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Subject Topic: tow ball to low ? Post Reply Post New Topic
29/4/2013 at 7:07pm
 Location: Chertsey
 Outfit: Lexus RX450H Bessac
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Hi all , more advise and information required please
after just completing our first weekend with a caravan
stopped at the services and walking back to the unit we noticed that the van sat very low on the tow ball which is a witter fixed flange ( fine for my trailer when camping )how ever looks too low for the caravan. Can I change this for an extended tow ball as below The van does have an Alko Stabliser
http://www.towsure.com/product/Extended_Towball_for_Alko_Type_Stabiliser_Hitches

Best advise comes from users
many thanks in advance

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Seamsman


29/4/2013 at 7:27pm
 Location: Lowestoft Suffolk
 Outfit: Skoda Superb DSG + Elddis Affinity 550
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My suggestion is not going to be far out, all said and done:

The figure I have in my head is that, fully loaded your tow ball should be 16 inches above the ground.



29/4/2013 at 7:29pm
 Location: Lowestoft Suffolk
 Outfit: Skoda Superb DSG + Elddis Affinity 550
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PS

I'm sure that other contributors will quote you chapter and verse of EU legislation, but it will not be far out from above post.


29/4/2013 at 7:52pm
 Location: Walsall
 Outfit: Unicorn Barcelona 2 & Kia Sorento
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If you have an ALKO stabaliser you should already be usung one of these.

Ball height should be 350mm to 420mm to the centre of the ball by legislation.

Could be the rear springs.

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Regards

Steve




29/4/2013 at 8:05pm
 Location: Chertsey
 Outfit: Lexus RX450H Bessac
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Thank you all for the input , unloaded the centre of the ball   sits at 15 " .
thank you

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Seamsman


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29/4/2013 at 8:05pm
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit:  Swift Major 4SB
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Too much noseweight?

Rob


29/4/2013 at 8:15pm
 Location: Bolton Lancs
 Outfit: Bailey Orion 430-4 & Mitsubishi PHEV
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A lot of front wheel drive cars are very front heavy, consequently they have rather soft rear suspension springs,
Set your nose weight towards the minimum figure, if the rear is still sitting too low you may need spring assisters


29/4/2013 at 8:15pm
 Location: Walsall
 Outfit: Unicorn Barcelona 2 & Kia Sorento
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So that's in the middle of the range.

does it drop significantly when the caravan is attached?

It would help us to provide advice if you completely filled in your profile. What is the vehicle? how old is it? Is the suspension showing significant wear or sag? what make of towbar is it?

-------------
Regards

Steve




29/4/2013 at 8:34pm
 Location: Chertsey
 Outfit: Lexus RX450H Bessac
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Steve , I am running a Lexus RX400 07 plate , I had the tow bar fitted a couple of years ago for an erde trailer for camping , The suspension shows no sign of wear or sag .
The caravan had very little weight on the front , although not measured , ( no gas bottles in the front just a few
of the square foam mats .The tow bar is a witter. I was not sure if when it as fitted the fitter set it up for trailer towing ?
thanks for your help and advise .

-------------
Seamsman


29/4/2013 at 10:35pm
 Location: Walsall
 Outfit: Unicorn Barcelona 2 & Kia Sorento
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Not usually any adjustability. Witter should be good, is the Lexus soft on the suspension? You don't see many people towing with these. What is the allowable S weight? Witter website suggests 90kg could be OK. Get it checked.

-------------
Regards

Steve




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30/4/2013 at 10:43am
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
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Can only think that that the nose weight is overloaded.mine is 92max on the ball,a 4x4.the caravan of ours has an MTPLM of 1272kgs.with only two calorite bottles in the front and a few wellies I still struggle to get to 90 kgs on the ball.mind the nose weight gauges are not that good once compressed to full.i do not check each time if nothing has changed with the loading of the van.if you do not know the nose weight of your van it is normally about 7% of van weight.

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the only silly question is the one you do not ask.



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