Post by getaway on Jan 15, 2008 5:54:08 GMT 10
G'day everyone.
I have a slight problem in the mismatch of ride height between my van and my towing vehicle.
With the van and tow vehicle empty and sitting on level ground the drawbar of the van is 3 1/2" (90mm) lower than the tow ball.
The van is level with the ground (spirit level was used) As I see it I have a number of options to equalise the ride height.
1. Fit a "cam lock" adjustable ball mount. (quite expensive)
2. Fit larger rims and tyres to the van (I need to change the van wheels anyway) The van currently has 14" Holden wheels. Tyres are very old and cracked! Was thinking 15"X7" Sunrasier wheels with "LT" rubber to suit. (although if I go too big I will have clearance issues).
3. Buy a tongue with ball mount 100mm Lower than the standard one. (as the height mismatch is only 90mm this will in effect be 10mm too much).
The adjustable cam lock ball mount comes as part of a "hayman Reece" package. It is also a weight distribution hitch available in 550 and 750 hitch weights (don't know what the 550-750 denotes) maybe kg?
Do I need a weight distribution hitch? Tare weight of van is 700kg. Owners manual of tow vehicle (2000 Ford Courier twin cab ute) says original fitment (factory fitted) tow bar not for use with weight distribution hitch!
I can't believe how difficult this is becoming.So many options.
It is very hard to decide what is the best option. ie what is legally acceptable and which path to take that won't affect my insurance.
Any thoughts, feedback, ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks.
Mick.
I have a slight problem in the mismatch of ride height between my van and my towing vehicle.
With the van and tow vehicle empty and sitting on level ground the drawbar of the van is 3 1/2" (90mm) lower than the tow ball.
The van is level with the ground (spirit level was used) As I see it I have a number of options to equalise the ride height.
1. Fit a "cam lock" adjustable ball mount. (quite expensive)
2. Fit larger rims and tyres to the van (I need to change the van wheels anyway) The van currently has 14" Holden wheels. Tyres are very old and cracked! Was thinking 15"X7" Sunrasier wheels with "LT" rubber to suit. (although if I go too big I will have clearance issues).
3. Buy a tongue with ball mount 100mm Lower than the standard one. (as the height mismatch is only 90mm this will in effect be 10mm too much).
The adjustable cam lock ball mount comes as part of a "hayman Reece" package. It is also a weight distribution hitch available in 550 and 750 hitch weights (don't know what the 550-750 denotes) maybe kg?
Do I need a weight distribution hitch? Tare weight of van is 700kg. Owners manual of tow vehicle (2000 Ford Courier twin cab ute) says original fitment (factory fitted) tow bar not for use with weight distribution hitch!
I can't believe how difficult this is becoming.So many options.
It is very hard to decide what is the best option. ie what is legally acceptable and which path to take that won't affect my insurance.
Any thoughts, feedback, ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks.
Mick.