Towbar mount occasionally drags on the ground

[DDJC]

I have searched for this but can’t find any reference to it.

Our moho is 7.15m, but based on the shorter wheelbase Ducato chassis. We have a towbar fitted.

Occasionally, when boarding a ferry ramp or negotiating a camber, the bottom of the tow ball mount will drag and scrape on the ground. I normally carry a small wheel dolly (pic attached) to slide under the tow ball mount if I think we are going to drag, but I wonder whether anyone has come up with a better solution?

 

[Jev88]

Has your suspension sagged?

 

[Andacami]

I can only caution that attempting to raise the height of the tow bar off the ground could put additional stresses (slightly more than grounding in the first place) on the chassis which could lead to bigger problems. Other than detachable towbars, I can't think of a neat solution but as I have suffered this once, whilst I'm now aware of it, I'd be interested in options to help with the problem too.

 

[Ridgeway]

Semi air suspension and jack it right up on those occasions ?

 

[David and Sally]

We get the same problem. We try to drive diagonally up the ramp but that is not always possible. As a result we tend to use the Chunnel instead.
Sometimes happens when exiting a petrol station going over the kerb.

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[icantremember]

We have AS Air Suspension fitted to rear end with onboard compressor which can raise the tail while on the move.

 

[deleted79651]

We get the same problem. We try to drive diagonally up the ramp but that is not always possible. As a result we tend to use the Chunnel instead.
Sometimes happens when exiting a petrol station going over the kerb.

The Speed Ramp at the entrance to Newhaven is also a challenge. It's got a Viewing Spot about 1/2 way up and a reminder to engage low gear for the descent ...

Steve & Elaine

 

[Ridgeway]

For ferry boats we usually get asked to reverse on, solves the rear end grounding issue although can just then cause a front lower bumper grounding issue.

 

[Larrynwin]

I had the same problem on my RV a few years ago and fitted two steel skid rollers one on either chassis member which didn’t prevent grounding but made it more comfortable.

 

[pappajohn]

Only happened once.
It dug a ¾ inch deep groove in the road.... No damage to towbar.
Nothing you can do to prevent it except fit air suspension.
Putting a dolly underneath is stressing the towbar and chassis even more due to increased height.
Just accept it happens.

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[Stealaway]

Decrease the weight on the rear or jack up the suspension?

 

[nicholsong]

I always feel that it is a good warning and would prefer the towbar to ground rather than bodywork.

I always thought that all it does is transfer some force to the chassis and lift it off the suspension slightly.

Does a slight scrape cause any damage?

I am willing to learn.

Geoff

 

[tonka]

Air suspension.. DIY £289ish on eBay. Fitted to my previous 7.4mtr van solved the issue and made the ride better as well

 

[DDJC]

Has your suspension sagged?

Nope, we drive pretty close to 3500 though.

 

[DDJC]

Air suspension.. DIY £289ish on eBay. Fitted to my previous 7.4mtr van solved the issue and made the ride better as well

How much more weight does it add to the moho? Mrs DDJC is limited to 3500, although I am not.

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[tonka]

How much more weight does it add to the moho? Mrs DDJC is limited to 3500, although I am not.

I assume you mean the weight of the actual kit.

Best check with suppliers.
Been a while since I fitted last one. As a guess I would say the kit is maybe 15-20kg ish.

 

[bigtwin]

I can only caution that attempting to raise the height of the tow bar off the ground could put additional stresses (slightly more than grounding in the first place) on the chassis which could lead to bigger problems. Other than detachable towbars, I can't think of a neat solution but as I have suffered this once, whilst I'm now aware of it, I'd be interested in options to help with the problem too.

Well done that man; I’ve been conveying this message for some years now.
It makes no sense to add anything that reduces ground clearance and increases the frequency of grounding.

I had the same problem on my RV a few years ago and fitted two steel skid rollers one on either chassis member which didn’t prevent grounding but made it more comfortable.

Yes, it would have made it more comfortable for your ears but will have increased the frequency, and severity, of grounding. If you’re happy with that scenario, all good and well.

Only happened once.
It dug a ¾ inch deep groove in the road.... No damage to towbar.
Nothing you can do to prevent it except fit air suspension.
Putting a dolly underneath is stressing the towbar and chassis even more due to increased height.
Just accept it happens.

Agreed.

