Insurance Quotes

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register  Log In  Search  Latest Posts
 Reception - All Forums
  Trailer Tents and Folding Campers
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email
Subject Topic: US trailer coupling
Post Reply
20/5/2017 at 5:03pm
 Location: Scotland
 Outfit: Goodbye Quickstop Hello Globetrotter!
View smartecosse's Profile View Profile   Reply to smartecosse Reply   Quote smartecosse Quote  
Joined: 09/2/2014

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   665

Site Reviews Total: 14
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0

Does anyone have any experience of converting a US tow hitch to a UK style one?

Our Camplite has a horrible tow hitch on it. As well as that it's a braked trailer but via electronic braking (apparently) which our car doesn't have.

There is a manual handbrake fitted.

The coupling is welded onto the front of the frame.....not bolted on unfortunately.

I'm wondering if it's a case of being able to cut the current one off.....weld a suitable mounting plate on and fit a complete braked UK hitch assembly and somehow connect this to the braking system.

I haven't had time to crawl underneath and inspect the system yet but I'm hoping at the very least I'll be able to replace the coupling.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks


20/5/2017 at 6:32pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Opensauce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Opensauce Reply   Quote Opensauce Quote  
Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4530

Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0

Separate the 2. First braking. If you want to use US electric brakes in UK then you need car suitably equipped to use them. It is then legal.

You can fit a UK 50mm hitch in place of existing hitch. It is an engineering job that needs to be done by competent person.

Or do the whole job & fit overrun hitch head & new axle with overrun brakes to make trailer proper UK spec.


25/5/2017 at 11:20pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: 2005 Viking Saga 1906ST
View Tom C-S's Profile View Profile   Reply to Tom C-S Reply   Quote Tom C-S Quote  
Joined: 04/9/2003

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   112

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0

Sorry to say I do know what you need to do. First, have the American hitch cut off and an adaptor for a European hitch welded on... As for the breaks, they are electronic and the controller is a computer which you can only get in America. This form of breaking system in the European community is not recognized, or allowed except for American service members stationed in England, and for others, not allowed with the exception of Lorries... To take care of both problems, I had an ALKO wheel base placed on the trailer with brakes and the hitch replaced so you had a "manual" brake system. It cost me almost the same amount as the entire trailer..... I did this all, 12 years ago.

-------------
Proud owner of a
2005 VIKING Saga 1906ST European


26/5/2017 at 8:38pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Opensauce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Opensauce Reply   Quote Opensauce Quote  
Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4530

Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0

US trailers with electric brakes can be towed in UK by UK reg vehicle provided vehicle is properly equipped. It's on .gov website in trailer towing regs.



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Trailer Tents and Folding Campers - Top of Page

     Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...















    Upcoming Event

UKCS Meet Elvaston Steam Rally 2026 03/07 to 06/07

Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.


6138 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Special Offers]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Tent Reviews

[Contact Us



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2026


Advertisement


Advertisement

Advertisement