Haymen Reese Tow Bars

Hayman Reese Tow Bars — Compatible for All Vehicle Types

The story of Hayman Reese tow bars is a classic Australian tale of innovation and growth, starting from humble beginnings and evolving into an industry leader with over 70 years of experience.

The Origins (Late 1940s to Early 1950s)

The story begins with Eric Hayman, already a manufacturer making bicycle spokes in a small factory in South Melbourne. The crucial turning point came when a friend asked him to build a tow bar for his new caravan. Eric built two — one for his friend, and another he quickly sold at a country agricultural show. That serendipitous moment was the start of his tow bar business.

Focus on Tow Bars

Demand for tow bars grew quickly, and Eric Hayman shifted his focus from bicycle spokes to manufacturing tow bars in earnest.

Partnership with Reese (1970s)

A significant milestone occurred in 1972 when Reese — a large American towing products company — began working closely with Eric Hayman's business. This partnership introduced key technologies to the Australian market, including weight distribution systems and the revolutionary 50mm square-hole Hitch Receiver tow bar. Before this, most tow bars had fixed mounting points and weren't easily detachable. The 50mm square hitch became, and remains, the Australian industry standard.

Formation of Hayman Reese (1979)

Seven years after the initial collaboration, a new entity called Hayman Reese was officially formed in 1979, with Eric Hayman appointed as its first Managing Director.

Growth and Innovation

Over the decades, Hayman Reese has continued to innovate, introducing a range of industry-leading products:

• SmartClick Wiring Solutions — For quick and efficient wiring installation.
• SmartPin — Reduces rattle from the tow bar for a quieter, more secure towing experience.
• SmartCODE — An intelligent towing solution ensuring seamless integration with modern vehicle operating systems, including blind spot detection with a trailer attached. Particularly important with the increasing complexity of vehicle electronics.
• X-Bar — A specialised tow bar designed for four-wheel drives, offering improved departure angles and integrated recovery points.
• EV and Hybrid Tow Bars — Adapting to the changing automotive landscape with tow bars purpose-built for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Manufacturing and Quality

Hayman Reese has maintained a strong commitment to local manufacturing in Australia. Their facilities — currently in Keysborough, having relocated from South Melbourne and then Dandenong — house original drawings and tooling that allow them to produce tow bars for a vast range of vehicles, from current models to classic cars. They hold significant quality certifications, including ISO 9001 accreditation and NATA accreditation for their testing facility.

Acquisitions and Ownership

Over the years, Hayman Reese has been part of larger entities. In 1996, it became a division of TriMas Corporation Pty Ltd. In 2019, Hayman Reese became part of the AutoPacific Group, an Australian-owned company.

From building a tow bar for a friend to becoming a household name and industry leader, the Hayman Reese story is a testament to adapting to changing automotive technologies and a deep understanding of towing needs across Australia.