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Subject Topic: tow hitch extension Post Reply Post New Topic
11/7/2019 at 7:13pm
 Location: Birmingham England
 Outfit: None Entered
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CAN ANYBODY HELP WITH ADVICE ON WHAT THE LAW IS OF EXTENDING A DETACHABLE TOW HITCH, AND CUTTING IT, ADDING AND WELDING A PIECE IN. IT IS TOO SHORT. THE CARAVAN WHEN HOOKED UP IS TOUCHING THE CAR BUMPER, AUDI A4 ESTATE CAR


via mobile 11/7/2019 at 11:41pm
 Location: Poole Dorset
 Outfit: Conway Challenger 1997
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I wouldn’t risk doing anything so drastic to a tow bar. Simpler and safer to buy a replacement tow bar suitable for the caravan hitch. I’m guessing it has a stabiliser hitch that is bigger than a standard towing hitch


12/7/2019 at 6:43am
 Location: Yorkshire
 Outfit: Car & Caravan
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The law says that they (towbars towballs) have to be tested and type approved.

So cutting and welding wouldn't be type approved and you wouldn't be insured in the case of an accident where the caravan became detached.
I'd check with the towbar manufacturer or fitter if theres anything availably for your car.


12/7/2019 at 9:06am
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there was a post a few years back regarding the Skoda yeti and its owner who had the same problem. I believe that there is an option for a longer detachable part that resolves the issue of clearance from the bumper.

I would not recommend cutting and re-welding unless your lading skills are that of a NASA space craft technician or similar and that you have access to X-ray machines to check the integrity of weld.

My recommendation would be to call into a tow bar specialist or your local Audi dealer ship and enquire as to a replacement tow bar / swan neck


12/7/2019 at 1:19pm
 Location: West Yorkshire
 Outfit: Bessacarr Cameo 625 2011
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+1 agree with Paul B


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12/7/2019 at 6:52pm
 Location: Birmingham England
 Outfit: None Entered
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Thanks guys for replying, this is what I have told my mate all this, and I have already phone up a tow bar specialist and he has said the same thing as well and he said there isn't a longer one for that car. I think it might be possible that he has fitted the tow frame wrong. I am I right in thinking that tow bars come under the MOT now and would they know if it's fitted correctly?

Thank again all


12/7/2019 at 8:10pm
 Location: None Entered
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Tow bar MOT.
https://www.motester.co.uk/mot-test-of-tow-bar-towing-hook/
saxo1


12/7/2019 at 8:32pm
 Location: Birmingham England
 Outfit: None Entered
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Hi Saxo1, thanks for the info link really useful, and I'll pass it on to my mate.


12/7/2019 at 10:44pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
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The MOT test will only ensure its secure, they dont measure the clearances.

Swapping to a flanged towbar or a different brand should cure the problem though.



12/7/2019 at 11:44pm
 Location: Birmingham England
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Thanks for all the information, I will pass it onto him


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via mobile 16/7/2019 at 5:40am
 Location: Ayrshire Scotland
 Outfit: Santa Fe CRDi + Swift Conqueror 645
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It is a fairly standard towcar, so if the caravan is touching the bumper then there's something wrong somewhere.
But don't even think of welding something in, towbars are all designed for specific models. Quite frankly, to even think about doing something like this, sounds as if your 'friend' is a bit of a 'cowboy'!!

-------------
David.


I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure!



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