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Subject Topic: US trailer coupling Post Reply Post New Topic
20/5/2017 at 5:03pm
 Location: Scotland
 Outfit: Goodbye Quickstop Hello Globetrotter!
View smartecosse's Profile View Profile   Reply to smartecosse Reply   Quote smartecosse Quote  
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Does anyone have any experience of converting a US tow hitch to a UK style one?

Our Camplite has a horrible tow hitch on it. As well as that it's a braked trailer but via electronic braking (apparently) which our car doesn't have.

There is a manual handbrake fitted.

The coupling is welded onto the front of the frame.....not bolted on unfortunately.

I'm wondering if it's a case of being able to cut the current one off.....weld a suitable mounting plate on and fit a complete braked UK hitch assembly and somehow connect this to the braking system.

I haven't had time to crawl underneath and inspect the system yet but I'm hoping at the very least I'll be able to replace the coupling.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks


20/5/2017 at 6:32pm
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View Opensauce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Opensauce Reply   Quote Opensauce Quote  
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Separate the 2. First braking. If you want to use US electric brakes in UK then you need car suitably equipped to use them. It is then legal.

You can fit a UK 50mm hitch in place of existing hitch. It is an engineering job that needs to be done by competent person.

Or do the whole job & fit overrun hitch head & new axle with overrun brakes to make trailer proper UK spec.


25/5/2017 at 11:20pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: 2005 Viking Saga 1906ST
View Tom C-S's Profile View Profile   Reply to Tom C-S Reply   Quote Tom C-S Quote  
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Sorry to say I do know what you need to do. First, have the American hitch cut off and an adaptor for a European hitch welded on... As for the breaks, they are electronic and the controller is a computer which you can only get in America. This form of breaking system in the European community is not recognized, or allowed except for American service members stationed in England, and for others, not allowed with the exception of Lorries... To take care of both problems, I had an ALKO wheel base placed on the trailer with brakes and the hitch replaced so you had a "manual" brake system. It cost me almost the same amount as the entire trailer..... I did this all, 12 years ago.

-------------
Proud owner of a
2005 VIKING Saga 1906ST European


26/5/2017 at 8:38pm
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US trailers with electric brakes can be towed in UK by UK reg vehicle provided vehicle is properly equipped. It's on .gov website in trailer towing regs.



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