Ian

 

[Landy Andy]

Fitted air assist to avoid this as mine is 7.2 meters. I can now gain over 4” (100mm) at the tow bar via the switch on the dash. Recommend

 

[Mikeco]

You must have a large overhang if it’s a 7.15 m van on a short chassis which is not helping. Sounds like you need to remove the spring assisters and put in some airbags.

 

[gradyp]

We have AS Air Suspension fitted to rear end with onboard compressor which can raise the tail while on the move.

Could I please ask if your happy with your AS Air Suspension as I'm looking at getting it fitted to my van , and approx what was the price
I've emailed them but as of yet I've not had a reply

Cheers

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[EuroTrotters]

Our high chassis Mercedes Eura Mobil and our Frankia low Mercedes chassis did it more.

I was going to invest in rollers bolted to the chassis like some big Concordes. But sold it

 

[icantremember]

Could I please ask if your happy with your AS Air Suspension as I'm looking at getting it fitted to my van , and approx what was the price
I've emailed them but as of yet I've not had a reply

Cheers

I have been using Phil & Cath (AS Air Suspension) for around 12 years, in which time they have fitted air assist on my last 3 motorhomes and also HPC hydraulic jacks to our current van. They are very proficient with their fitting and lovely folk to deal with and I'm very happy to recommend them.
The price will depend on your particular motorhome and which chassis it is built on ... I'm sure they will be in touch soon but you could try ringing them on 01925-740666

 

[gradyp]

I have been using Phil & Cath (AS Air Suspension) for around 12 years, in which time they have fitted air assist on my last 3 motorhomes and also HPC hydraulic jacks to our current van. They are very proficient with their fitting and lovely folk to deal with and I'm very happy to recommend them.
The price will depend on your particular motorhome and which chassis it is built on ... I'm sure they will be in touch soon but you could try ringing them on 01925-740666

Thanks ,,, I'll give them a call later

 

[David and Sally]

Fitted air assist to avoid this as mine is 7.2 meters. I can now gain over 4” (100mm) at the tow bar via the switch on the dash. Recommend

We can use our self- levelling to raise the tow bar, but it makes a right racket on the ferry ramp and I’m sure it’s not good for the jacks

 

[Don Campbell]

You must have a large overhang if it’s a 7.15 m van on a short chassis which is not helping. Sounds like you need to remove the spring assisters and put in some airbags.

Mikeco hit the nail on the head - a 7.15m body on a SWB Ducato = large overhang and a problem. Any way you can raise the level of the tow hitch without interfering with door opening or causing other problems?

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[Ianj55]

Look at website for LNB Towbars at. Bristol and they supply chassis wheels for bolting onto the chassis which stops the problem. Had mine fitted about 4 years ago and alleviate the problem especially when boarding Greek ferries and even help with speed bumps in France. My Carthago,is 8m long with long overhang. Sounds noisy when they work but stop any damage. Hope this helps for a relatively cheap answer to your problem.

 

[bigtwin]

Look at website for LNB Towbars at. Bristol and they supply chassis wheels for bolting onto the chassis which stops the problem. Had mine fitted about 4 years ago and alleviate the problem especially when boarding Greek ferries and even help with speed bumps in France. My Carthago,is 8m long with long overhang. Sounds noisy when they work but stop any damage. Hope this helps for a relatively cheap answer to your problem.

It’s his towbar that is grounding; your ‘solution’ will mean that he will ground in instances when previously he wouldn’t. I’m not sure that helps.
Furthermore, when he does ground he will now be exerting greater forces through the chassis; definitely not a ‘solution’ that I’d recommend.

Ian

 

[Ianj55]

Sorry but it works perfectly and they are fitted as standard onto Morello and I have never had a problem with the tow bar grounding as I tow a car. Cheap easy solution and cause no damage to the chassis. Mine were fitted by main Carthago dealer.

 

[ChrisCross]

One thing to note is that in this case Breakdown recovery could be difficult if not impossible, either suspended tow or a loaded recovery and may entail removal of the tow bar or a specialist recovery vehicle. Is your breakdown and Insurer aware of the modification. I recently informed my breakdown/insurer just to make sure there were no problems further down the road I.e. a refusal to recover.

 

[Gaston aires]

Another plug for air suspension, at least on the rear end. You can increase the height at the push of a button. Helps all round driving as well.