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Hi all,

Can someone please advise me on the recommended height of the tow ball on the back of a Car?

I have just had a new tow bar fitted to my car (53 plate Rav 4). I hooked the caravan (2009 Sprite Alpine4) onto it just to see how it looked. After standing back and scratching my head, I notice the rear of the caravan was a little bit more in the air than when it was on the back of my Senic!!!! Also the jockey wheels looks too close for comfort to the ground even when wound fully up.

I have measured the height of the towball and it is about 14.5 inches from the ground. Two questions really: the first is, is 15 inches too close to the ground and if so secondly, is there any way in raising it?

Any advice/suggestions would be greatly recieved as I would like to take it out on our first Holiday next Tuesday and would like to  be as safe as possable!!!!!

Cheers

Chris

Hi

 i have a friend who used to tow with the older model Rav 4 and he always had to remove the jockey wheel when towing.

He has now bought a later model and had a removable towbar fitted which he takes off when not towing so as the rear door will open .

All the earlier models tow low due to the rear door being low .

Many thanks for the advice so far. Looks like the way forward is to get adapters for the suspension.

Chances of getting that done before next Tuesday??? I can only try!!!!!

Andy R - We had megga problems with the Senic too. The final straw was the digital dashboard failing and leaving me not knowing speed or petrol level. Thank heavens for the Tom Tom!!!! I will never go back to a Senic.

Although I'm now having doubts about the RAV 4. I wish I done my homework!!!!!!

Cheers again

Chris

When we arrived at the CC site at Dunmore in Scotland after the bumps in the road towards Stranraer the jockey wheel was smashed on our old Bailey towing with our old style Rav4.

I would think a higher detachable tow ball would be best as Andy R suggested as higher suspension would upset the car when not towing unless its adjustable.

Andy

Quote: Originally posted by Scott3 on 10/2/2009

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....... Looks like the way forward is to get adapters for the suspension.

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Quote: Originally posted by Scott3 on 10/2/2009

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.....I have just had a new tow bar fitted to my car (53 plate Rav 4). I hooked the caravan (2009 Sprite Alpine4)......I have measured the height of the towball and it is about 14.5 inches from the ground......

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Hi,

Again, many thanks for all the advice. Very helpful would be an understatement!!!!!!!

I have now looked at all the options. I have decided to go with TOYRAV (George's) advice. I've contacted my 'towbar' person and he is coming around to fit the new swan-neck stowbar on Friday (What service!!!)

If I have any more difficulties I know where to ask!!!!  I can now look forward to our first trip next Tuesday to Sunny Dorset!!!!

Cheers

Chris