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   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Modifying a tow bar Post Reply Post New Topic
Persondavid8858
29/8/2019 at 1:41pm
 Location: Teesside
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A mate of mine reckons his tow ball is too low and so the caravan isn’t level when being towed. He’s also convinced the nose weight is correct and so has decided to get a plate welded to the existing tow bar mounting to facilitate raising the ball by about 2 inches.

I’m sure if the welding is done properly the inherent strength won’t change but I can’t help but think the arrangement will not meet the original type approval and so may not be allowed by insurance company.

I’ve been out of things vehicle for a while is there a method to submit the modification for type approval - although I doubt the manufacturer (Kia) would be likely to co-operate as they’re more likely to say fit an approved towbar!

Any thoughts?

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Best Regards

David


PersonDaveS1
via mobile 29/8/2019 at 1:56pm
 Location: Hatfield Peverel Essex
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Sounds unlikely to be legal to me. Bear in mind that tow bars are now in included in the MOT so will probably fail.
DaveS1


Personblueexpo97
29/8/2019 at 2:04pm
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Insurance null and void.

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XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


Personmarg6
29/8/2019 at 2:52pm
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sounds more like he needs to look at the springs on his car then if he is 100% sure everything else is right, but welding anything to the towball? nnnnnnnnnnoooooooooooooo wayyyyyyy is that even slightly legal or safe


PersonHumberWolf
29/8/2019 at 4:39pm
 Location: North Lincolnshire
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You are correct in thinking that any modification to a tow bar will nullify the original type approval, details of which can be found on some tow bar manufacturers' sites.

EC directive 94/20 states that the height of the tow ball (measured from the ground to its centre) should be between 380mm and 420mm with the vehicle in a laden state. The definition of laden varies between manufacturers, but usually means passengers and their luggage. If the tow ball height falls outside this range, then it may be worthwhile taking it up with the tow bar manufacturer.

You also state that the caravan is not towing level. This is not really necessary as many caravans tow slightly nose down and some tests have concluded that it is the most stable towing position.


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Persondavid8858
29/8/2019 at 7:00pm
 Location: Teesside
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Thanks for that HumberWolf - thought as much. I’ll pass the info on.

-------------
Best Regards

David


Persontango55
29/8/2019 at 8:34pm
 Location: Lichfield
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They usually fit a drop plate between the towbar and the towball flange to correct the height then use two sets of 16 mm. nuts & bolts respectively. However, I was informed a couple of years ago that these are now no longer legal but I take no notice of hear-say and prefer to find out the facts myself. Apparently 'Maypole' still make them and 'Towsure' also sell them so they must be legal on UK roads.
This is the best solution if the towball needs to be corrected in height.

Maypole Drop Plates


Towsure Drop Plates


PersonHumberWolf
29/8/2019 at 9:04pm
 Location: North Lincolnshire
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Some tow bars are type approved to allow a drop plate to be used, but this would need to be specified by the manufacturer. However, in this case the tow ball is too low and they should not be used to raise the height of the tow ball.

With a swan neck this would not be an option anyway, although some makes do have height adjustable fitting positions.


Persontango55
29/8/2019 at 9:09pm
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I have had 4 towbars fitted in the past on different vehicles but never had any issues with the height at all. The caravan has always been level every time so it sounds very much like the OP has a defect problem with the towbar.


PersonAcornis
29/8/2019 at 9:11pm
 Location: North Norfolk
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You can use a drop plate, but, (you knew there would be a but) the tow bar type approval must be of the type approved for such a plate and not all are. As Humberwolf said the tendency is for the van to be slightly nose down and when you look at the tolerance in heights not only in towball but also in the heights of hitches then towing perfectly level is not always possible.

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Just saying
If all is not lost where is it then?


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Personnavver
30/8/2019 at 7:34pm
 Location: West country
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I reckon slightly nose down is best. At speed the wind resistance will raise the nose slightly.


PersonPaul_B
30/8/2019 at 8:26pm
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A drop plate is one thing but to use a drop plate to lift the towball is a definite no.
Your friend should think about uprating his spring or shockers, or both.



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