a look at what it brings to the table. 

Heavy-Duty X-Bar Specs

The specs below help make the Hayman Reese X-Bar a standout in its class:

Maximum Tow Capacity: 3,500kg (braked) (Vehicle specifications may vary)

 Maximum Towball Download Rating: 350kg (Vehicle specifications may vary)

Integrated Recovery Points: Three 700-grade steel recovery points rated to 6,500kg (centre hook, single side hook and dual side hook)

ADR Compliant: Yes (ADR62/02)

Tested to Australian Standards AS/NZS4177 in a NATA-accredited laboratory

Construction: Steel with Metalshield™, Hayman Reese’s premium eCoat and powder-coat finish.

Protection: Integrated steel bash plate

Wiring Kit: Hayman Reese vehicle-specific SmartClick™ wiring harness

Fitment: Vehicle-specific design for perfect alignment
 

Designed for challenging conditions and rated for recovery duties, the X-Bar isn’t built for the occasional run to the tip. It has the muscle to back you up in the wildest towing adventures! 

Three-in-One: Tow, Recover, Protect

You get three-in-one functionality when you attach the Hayman Reese X-Bar to your 4WD. Here’s why:

Towing: This is a rock-solid towbar with upto 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity. So its got your back when it comes to heavy towing. The generous 350kg towball weight supports a range of towing applications and accessories whilst keeping you compliant and safe too. 

Recovery: The three built-in recovery points are a big point of difference for off-roaders. The centre recovery hook is rated to 5000kg, and if you’ve got dual side recovery hooks they’re rated to 6500kg. You’ll be the one getting your mates out of trouble… coldies on them! 

Safety: The rear bash plate gives you an extra level of underbody protection, shielding vital components from rocks, ruts and other trail hazards. It improves your departure angle and gives you that edge in rugged terrain.

X-Bar - Built for the Aussie Outdoors

If Cape York creek crossings the red dirt tracks of the Simpson Desert are calling, the Hayman Reese X-Bar will be a perfectly adequate towing companion. This is one tough towbar, coming with increased thickness side arms for better rigidity and built from solid steel. The powder-coated finish adds to its durability, resisting corrosion and weathering over time.

It’s ADR compliant, so you can tow safe in the knowledge it meets the legal requirements for safety and fitment in Australia. When you’re towing through the Australian outback, peace of mind like that is critical! 

Vehicle-Specific Design and a Tough Look

A standout benefit of the X-Bar is its vehicle-specific design. It’s made to fit perfectly on popular 4WD models like the Toyota LandCruiser Prado 150 or the Mazda BT-50 without the need for messy modifications. Installation is relatively straightforward, with plug-and-play wiring kits included to make life easier. You can always bring your vehicle down to Speedy Towbars and our expert team will complete the towbar installation for you. 

Let’s be honest, this towbar looks the part. With its bold red recovery points and aggressive profile, the X-Bar is a nice aesthetic upgrade to the rear of your 4WD… it looks as good as it functions!

Who is it For?

The Hayman Reese X-Bar is a great fit for:

• Touring enthusiasts towing caravans and camper trailers
   
• Off-roaders looking for reliable recovery options
   
• Tradies who carry heavy loads and want added rear protection
   
• 4WD owners wanting to upgrade their vehicle’s functionality and safety
   

If you’re the kind of driver who doesn’t like cutting corners with your towing gear, the X-Bar will suit you perfectly.

Final Verdict

The Hayman Reese X-Bar definitely gets the Speedy Towbars stamp of approval. It’s the complete offroad setup, coming with a big tow capacity, rock solid recovery points and underbody bash plate protection. You’re getting more than a towbar here… you’re getting the peace of mind you need to tackle far-flung Australian adventure locations. 

If you’re convinced this is the towing solution for your off-roader, head over to the Speedy Towbars online store and find the correct model for your vehicle. We deliver all over Australia!

You can always give us a call on 1300 SPEEDY if you have any questions, or bring your vehicle into our Everton Hills or Slacks Creek branches in Brisbane for our team to install your new X-Bar for you!