Tow ball height. (1 Viewer)

big dave

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I have an Alco Kober tow bar fitted to a low ride Fiat chassis my question is
the height to the top of the 50mm ball is only 34cm from the ground and I need
the height to be approx 44cm as I have a 4 wheel trailer to give me the correct
ride height.
 

funflair

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EC directive tow ball height should be between 350 and 420 mm so it far from right, can you fit a riser plate to it or is the mounting face inside the line of bodywork.

Martin

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I should imagine it will be difficult if you have a swan neck tow bar?
 
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big dave

big dave

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Yes it is a swan neck tow bar,i will contact Alco Kober to see if they
can help. I hoped someone else had overcome this problem.
 

ciderman

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can you let the tyres down to lower the trailer;):whistle:

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scotjimland

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Is it possible to use a height adjustable coupler ?

http://www.bulldogproducts.net/prod...ble-couplers/IcDNSpx3DOQo2VzPHyu4IwWo1W0O0m5u

http://www.carid.com/articles/replace-your-worn-or-wrong-sized-trailer-coupler.html

adjustable-coupler.jpg


adjustable%20coupler_opt.jpeg
 

DBK

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I think you need to look at raising the rear suspension by fitting some sort of spring assisters, such as the air bag thingies.

I don't think you can alter the tow bar, the plates suggested above are now illegal I think and a longer swan neck, even if you could get one would act like a lever and put too much force on the mounting.

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Badknee

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I think you need to look at raising the rear suspension by fitting some sort of spring assisters, such as the air bag thingies.

I don't think you can alter the tow bar, the plates suggested above are now illegal I think and a longer swan neck, even if you could get one would act like a lever and put too much force on the mounting.
Wot 'e sed.
Swan neck extension is a no no, but air bags would work a treat. We have them fitted and if I play about with the pressures the back end rises and falls. (y)
 
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funflair

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As others above have said, drop plates are now illegal unless the tow bar was type approved/tested with the plate, apologies for the confusion.

Raising suspension would do it but would be quite a lift.

Martin
 

DBK

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So that is a no ?
If you want a definitive answer ask the manufacturer, I've just checked on their website and couldn't see that product but perhaps they do still sell it secretly. But as the OP has a swan neck towball I guess it doesn't matter.

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scotjimland

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If you want a definitive answer ask the manufacturer, I've just checked on their website and couldn't see that product but perhaps they do still sell it secretly. But as the OP has a swan neck towball I guess it doesn't matter.

it's a height adjustable trailer coupler,,, it is not a drop plate, so it can be used with any tow hitch.. including swan necks..

I gave a link.. http://www.bulldogproducts.net/prod...ble-couplers/IcDNSpx3DOQo2VzPHyu4IwWo1W0O0m5u

and not illegal or sold in secret
 

Steve

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Remember that it is also importent to get the 'noise' weight on the ball correct 25-50kg but again check with trailer and hitch supplyer for correct loading.
 

DBK

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it's a height adjustable trailer coupler,,, it is not a drop plate, so it can be used with any tow hitch.. including swan necks..

I gave a link.. http://www.bulldogproducts.net/prod...ble-couplers/IcDNSpx3DOQo2VzPHyu4IwWo1W0O0m5u

and not illegal or sold in secret
Did I ever say it was? I was referring to drop plates and I thought I had answered that. You need to find your off switch so you can work out how stop flogging dead horses. :):):)

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Geo

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ScotJim has in my opinion suggested the only real solution to your problem the next viable solution would be smaller wheels on the trailer if possible
My Ball is a standard two bolt fitting on an Alko low ride chassis and it sits at 390mm
Jacking up suspension to tow is a non starter really.

Illegal is a strong word, I cant see anyone being locked up for using a drop plate.
If drop plates have such a detrimental effect on an approved tow bar, I suggest all the other toys you fasten to it, ie bike racks box carriers ect would also be "Illegal"
Geo
 

Gellyneck

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EC Directive 94/20/EC stipulates that a vehicle in ‘laden condition’ should have a towball height of between 350mm and 420mm. Same directive states that a hitch on a trailer \ caravan should have a height of 385mm to 455mm in laden condition.

Heights are measured to centre of tow ball \ tow hitch.

Drop or riser plates can only be used where the towbar fitment has been approved for use of these and the vehicle has also been approved. Some Land Rovers are approved as such.

The OP's towball height of approximately 315mm is outwith the limits (350mm min) set by the Directive. On this basis a discussion should be had with the towbar fitter to understand why the fitment doesn't comply with Directive.

The "desired" towball height of 440mm is also outwith the limits (420mm max) however the tow hitch height of 440mm is within limits.
 
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The centre point of the towball/coupling to the ground needs to fall within the range of 350mm-420mm, as legislated by EC directive 94/20/EC and subsequently Regulation 55.
This is based on the vehicle being on level ground, handbrake not applied etc..
This criteria does not apply to ‘off-road’ vehicles (Defined by Directive 92/53/EC, Annex II).
It is possible on occasion to use a drop plate providing the towbar has been tested for use with, and it fulfils the towbar mounting and coupling location criteria of the vehicle manufacturer. The drop plate itself would also have to be type approved. Under no circumstances should a riser plate be used.
Again, an adjustable height tow hitch would only be permitted if the towbar itself was tested & approved for use with the adjustable height unit, and that this unit was approved in its own right, or tested as a component part of the towbar.

The above was sent to me by my nephew who works for a towbar manufacturer in this country.
He is directly involved in the design, legislation and manufacture of towbars for this large manufacturer.

Hope this is of some use.

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Similar conversation has just been going on the self builders forum. He had a panel van, not sure what you have. He couldn't use a riser plate as it would prevent the back doors opening. When he looked at the leaf springs they were knackered and the back end was slumping. He replaced the leaf springs (£300) and this solved the problem.
 

pappajohn

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funflair

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Why is a riser plate any more illegal than a drop plate, its the mechanics I dont understand if its the same plate the other way around it would depend on the original tow bar design as to the force was transmitted.

Martin

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Why is a riser plate any more illegal than a drop plate, its the mechanics I dont understand if its the same plate the other way around it would depend on the original tow bar design as to the force was transmitted.

Martin


I will make enquiries of my nephew.
Should be seeing him this weekend and will try to get the answer.

From my own take on it, it would appear that a riser plate will allow the trailer to lift the rear of the tow vehicle under braking and will reduce braking efficiency and stability.
As I said, I will get the industry answer as soon as I can.
 

tattytony

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Well I am right up the doodoo then, the Brand new MH I bought has a tow bar fitted with a 5" ground clearance and tow ball height of 9" so I have used a raiser plate to get it to 13.6"center ball.

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pappajohn

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a riser plate will allow the trailer to lift the rear of the tow vehicle under braking
If the trailer brakes are correctly adjusted that shouldnt happen.....the extra lifting motion would be insignificant as the nose of the trailer will impose a downforce on the ball when braking due to the 'see-saw' effect.
 
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Theonlysue

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Well I am right up the doodoo then, the Brand new MH I bought has a tow bar fitted with a 5" ground clearance and tow ball height of 9" so I have used a raiser plate to get it to 13.6"center ball.

According to posting above, the new tow bar doesn't fit eu directive. Should not the supplying dealer have known about this?
 

tattytony

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I think they are trying to get the suspension lifted thats why I have no van :(

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