Towball not in centre of towbar (1 Viewer)

[Boyd]

Hi All,

A friend has helpfully pointed out that the tow ball on my tow bar is not in the centre. There seem to be there welded strengtheners for the bolts and it is using two that are not central. Is this a valid configuration?

It came fitted to my motorhome and I have no plans to use it but it would be nice to know that it is useable.

 

[paul18]

Can you post a picture?

 

[The Old Man]

I would visit the local towbar fitting centre and listen to their comments, then evaluate for yourself.

You can get an estimate for rectification at the same time.

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[Boyd]

the two bolts attach the tow ball (top) to the tow bar (light grey) The bar in the middle is the middle of my van and you can see a strengthening plate to the left of it. This looks like it should be where the left hand bolt for the tow ball should go.

 

[Badknee]

Wow that's a bit odd. Is there a hole through the bar to the left (in the picture) of the strengthening bar? If so you could move the ball over but why is that other hole there at all? Does it matter? Is the world really round? So many questions.

 

[DP+JAY]

Probably been used for a towball mounted bike rack & deliberately mounted off centre to centre the bikeon the van.
If you want to tow a trailer just remount it in the centre.

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[paul18]

Remount it square, you cant tow with the ball off centre

 

[PeteH]

I would measure the distances between bolts and Holes, because as far as I can see the centres for the existing mounting are going to be LESS than the centres for the bolts either side of the bar. To put it bluntly "some bugger cocked up!". Remounting Square is likely to need fresh holes and Back stiffening!.

Pete

 

[DP+JAY]

Looking at it again those bolts look far too small in diameter for a towball anyway.

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[berni109]

Bike rack only not used for towing and if u move it get some more meaty bolts
Both as already said

 

[Boyd]

Thanks for all your replies. I rang the manufacturer this morning and they are completely mystified as well. Luckily they are only a few miles away so I am going to run it over to them to have a look. I will mention the quality of the bolts when I am there.

 

[Autowbars]

Bike rack only not used for towing and if u move it get some more meaty bolts
Both as already said

How can you tell from the image they are not M16 bolts?

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[jockaneezer]

How can you tell from the image they are not M16 bolts?

Yeah, the bolt heads look in proportion (M16) compared to the ball hitch to me.

 

[berni109]

How can you tell from the image they are not M16 bolts?

I cant mate just looked small from my memory and trying to be helpful.
If u know better from your experience just reply to the OP.