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Subject Topic: Drop Plate Post Reply Post New Topic
06/2/2006 at 5:28pm
 Location: None Entered
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I have got a Suzuki Grand Vitara 3 Door 2.0TD Aug 2005. Do I need to use a drop plate to stop the tow ball from obscuring the number plate. I might have to use one because the vans A Frame is quite low.

Has anyone put a towbar on a Vitara before.

Many Thanks



06/2/2006 at 5:34pm
 Location: Burnopfield Gods Country
 Outfit: Bailey Senator Oklahoma & Disco
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You need to find out your hitch height for your van so when you hitch it up you get your van level if your tow ball is too low it will catch the ground when you tow the van

 



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06/2/2006 at 7:14pm
 Location: Rainbows End - Caithness
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dgethin - it is important that your towball is fitted in such away that the caravan sits properly behind the Vitara.  This is a safety issue and must have priority.  If when the car is solo the towball obscures the number plate then relocate the number plate.  Some vehicles have them attached to their spare wheel covers.

Carr 



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06/2/2006 at 7:23pm
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We've got a Vitara 3 door and yes it does obscure the number plate a bit.  You shouldn't drop the towball height cos that will make your caravan too low at the nose with a risk of the jockey wheel hitting the road (especially over speed bumps or on bumpy roads) ours is around 16 - 17 inches high and I think there is a recommended height of between 350mm & 420mm above the ground.

You could of course remove the ball when not actually towing, or how about buying one of those square motorbike type number plates and sticking it below teh door handle with those double sided sticky pads.

Or you could do what we do, we don't worry about it

Mike



06/2/2006 at 7:45pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
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i do believe the law says there must be a number plate at the front and at the back of your unit ( car and caravan) when towing,if this correct then the ballhitch covering the car plate at the rear does not matter.i will try to find it.i read this the other night too.[:o)]

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06/2/2006 at 8:06pm
 Location: Rainbows End - Caithness
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Quote: Originally posted by michael on 06/2/2006
i do believe the law says there must be a number plate at the front and at the back of your unit ( car and caravan) when towing,if this correct then the ballhitch covering the car plate at the rear does not matter.i will try to find it.i read this the other night too.[:o)]

The law requires that a number plate must be easy to read, so it follows that it must not be obscured.  A high tow ball can obscure the number plate when the vehicle is solo - not towing a caravan.  It would seem sensible to me to relocate the number plate and its light.

Carr



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Treat the earth well. It was not given to you by your parents. It was loaned to you by your children.


06/2/2006 at 8:25pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
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The law requires that a number plate must be easy to read, so it follows that it must not be obscured.  A high tow ball can obscure the number plate when the vehicle is solo - not towing a caravan.  It would seem sensible to me to relocate the number plate and its light.

Carr

agree with all,its not always possible on some cars without drilling new holes in your pride and joy.my daughter had this car and i cannot remember where the number plate is.still got a full set of new locking wheel nuts to buy for one if required in the cupboard.[:o)]



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