On the roads, you often see cars with a tow hitch installed, even though there is no trailer behind them. At first glance, such a decision might seem strange: why equip a car with an additional device if it is not used for its intended purpose? However, many motorists have very specific reasons for such an upgrade.

The need may arise at any moment

The most common reason for installing a tow hitch is the desire to prepare in advance for possible tasks related to cargo transportation. Many car owners operate on a simple principle: today a trailer is not needed, but tomorrow it might be.

Car tow hitch
Car tow hitch
Источник изображения: Creative commons

Most often, this approach is followed by:

  • fishermen and hunters who periodically need to transport bulky equipment;
  • dachniks who regularly face the transportation of crops, tools, or building materials;
  • rural residents for whom the transportation of feed, fertilizers, and various household goods is a common occurrence.

Even if you don't own a trailer, you can always rent one. In this case, having an already installed towing device allows you to immediately use the necessary equipment without additional time and money costs.

Additional protection in minor collisions

Many motorists consider a tow hitch as a kind of protective element for the rear of the car. The metal structure can indeed absorb some of the impact during minor contact with another vehicle or obstacle.

Drivers often cite real-life examples. In one such case, a car was hit when another participant in the parking lot was backing up. Thanks to the installed tow hitch, serious body damage was avoided — only the paintwork of one of the elements was affected.

However, one should not overestimate the capabilities of the device. A tow hitch can help with light touches and minor accidents, but it is not designed to protect the car in serious accidents.

Protection of the rear body and undercarriage

Some car owners consider the tow hitch an additional barrier between the body and various obstacles.

Car tow hitch
Car tow hitch
Источник изображения: Avto Hunter

In certain situations, it can indeed be useful:

  • when parking near high curbs;
  • when driving on country roads;
  • when operating a car on light off-road conditions;
  • in conditions of limited maneuvering space.

In such cases, the metal hook can be the first to come into contact with an obstacle and protect plastic elements or the lower part of the body from damage, scratches, and chips.

Reliable towing point

Another reason for installing a tow hitch is the possible need to tow a car.

Many experienced drivers note that standard towing eyes are not always highly durable. Under serious loads, such fasteners can deform or even fail.

A tow hitch, on the other hand, is a massive metal structure attached to the power elements of the body. Thanks to this, it provides a more reliable attachment point for the tow rope and reduces the risk of damage to standard elements during car transportation.

What the law says

When installing a tow hitch, it is important to consider not only the practical advantages but also the legal requirements.

Tow hitch
Tow hitch
Источник изображения: Avtocod\drive2

The use of a towing device without additional approvals is permitted in cases where the car manufacturer has provided for the possibility of towing a trailer. Relevant information must be contained in the vehicle documentation, including the PTS or OTTS. Also, the device itself must comply with established safety requirements.

If the car's design does not initially provide for trailer towing, the installation of a tow hitch is considered an alteration to the vehicle's design. In such a situation, it will be necessary to go through the procedure of registration and making appropriate changes to the registration documents.

Ignoring these requirements can lead to:

  • a warning or an administrative fine of 500 rubles;
  • difficulties during technical inspection;
  • additional questions from traffic police officers during roadside checks.

A tow hitch on a car does not always mean that the owner regularly uses a trailer. For some motorists, it is a kind of reserve for the future, for others - additional car protection, and for still others - a convenient solution in case of towing.

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