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Subject Topic: Trailer hitch advice Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonStubb-z
via mobile 06/4/2024 at 1:12pm
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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!).


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Personsaxo1
06/4/2024 at 4:33pm
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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


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Personnavver
06/4/2024 at 10:16pm
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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
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I'll recheck the measurements again in the morning and re-post. Thanks all for the input.


Personratcatcher
08/4/2024 at 9:54am
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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.



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