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Subject Topic: Drop plate - way up? Post Reply Post New Topic
05/12/2012 at 7:46pm
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Ok, im putting a drop plate on my towbar to level the trailer. The plate is 6-holed - 4 + 2. The plate attached to the vehicle also has 4 holes (assumedly to be able to drop the ball down a level without a plate). When i fit the plate, do the 4 holes on it align with the 4 on the bar? And do all 4 holes want a bolt if they do? Or does it depend on how low i want the ball?

Cheers - Mick.


05/12/2012 at 8:29pm
 Location: Lichfield
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 450
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If the plate on the vehicle towbar has 4 bolt holes then you need to align the same 4 holes on the drop plate and use 4 nuts and bolts as it will be more robust and secure. The remaining 2 holes which should be below the other 4 is for the fixing of the 2 towball nuts and bolts. This should make the trailer tow hitch with a slight nose down which I assume that this is what you want to achieve.


05/12/2012 at 10:57pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
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The drop plate may not be legal. Depending on the vehicle and year of manufacture.

Has the towbar been type approved with a drop plate?



06/12/2012 at 11:01am
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
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as above check with your towbar fitters about the legality of a drop plate on your car only. unless type approved you could invalidate your insurance in the event of an accident.you use a drop plate on your towball to go down but not up.if the plate has 4 holes (some have more) two holes are used to bolt the plate to the towbar.the bottom two holes are to bolt on the ball.after all this there is a legal requirement for top of the towball height in mm.

What do I need to know?

According to European Law all light passenger vehicles registered on or after 1st August 1998 require a type approved towbar tested to Community Directive 94/20EEC. This law governs the height and dimensions of the towball to ensure a safe and level towing height of between 350mm and 420mm (ground to centre of towball).

Any vehicle requiring an approved towbar also requires an appropriately approved towball – its 'D' and 'S' values must match or exceed the towbar 'D' and 'S' values (these figures may be found on the towbar stamp or plate).

Please note: This is not retrospective and does not affect any vehicle registered before 1st August 1998.

 

How do I know if my towbar meets EC regulations?

Check your towbar for a label, plate or stamp - if it’s type approved you’ll find a number, e.g. E11xxxxxxx, and the details of the vehicle for which it is an approved fitment.




Post last edited on 06/12/2012 11:13:05

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the only silly question is the one you do not ask.


06/12/2012 at 12:45pm
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Jeez, is there nothing the good old EU hasnt got its sticky snout in!

At present, the centre of the ball is 500mm above the ground on a factory fitted towbar. But, the vehicle is a truck/pick-up as opposed to a 'car', so maybe this is why? The aim is to get the trailer level as opposed to tipped back as it currently is.

I would think the trailer is better towed level than on a tilt, so the plate is going on. Thanks for the info on the 'way round'. I thought it was that way, but best to check.


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06/12/2012 at 1:00pm
 Location: Teesside
 Outfit:  Mitsubishi ASX4
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If it is a trailer, you can fit spacers between the A frame and the tow hitch to get the trailer level. This is still legal. Check out a decent towbar fitting company, they can make them for you. I used Hedley's in Durham.


06/12/2012 at 3:19pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
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As above you can fit a spacer block to the Hitch instead.

Of course this makes your outfit supersafe compared to a dangerous drop plate.

Never seen a drop plate snap, Have you?

Bought them to use for making brakets before.

The way the new MOT rules are changing this maybe an issue for the MOT in the future.



06/12/2012 at 4:15pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
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when i made trailers i used the drop box to drop the hitch head.

 



Post last edited on 06/12/2012 17:17:40

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the only silly question is the one you do not ask.



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