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Offline StrvnMrvn

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Hitching up the CT
« on: January 16, 2013, 06:45:54 PM »
Hi swaggers,

I have a bit of trouble with my treg hitch! The trailer is to low once we load it onto the car to put the jockey wheel up. Is there a problem if I turn the tug hitch upside down so that it is higher when I hook up the trailer? Maybe I need a set of shockies to lift the back of the tug up? Will this effect my ball weight if I did turn it upside down?

Any points would be appreciated.

 :cheers:

Strvy
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Offline evolution

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #1 on: January 16, 2013, 06:53:52 PM »
I've been doing that for years mate.
I doubt that is how they are designed to be used, but I have never had a problem with it.
You can get the height adjustable hitches though.

Cheers
Evo
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Offline BigJules

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Hitching up the CT
« Reply #2 on: January 16, 2013, 06:57:13 PM »
No problems with inverting your hitch, in fact if it brings the nose of the camper up its just sensible to do so.

Shockies (themselves) won't help ride height, but springs will potentially offer some lift. Depending on how many km on your vehicle it might pay to get both, as a matched set.

Airbags are a cheap option too. If your vehicle sits at a height you're comfortable with and only sags when you've got the camper on, a set of polyairs or similar might be the easiest and best solution.

How about a photo of the hitched rig so we can see exactly what you're describing?
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Offline StrvnMrvn

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #3 on: January 16, 2013, 07:04:11 PM »
Bigjules, sorry don't have a pic, but when we have put the trailer on, we need to drive forward so that the back of the tug is a bit higher so that we can get the jockey wheel up.

I understand the natural lag in the suspension

 :cheers:

Strvy
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Offline evolution

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #4 on: January 16, 2013, 07:06:10 PM »
Sorry mate, just realised a problem with inverting the hitch on the Hilux.
I would check after you have done it whether or not the tailgate will fowl on the hitch?

apart from that I think you would be sweet mate.

Cheers
Evo
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Offline StrvnMrvn

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #5 on: January 16, 2013, 07:07:36 PM »
Quote from: evolution on January 16, 2013, 07:06:10 PM
Sorry mate, just realised a problem with inverting the hitch on the Hilux.
I would check after you have done it whether or not the tailgate will fowl on the hitch?

apart from that I think you would be sweet mate.

Cheers
Evo

Will do tomorrow!

 :cheers:

Strvy
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Offline evolution

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #6 on: January 16, 2013, 07:08:42 PM »
Let us know how you go mate, hopefully all is well though.

Cheers
Evo
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Offline brickiematt

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #7 on: January 16, 2013, 07:08:49 PM »
G'day Strvy,

We had the same problem with the Outlander.

We use our hitch upside down (or the right way up to us!) with no problems at all. Helps to give that little bit of extra lift on the nose of the trailer.

We also recently installed airbags into the rear suspension. They have made a massive difference in the ride height of the trailer and the car. The car sits nice and level now, and the handling when towing has improved out of sight. Much more stable in corners and under braking.
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Offline StrvnMrvn

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #8 on: January 16, 2013, 07:11:18 PM »
Quote from: brickiematt on January 16, 2013, 07:08:49 PM
G'day Strvy,

We had the same problem with the Outlander.

We use our hitch upside down (or the right way up to us!) with no problems at all. Helps to give that little bit of extra lift on the nose of the trailer.

We also recently installed airbags into the rear suspension. They have made a massive difference in the ride height of the trailer and the car. The car sits nice and level now, and the handling when towing has improved out of sight. Much more stable in corners and under braking.

Thanks brickie, will look into air bags.

Quote from: evolution on January 16, 2013, 07:08:42 PM


Let us know how you go mate, hopefully all is well though.

Cheers
Evo

Will take some pics before and after, so that others can see the difference.

 :cheers:

Strvy
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Offline evolution

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #9 on: January 16, 2013, 07:13:35 PM »
Cheers for that, I don't get that problem with the Pootrol too often (most of the time I wish it were lower)
But always good to see a simple (cheap) fix.

Cheers
Evo
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Offline bushbandit

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #10 on: January 16, 2013, 07:22:15 PM »
Have the same setup as Brickiematt on an Xtrail with identical results.
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Offline Malcolm Tugless

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #11 on: January 16, 2013, 07:35:55 PM »
I had this problem last year when we purchased the Lifestyle Bazinga ... tried inverting said hitch to no avail ... ended up purchasing a higher one from the ARB mob at Burleigh ... problem solved. Don't frock around ... if the wheel wont clear the ground ... sort it ... or one day you will end up neck deep in the brown smelly.
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Offline Jeepers Creepers

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #12 on: January 16, 2013, 07:51:20 PM »
Quote from: brickiematt on January 16, 2013, 07:08:49 PM
G'day Strvy,

We had the same problem with the Outlander.

We use our hitch upside down (or the right way up to us!) with no problems at all. Helps to give that little bit of extra lift on the nose of the trailer.

We also recently installed airbags into the rear suspension. They have made a massive difference in the ride height of the trailer and the car. The car sits nice and level now, and the handling when towing has improved out of sight. Much more stable in corners and under braking.

