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Subject Topic: tow ball to low ? Post Reply Post New Topic
Personseamsman
29/4/2013 at 7:07pm
 Location: Chertsey
 Outfit: Lexus RX450H Bessac View seamsman's Profile View Profile   Reply to seamsman Reply   Quote seamsman Quote  
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Hi all , more advise and information required please
after just completing our first weekend with a caravan
stopped at the services and walking back to the unit we noticed that the van sat very low on the tow ball which is a witter fixed flange ( fine for my trailer when camping )how ever looks too low for the caravan. Can I change this for an extended tow ball as below The van does have an Alko Stabliser
http://www.towsure.com/product/Extended_Towball_for_Alko_Type_Stabiliser_Hitches

Best advise comes from users
many thanks in advance

-------------
Seamsman


Personjohnjory
29/4/2013 at 7:27pm
 Location: Lowestoft Suffolk
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My suggestion is not going to be far out, all said and done:

The figure I have in my head is that, fully loaded your tow ball should be 16 inches above the ground.



Personjohnjory
29/4/2013 at 7:29pm
 Location: Lowestoft Suffolk
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PS

I'm sure that other contributors will quote you chapter and verse of EU legislation, but it will not be far out from above post.


Personrushallmanor
29/4/2013 at 7:52pm
 Location: Walsall
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If you have an ALKO stabaliser you should already be usung one of these.

Ball height should be 350mm to 420mm to the centre of the ball by legislation.

Could be the rear springs.

-------------
Regards

Steve




Personseamsman
29/4/2013 at 8:05pm
 Location: Chertsey
 Outfit: Lexus RX450H Bessac View seamsman's Profile View Profile   Reply to seamsman Reply   Quote seamsman Quote  
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Thank you all for the input , unloaded the centre of the ball   sits at 15 " .
thank you

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Seamsman


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PersonRob and Tina
29/4/2013 at 8:05pm
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Too much noseweight?

Rob


PersonAndy Higham
29/4/2013 at 8:15pm
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A lot of front wheel drive cars are very front heavy, consequently they have rather soft rear suspension springs,
Set your nose weight towards the minimum figure, if the rear is still sitting too low you may need spring assisters


Personrushallmanor
29/4/2013 at 8:15pm
 Location: Walsall
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So that's in the middle of the range.

does it drop significantly when the caravan is attached?

It would help us to provide advice if you completely filled in your profile. What is the vehicle? how old is it? Is the suspension showing significant wear or sag? what make of towbar is it?

-------------
Regards

Steve




Personseamsman
29/4/2013 at 8:34pm
 Location: Chertsey
 Outfit: Lexus RX450H Bessac View seamsman's Profile View Profile   Reply to seamsman Reply   Quote seamsman Quote  
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Steve , I am running a Lexus RX400 07 plate , I had the tow bar fitted a couple of years ago for an erde trailer for camping , The suspension shows no sign of wear or sag .
The caravan had very little weight on the front , although not measured , ( no gas bottles in the front just a few
of the square foam mats .The tow bar is a witter. I was not sure if when it as fitted the fitter set it up for trailer towing ?
thanks for your help and advise .

-------------
Seamsman


Personrushallmanor
29/4/2013 at 10:35pm
 Location: Walsall
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Not usually any adjustability. Witter should be good, is the Lexus soft on the suspension? You don't see many people towing with these. What is the allowable S weight? Witter website suggests 90kg could be OK. Get it checked.

-------------
Regards

Steve




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Personmichael
30/4/2013 at 10:43am
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold View michael's Profile View Profile   Reply to michael Reply   Quote michael Quote  
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Can only think that that the nose weight is overloaded.mine is 92max on the ball,a 4x4.the caravan of ours has an MTPLM of 1272kgs.with only two calorite bottles in the front and a few wellies I still struggle to get to 90 kgs on the ball.mind the nose weight gauges are not that good once compressed to full.i do not check each time if nothing has changed with the loading of the van.if you do not know the nose weight of your van it is normally about 7% of van weight.

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



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