Advice on tow bar

watch your shins if a fixed towbar is fitted. Ouch.

Not if you can reach a few quid in your deep pockets and fit a decent cover

I have had a fixed bar on my cars for 38 years and not banged my shin in the last 37+ years.

 ... but there is always the exception to prove the rule ....  

That exception was over 37 years ago 

Would not want a detachable now; bending is difficult with my arthritis, kneeling is easier but getting up is a pig as is washing mucky trousers after kneeling 

It also has the merit that is discourages careless parkers.

no deep pockets as have a detachable.

It also has the merit that is discourages careless parkers.

a fixed towbar can do more damage to the chassis if hit and more cost to repair as a detachable they hit the rear bumper and is designed for impact without damaging the chassis.

a fixed towbar can do more damage to the chassis if hit and more cost to repair as a detachable they hit the rear bumper and is designed for impact without damaging the chassis.

Depends on the impact as the car that hits the towbar is also designed to deform easily. Are we talking careless parkers or reckless parkers? 

It does not look anything like my detachable. It also looks a bit close to the bumper to allow an Alko type hitch (stabiliser) to fit in without rubbing on it, although the photo may be deceptive. All looks fairly new so probably 13 pin, but did you lift the flap to check?  We just used to have the one old style socket when we just towed a trailer.

As well as a minimum distance from the bumper the ball also has to be a minimum height to allow the stabiliser to attach correctly. Alko have this diagram, so easy enough to put a tape on and check. Distances are from the centre of the tow ball.