Hey Boof, how much were your airbags, as i'm thinking the same for the Jeep.

I'm going to spin our hitch thingy as well, but i'm betting the tailgate will foul on it. (Its Jeep thing)
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Offline BigJules

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Hitching up the CT
« Reply #13 on: January 16, 2013, 07:58:05 PM »
I have three hitches, all different heights, one is also longer and sticks out further from the rear bar. I use which ever one gets the trailer neat level, slightly nose down.

Air bags are relatively inexpensive T ~$275 a set. It's a DIY job to fit them, though some vehicles require one to drill a f'n great hole (42mm) on the top of the spring tower so you need to make sure you've got the right tools before you start the job. I installed the last set by myself, in the dark, on my front lawn, which slopes a bit like K2. 
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Offline JU5T1N

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #14 on: January 16, 2013, 08:44:27 PM »
Quote from: Jeepers Creepers on January 16, 2013, 07:51:20 PM
Hey Boof, how much were your airbags, as i'm thinking the same for the Jeep.

I'm going to spin our hitch thingy as well, but i'm betting the tailgate will foul on it. (Its Jeep thing)
Easy fix for the tail gate on a Jeep:
only tools needed are 1 thick towel a ladder or up turned bucket and a few beverages for balance & thirst while working.

Step 1 - get a beverage (priority people)
Step 2 - take large swig from beverage
Step 3 - look for thick towel
Step 4 - take large swig from beverage
Step 5 - ask SWMBO where the towel is hidden
Step 6 - take large swig from beverage
Step 7 - get a fresh beverage
Step 8 - take large swig from beverage
Step 9 - ask SWMBO to get the still missing towel
Step 10 - take large swig from beverage
Step 11 - unwrap towel from head that SWMBO delivered with thrust
Step 12 - take large swig from beverage
Step 13 - take items to car
Step 14 to 17 while walking to car take several large swigs from beverage
Step 18 - place thick towel onto tow ball
Step 19 - return to bar/kitchen/shed fridge for a fresh beverage
Step 20 - test beverage
Step 21 - return to vehicle
Step 22 - take large swig from beverage
Step 23 - carefully lower tailgate onto towel
Step 24 - take large swig from beverage
Step 25 - stand on ladder or up turned bucket
Step 26 - take large swig from beverage and place index hand over top of beverage to prevent spillage
Step 27 - JUMP ONTO TAILGATE
Step 28 - take large proud swig from beverage while standing on tailgate  :cheers:
Step 29 - climb down from tailgate and close tailgate
Step 30 - take large swig from beverage
Step 31 - put ladder or bucket back where found
Step 32 - jump into pool or under sprinkler
Step 33 - use thick towel to dry self
Step 34 - return to vehicle and call SWMBO
Step 35 - ask her convincingly what she hit the tailgate on  :angel:

Jobs complete with clearance....its only a Jeep  ;D

these step will work on other brand vehicles with tailgates  :cheers:
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Offline brickiematt

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #15 on: January 16, 2013, 08:49:35 PM »
Quote from: Jeepers Creepers on January 16, 2013, 07:51:20 PM
Hey Boof, how much were your airbags, as i'm thinking the same for the Jeep.

I'm going to spin our hitch thingy as well, but i'm betting the tailgate will foul on it. (Its Jeep thing)

$400 installed from the mob with the big red (no)bull. I didn't have the knowhow's or the wherefor's to put them in myself. They are the Firestone bags, and they've done a really neat job with the installation. Very happy with them.
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Offline evolution

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #16 on: January 16, 2013, 08:52:58 PM »
Quote from: JU5T1N on January 16, 2013, 08:44:27 PM
Easy fix for the tail gate on a Jeep:
only tools needed are 1 thick towel a ladder or up turned bucket and a few beverages for balance & thirst while working.

Step 1 - get a beverage (priority people)
Step 2 - take large swig from beverage
Step 3 - look for thick towel
Step 4 - take large swig from beverage
Step 5 - ask SWMBO where the towel is hidden
Step 6 - take large swig from beverage
Step 7 - get a fresh beverage
Step 8 - take large swig from beverage
Step 9 - ask SWMBO to get the still missing towel
Step 10 - take large swig from beverage
Step 11 - unwrap towel from head that SWMBO delivered with thrust
Step 12 - take large swig from beverage
Step 13 - take items to car
Step 14 to 17 while walking to car take several large swigs from beverage
Step 18 - place thick towel onto tow ball
Step 19 - return to bar/kitchen/shed fridge for a fresh beverage
Step 20 - test beverage
Step 21 - return to vehicle
Step 22 - take large swig from beverage
Step 23 - carefully lower tailgate onto towel
Step 24 - take large swig from beverage
Step 25 - stand on ladder or up turned bucket
Step 26 - take large swig from beverage and place index hand over top of beverage to prevent spillage
Step 27 - JUMP ONTO TAILGATE
Step 28 - take large proud swig from beverage while standing on tailgate  :cheers:
Step 29 - climb down from tailgate and close tailgate
Step 30 - take large swig from beverage
Step 31 - put ladder or bucket back where found
Step 32 - jump into pool or under sprinkler
Step 33 - use thick towel to dry self
Step 34 - return to vehicle and call SWMBO
Step 35 - ask her convincingly what she hit the tailgate on  :angel:

Jobs complete with clearance....its only a Jeep  ;D

these step will work on other brand vehicles with tailgates  :cheers:

Mate I can't believe you typed all that up!
Lol what a pisser.

