Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Trailer hitch advice Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonStubb-z
via mobile 06/4/2024 at 1:12pm
 Location: North Wales
 Outfit: Vango Tigris 800XL View Stubb-z's Profile View Profile   Reply to Stubb-z Reply   Quote Stubb-z Quote  
Joined: 01/2/2013

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   244
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1
Hi - not really camping related but thought I would ask the collective mind anyway.
I have just converted a long narrow jetski trailer to carry motorbikes and find that the tow hitch is too low for my cars swan neck towbar (as the trailer is long the back end of the trailer is VERY close to the ground when hitched up- i'm talking 4 inches off the ground). There are lots of solutions out there to lower the cars tow ball, but few to raise the hitch on the trailer instead. Altering the towbar is out of the question as it's a fixed welded unit - anyone any smart ideas how to raise the tow hitch on the trailer - I don't trust my welding skills enough to weld anything significant up, and don't really want to just bolt a metal brick under the hitch.


PersonMonty15
06/4/2024 at 2:05pm
 Location: London
 Outfit: Lunar Cosmos 524 View Monty15's Profile View Profile   Reply to Monty15 Reply   Quote Monty15 Quote  
Joined: 17/9/2015

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2328
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 6
Site Nights 2018: 0
Modifying the tow bar/swan neck is dubious if not downright illegal, they are type approved and part of MOT check these days, plus it probably prevents its use for any other trailer, ball is meant to be a specified height.

A block (metal brick) between the trailer tow hitch and draw bar is a common mod, you can even buy the spacer off the shelf, usually castings or solid.

If a DIY 'box tube' spacer job, it needs tubular spacers inside that the bolts pass through to stop fixing bolts crushing it and becoming loose in service.


PersonStubb-z
via mobile 06/4/2024 at 2:24pm
 Location: North Wales
 Outfit: Vango Tigris 800XL View Stubb-z's Profile View Profile   Reply to Stubb-z Reply   Quote Stubb-z Quote  
Joined: 01/2/2013

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   244
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1
Yeah - thanks for this - you can get height adjustable tow bars and replacement link necks but don't want to have to replace the tow bar hence me looking at the trailer side. Should have added - the tow hitch would need to be raised about 5 inches from the draw bar to get the trailer level behind the car - spacer blocks are not tall enough unless I stacked them (sketchy as hell).


PersonAndyDW
06/4/2024 at 3:05pm
 Location: Lincs
 Outfit: Coachman Wanderer 19 View AndyDW's Profile View Profile   Reply to AndyDW Reply   Quote AndyDW Quote  
Joined: 18/9/2013

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   342
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Just trying to think outside the box on this, what about larger diameter wheels, is that a possible ?

Or a spacer underneath the suspension units ?

...........
Andy


PersonMonty15
06/4/2024 at 4:21pm
 Location: London
 Outfit: Lunar Cosmos 524 View Monty15's Profile View Profile   Reply to Monty15 Reply   Quote Monty15 Quote  
Joined: 17/9/2015

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2328
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 6
Site Nights 2018: 0
The err emm 'missing' 5 inch info does rather change the solution somewhat!

Huge spacer block under the hitch NOT perhaps really the best way to go. AndyDWs route of bigger wheels is also a well tried solution. Spacing the suspension units is not a bad idea either.

If those are not achievable, then a cut and weld 'Z' introduced into the trailer drawbar may be your other option. A fabricator or decent garage should be able to do that for you (definitely NEEDS decent welding!).


Advertisement



Personsaxo1
06/4/2024 at 4:33pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View saxo1's Profile View Profile   Reply to saxo1 Reply   Quote saxo1 Quote  
Joined: 29/10/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4485
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
If the trailer is type approved, made after 2012,then I think any mods of the type suggested aren't strictly permitted unless it has a new IVA test.
Not that I think anyone would bother unless there were an accident and Insurance/police got involved.
saxo1


PersonRob and Tina
06/4/2024 at 7:18pm
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit:  Swift Major 4SB View Rob and Tina's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob and Tina Reply   Quote Rob and Tina Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3375
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
5 inches seems a hell of a lot to find.
What is the tow ball height when the towing vehicle is laden with luggage and passengers?

Is the swan neck a fixed one or is it removeable?

What is the towing vehicle?

Rob


PersonStubb-z
via mobile 06/4/2024 at 8:50pm
 Location: North Wales
 Outfit: Vango Tigris 800XL View Stubb-z's Profile View Profile   Reply to Stubb-z Reply   Quote Stubb-z Quote  
Joined: 01/2/2013

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   244
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1
Car is an insignia estate - fixed swan neck - 20 inch ball height but trailer won't be towed fully laden or with passengers so that's irrelevant really. Trailer bones are a 90's jetski trailer so not type approved and its hitch is only 14 inches off the ground when the trailer bed is level - hence the need for the extra 5 inches - jetski's in the 90's were towed on a slight slant to help with water launching - motorcycles need to be towed level. - It will be IVA tested for safety when it's finished being built.

I'm thinking a z frame is the only way to go - but as I say I don't trust my own welding skills to make one strong enough myself - I was wondering if anyone had seen anything pre- fabricated? That said - spacers under the suspension is a good shout!


Post last edited on 06/04/2024 21:07:11

Post last edited on 06/04/2024 21:07:31


Personmarg6
06/4/2024 at 9:58pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View marg6's Profile View Profile   Reply to marg6 Reply   Quote marg6 Quote  
Joined: 11/8/2016

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3126
Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 15
Site Nights 2018: 0
i think part of your problem is being caused by the ball height of the towball, it should be 450mm to the center of the ball, yours is 3 inches taller to start with hence why the trailer is so low at the back end. i suggest you double check the fitting of the towbar.


PersonRob and Tina
via mobile 06/4/2024 at 10:16pm
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit:  Swift Major 4SB View Rob and Tina's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob and Tina Reply   Quote Rob and Tina Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3375
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
The ball height should be 350 to 420mm. I wonder if the car has some sort of heavy duty springs fitted which give it a much higher ride height.

Rob


Advertisement



Personnavver
06/4/2024 at 10:16pm
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo View navver's Profile View Profile   Reply to navver Reply   Quote navver Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4663
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Car tow ball should be 350mm to 420mm with car laden. Yours is 508mm.

Trailer hitch height 355mm


PersonStubb-z
via mobile 06/4/2024 at 10:43pm
 Location: North Wales
 Outfit: Vango Tigris 800XL View Stubb-z's Profile View Profile   Reply to Stubb-z Reply   Quote Stubb-z Quote  
Joined: 01/2/2013

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   244
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1
I'll recheck the measurements again in the morning and re-post. Thanks all for the input.


Personratcatcher
08/4/2024 at 9:54am
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View ratcatcher's Profile View Profile   Reply to ratcatcher Reply   Quote ratcatcher Quote  
Joined: 21/4/2012

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   237
Site Reviews Total: 15
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
Site Reviews 2023: 2  
Site Reviews 2022: 3  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 13
Site Nights 2023: 12
Site Nights 2022: 13
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 9
Site Nights 2019: 6
Site Nights 2018: 0
Personally I would go for fitting a standard spacer block to the hitch plus spacers under the suspension and even if need be different wheels.
The problem with welding is that it cannot then be altered if the towcar is changed whereas any bolt ons can be changed to suit.



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

8883 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder