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
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
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.
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
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?
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'!!