Cheers
Evo
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Offline StrvnMrvn

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #17 on: January 16, 2013, 08:54:49 PM »
Quote from: JU5T1N on January 16, 2013, 08:44:27 PM
Easy fix for the tail gate on a Jeep:
only tools needed are 1 thick towel a ladder or up turned bucket and a few beverages for balance & thirst while working.

Step 1 - get a beverage (priority people)
Step 2 - take large swig from beverage
Step 3 - look for thick towel
Step 4 - take large swig from beverage
Step 5 - ask SWMBO where the towel is hidden
Step 6 - take large swig from beverage
Step 7 - get a fresh beverage
Step 8 - take large swig from beverage
Step 9 - ask SWMBO to get the still missing towel
Step 10 - take large swig from beverage
Step 11 - unwrap towel from head that SWMBO delivered with thrust
Step 12 - take large swig from beverage
Step 13 - take items to car
Step 14 to 17 while walking to car take several large swigs from beverage
Step 18 - place thick towel onto tow ball
Step 19 - return to bar/kitchen/shed fridge for a fresh beverage
Step 20 - test beverage
Step 21 - return to vehicle
Step 22 - take large swig from beverage
Step 23 - carefully lower tailgate onto towel
Step 24 - take large swig from beverage
Step 25 - stand on ladder or up turned bucket
Step 26 - take large swig from beverage and place index hand over top of beverage to prevent spillage
Step 27 - JUMP ONTO TAILGATE
Step 28 - take large proud swig from beverage while standing on tailgate  :cheers:
Step 29 - climb down from tailgate and close tailgate
Step 30 - take large swig from beverage
Step 31 - put ladder or bucket back where found
Step 32 - jump into pool or under sprinkler
Step 33 - use thick towel to dry self
Step 34 - return to vehicle and call SWMBO
Step 35 - ask her convincingly what she hit the tailgate on  :angel:

Jobs complete with clearance....its only a Jeep  ;D

these step will work on other brand vehicles with tailgates  :cheers:

Even a hilux!? Remember from the add old mate looses it over the edge of a cliff n finds it still the same on the beach!!
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Offline JU5T1N

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #18 on: January 16, 2013, 09:11:37 PM »
Quote from: StrvnMrvn on January 16, 2013, 08:54:49 PM
Even a hilux!? Remember from the add old mate looses it over the edge of a cliff n finds it still the same on the beach!!
yeah, the poor bloke
such bad luck for him  :'(
just when he thought he was getting $$$ from the insurance to upgrade to a Patrol the Ship box washed up like a floating turd....ROFLMAO  :angel:

try
Step 27.5 - call the dog to join you on the tailgate (this only works with larger dogs)
« Last Edit: January 16, 2013, 09:14:18 PM by JU5T1N »
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Offline Jeepers Creepers

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #19 on: January 17, 2013, 05:30:09 AM »
Oh hell, look out...
All the poor ol hilux owners will be after you.

Oh, its ok, with a hilux, they won't catch you.  :D
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Offline evolution

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #20 on: January 17, 2013, 09:59:18 AM »
Quote from: Jeepers Creepers on January 17, 2013, 05:30:09 AM
Oh hell, look out...
All the poor ol hilux owners will be after you.

Oh, its ok, with a hilux, they won't catch you.  :D

What?.... do you mean won't catch you whilst they are on foot with a broken leg?
lol
Dunno what I'm saying I drive a crd Patrol..... It's slower than the old Gutluxes of the 80-90s

Cheers
Evo
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Offline StrvnMrvn

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #21 on: January 19, 2013, 09:41:09 AM »
Hey guys,

Tried turning the hitch over to get some more height and the Pic 2 shows my issue! The bar will hit the back step on the tug. Anyone else had this issue and come up with a fix?

I'm thinking of just getting one that is longer with two pin holes from a wreckers.

 :cheers:

Strvy

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Offline Kalebjarrod

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #22 on: January 19, 2013, 10:45:29 AM »
You can buy slightly longer versions

When you turn them over you do lose a few hundreds kilos on the load rating but mine is rated so high I have never been concerned

I have mine inverted on my sr5 with the same rear bumper as yours, no problems
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Offline areyonga

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #23 on: January 19, 2013, 02:49:36 PM »
Have a look on the Hayman Reese site, there are longer ones for that purpose, I wouldnt buy one from the wreckers as you dont know what stresses it has been under like in a crash.

Trevor
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Offline StrvnMrvn

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Re: Hitching up the CT
« Reply #24 on: January 19, 2013, 03:21:24 PM »
Thanks guys, just got one from a trailer mob (hayman reese brand). Fitted the reverse camera today to and works well!! Now to try it out when I go to sandy creek on Monday til Thursday!!

 :cheers:

Strvy
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