Costs
Towbar installation cost, and what pushes it up
A fitted towbar costs from a few hundred dollars on a small car to $2,000 or more on a late-model ute with a heavy-duty bar, wiring and coding. Here is where the money goes, from published price guides.
Hitch & HighwayChecked 3 October 20262 min read
Quick answer
Published 2025 guides put a supplied-and-fitted towbar at about $300 to $550 for a small car, $430 to $850 for an SUV or ute, and more for European cars and EVs. For a Next Gen Ford Ranger, one 2026 guide estimates $1,100 to $2,200 all in for a heavy-duty bar with vehicle-specific wiring and coding.
Where the money goes
- The bar. Vehicle-specific; heavy-duty and recovery-style bars cost more.
- Fitting. Usually one to two and a half hours; more if the bumper needs cutting.
- Wiring. A vehicle-specific harness or module so the trailer lights don't upset the vehicle's electronics. Often sold separately.
- Coding. Telling the vehicle a towbar is fitted, which enables trailer sway control and sensor behaviour on many late-model vehicles.
- Extras. A brake controller for an electric-braked trailer is a separate job. See brake controllers.
By vehicle type
| Vehicle | Supplied and fitted (2025 guide) |
|---|---|
| Small car | $300 to $550 |
| SUV or 4WD | $430 to $800 |
| Ute | $470 to $850 |
| European vehicle | $650 to $1,600 |
| Electric vehicle | $850 to $1,850 |
From Towbar Installation Australia's 2025 price guide. Always ask for a drive-away price that includes wiring and coding.
A Ford Ranger example
For a Next Gen Ranger in 2026, Oz Canopies lists supply prices from about $627 (Ironman heavy duty) to $2,088 (ARB Summit), wiring harnesses from about $275 to $455 where not included, and coding from $50 to $150. Its all-in estimates run from $1,100 to $1,500 for a budget setup to $2,400 to $3,000 for a premium protection bar.
Check the plate
A towbar must comply with ADR 62 and carry a rating plate showing its maximum towing and tow ball ratings. The lower of the towbar's and the vehicle's ratings is your limit.
Common questions
How much does a towbar cost?
Supplied and fitted, about $300 to $550 for a small car and $430 to $850 for an SUV or ute on published 2025 guides; one 2026 guide estimates $1,100 to $2,200 all in for a Next Gen Ford Ranger with a heavy-duty bar, wiring and coding.
How long does towbar installation take?
Usually one to two and a half hours; allow half a day if the bumper needs cutting and the wiring needs coding.
Sources
Hitch & Highway is a towing and van gear store in preparation and is not trading yet.