Hi Im a new caravan er Recently purchased a Spaceliner 1982 18 ft weighs 990 kg empty, tow vehicle is Navara 4x4 when hitched the van is tipped back, the level hitch height of the van is 80mm lower than the tow ball on the Navara. ? will this be an issue for towing or driving.
Welcome to the gang Retyred, enjoy here and out in the playground.
I have seen heaps of vans like that, don't think it's a major problem with the weights you mention, however having said that and in my opinion would prefer it to slope the other way if it must. I reckon it might attract attention from the boys and girls with coloured lights on top of their cars. I always think it looks unsafe and could come of that 2" ball as well.
Maybe you could look around for a different tongue for the tow bar to drop the van hitch down. One of those fittings with a few different height adjustments would do the job. Not as attractive maybe on the back of your Navara or to those people with lights then. Also probably safer.
Keep Safe on the roads.
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On my old Commodore with the square hitch you could simply turn it upside down to make it about 4" lower.....of course in a Commodore that meant it was just about hitting the ground but maybe it's possible in your Navara.
Firstly, welcome to the forum Allen (Retyred) perhaps you could try one of these adjustable hitches .... they are readily available at a variety of outlets - particularly Hayman Reece.
Cheers - John
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Firstly, welcome to the forum Allen (Retyred) perhaps you could try one of these adjustable hitches .... they are readily available at a variety of outlets - particularly Hayman Reece.
Cheers - John
As John shows there are options.
The one on the right also comes fully welded with no bolts and was the cheapest for my box trailer use, drops are in increments of 20-25 mm I think (with max in SA of 150mm drop). Go to a trailer manufacturer/trailer parts supplier.
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Thanks for those responses guys,
We just returned from a 400km round trip, the initiation run, towing seemed to be good but on some rough bitumen we experienced bumpiness, like minor but prolonged bounce, possible, most likely, caused by heavy trucks after hitting a pot hole, there is a set of weight transfer things with the van, would they help smooth out the ride?
All good advice.
The van coupling and tow bar hitch need to be level, so if you don't have one, a hitch that is adjustable for height is what you need.
What you have to avoid is a nose up or nose down configuration on the van.
Hayman Reese and Eaze Lift both provide those features.
Yes, you definitely need "weight transfer things" AKA load levelling bars, they are essential. Both of the above come with levelling bars.
Talk to ARB or TJM, they are the experts
Bevan
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I certainly agree that your rig should be level. Nose up can cause issues with the bum dragging through dips, gutters and ferry crossings.
And yes, definitely use those weight transfer bars (WDH) as it will make a big difference as to how it tows. If you have the bars already, then I'm wondering what hitch you are currently using? Most WDH setups I've seen are adjustable for height and the bars fit into the actual hitch... are you using a different hitch at present, or is yours not adjustable?
Some pictures of what you have would actually help us to advise you a bit better.
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Cheers, Gerry Lexus LX470 2012 Traveller Sensation Pinnacle 21' Member VKS737 - mobile 3535
