Author Topic: TOWBAR DILEMA (Read 7827 times)

buddha · « **on:** May 09, 2015, 12:01:06 PM »

G'day folks, having just brought a homemade offroad camper to put behind my rodeo d/c i have found the towball a bit low.No worries i thought i will just turn the hitch upside down and gain about 5" but the hitch is an 1" short of clearing rear step, do i
1- cut out part of rear step.
2- buy hitch with long bar (which i dont think can be turned upside down).
3- buy a height adjustable hitch($$$$$$).
Any suggestions from you learned folk would be really appreciated,
Thanks.
Buddha

ronmac · « **Reply #1 on:** May 09, 2015, 12:11:59 PM »

G/day Buddha, I'd go the adjustable one then you won't have any drama's. I have a long hitch that I used on my HJ holden 1 tonner, you could of have that but your'e down the coast a bit. cheers Ron.

Mrs smith · « **Reply #2 on:** May 09, 2015, 12:51:52 PM »

Is the hitch long enough to have a new hole drilled, allowing it to stick out from the receiver a little more ?
I've had the old hole welded up and a new hole drilled in a similar situation.

edz · « **Reply #3 on:** May 09, 2015, 01:03:31 PM »

Should be able to get a different tounge for about $80 + https://www.autobarn.com.au/catalogsearch/result/?q=Towbar+tounge+

dales133 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 09, 2015, 02:07:07 PM »

Get an engineer to cut it off and weld it to a longer receiver bit.thats what I've done

dazzler · « **Reply #5 on:** May 09, 2015, 05:06:20 PM »

Photo?

buddha · « **Reply #6 on:** May 09, 2015, 06:29:02 PM »

Thanks for the offers and suggestions all, i think i can drill a new hole and weld up old(easy and çheap).Sorry no photos, i'm struggling to use our camera let alone transfer onto here.
Thanks again
buddha

#jonesy · « **Reply #7 on:** May 09, 2015, 07:59:02 PM »

Repco have long hitches on sale all the time. Saves messing around drilling and welding, which may weaken your hitch. May also put hole too close to the end

dales133 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 09, 2015, 08:13:20 PM »

Quote from: dazzler on May 09, 2015, 05:06:20 PM

Photo?

Of mine?

glenm64 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 09, 2015, 09:24:42 PM »

Quote from: buddha on May 09, 2015, 06:29:02 PM

Thanks for the offers and suggestions all, i think i can drill a new hole and weld up old(easy and çheap).Sorry no photos, i'm struggling to use our camera let alone transfer onto here.
Thanks again
buddha

Why weld hole up?
I would have thought heat = stress.
If you can get away with drilling new hole just do that.
I've seen tongues with multiple holes in them.

glenm64 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 09, 2015, 11:10:00 PM »

Quote from: glenm64 on May 09, 2015, 09:24:42 PM

Why weld hole up?
I would have thought heat = stress.
If you can get away with drilling new hole just do that.
I've seen tongues with multiple holes in them.

glenm64 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 09, 2015, 11:11:49 PM »

Sorry wrong tongue

dales133 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 09, 2015, 11:12:54 PM »

Quote from: glenm64 on May 09, 2015, 11:10:00 PM

Bet she's the most popular lesbian at the party

glenm64 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 09, 2015, 11:30:58 PM »

Quote from: glenm64 on May 09, 2015, 11:11:49 PM

Sorry wrong tongue

If this dont work nothing will

bully · « **Reply #14 on:** May 10, 2015, 06:22:17 AM »

I have drilled anew hole in my hitch but have been thinking that the load rateing would be reduced due to the extra hang over of the tounge
I has been a concern of mine for a while as I have a KK and the drawbar weight is excessive. I will weld some braces on mine eventually to satisfy my fear of the tounge breaking.

terravista · « **Reply #15 on:** May 11, 2015, 09:16:18 AM »

I have seen a Coroner's report from a caravan rollover fatality that suggested extending the towball out had further increased the risk of losing control.
This may not apply in your situation, but could be worth more research as saving a few bucks in a hitch is cheaper than some alternatives.
Cheers

areyonga · « **Reply #16 on:** May 11, 2015, 09:40:59 AM »

This is the one I have, it extends out the back so will clear your step and is height adjustable https://www.autobarn.com.au/pro-series-ball-mount-towbar-ac31643

And the Hayman Reese one is rated at 2 and a half tonne

Mrs smith · « **Reply #17 on:** May 11, 2015, 10:08:29 AM »

Quote from: terravista on May 11, 2015, 09:16:18 AM

I have seen a Coroner's report from a caravan rollover fatality that suggested extending the towball out had further increased the risk of losing control.
This may not apply in your situation, but could be worth more research as saving a few bucks in a hitch is cheaper than some alternatives.
Cheers

I think you'll find in a situation like above, moving the pivot and load further back is what may have increased the risk, just like a poorly positioned axle or load adds to the risk.

Just out of interest and for the sake of conversation.
If someone was to buy a vehicle second hand that the previous had fitted with a longer after market tongue too,how would they or would they even know any different or better regardless of whether they filled and drilled or purchased over the counter or from a garage sale ?
In an ideal situation you'd keep the pivot/ball as close to the rear axle as possible.

Bookleaf · « **Reply #18 on:** May 11, 2015, 04:20:35 PM »

If you have a tow bar manufacturer near you, go to them and they can custom make a new tongue to your requirements.
This is what I did when I need to raise the ball height for my trailer.
But then I have such a manufacture only a fer suburbs away from me, so it was not to hard to do.

buddha · « **Reply #19 on:** May 12, 2015, 06:43:16 PM »

Hi all, camper now reg'oed and in the backyard.I drilled another hole in the tongue (of the towbar) and it rides pretty level.Cant wait for this w'end to get out and set up by the river for a couple of days.

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Author Topic: TOWBAR DILEMA (Read 7827 times)

bully