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Hiya

I don't know if anyone can help, but we have just had a tow bar fitted to are Renault Espace (new shape) and we are not convinced it is fitted correctly.

The top of the tow ball is below the top of the bumper and only sits 380mm from the ground when the car is empty.  We have looked at a couple of other Renault Espace and they appear to sit higher than ours - not sure if it just depends on make or whether there is a legal height for them.

With our caravan on, the jockey wheel is only centimetres from the ground (and we don't overload!!)

Before we go back to the company that fitted it, just wanted to pick your brains!

Thanks

Wendy

I have read that the proper height for a 50mm towball when the car is fully loaded but not attached to the caravan, should be between 350mm to 420mm.

However, if your car was fully laden and you then attached a caravan, you would exceed the GVW by the down-weight on the towbar.

This information was obtained here.

Thanks very much for that - I think I will have to get the chap back that fitted it.  Upon checking it again, (apparently you measure from the middle of the tow ball) it is only approx 350mm with the car empty. 

Quote: Originally posted by wendywirdz on 01/6/2008

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Thanks very much for that - I think I will have to get the chap back that fitted it.  Upon checking it again, (apparently you measure from the middle of the tow ball) it is only approx 350mm with the car empty. 

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When I bought my Nissan Patrol (from a main dealer), it was already fitted with a towbar - but it was impossible to hookup because the towball was too near to the rear bumper.  When I checked with the towbar manufacturer, it transpired that it was for a Nissan Patrol - but an earlier version.  You need to be sure that the towbar is actually for the precise model & year of towcar that you own.  

Cheers
Andrew

>>> My real advice though, would be to change the car for anything other than a Renault. Our Grand Scenic has been the most unreliable, poorly built car we've ever owned - back to the dealers 25 times in the first year, excluding services!   I'll never buy Renault again.... but that's another story!  <<<

We tow our van (see gallery) with either of two Renaults. A 1.5d Clio and a 1.5d Scenic.

Whilst the Clio is okay, the Scenic is fantastic. Indeed in a year or so's time we intend to trade it in for a brand new one.