Which way’s best...

[Homestar]

So, something that has been gnawing at me for a while. The hitch on the Hilux makes it impossible for me to have the van exactly level behind it - up until now, I’ve had it set up so it sits about 35mm lower than straight. Putting the DO35 pin back on the hitch tonight (yes I really need to get another hitch) I thought I’d try it the other way around - it sits about 35mm too high now.

So, which way is better here? Or am I being too pedantic about it? Suspension is load sharing so it doesn’t really give a rats I shouldn’t think given the small amount I’m talking about here. My only thought was that if I had it back around the other way so it was 35mm too low, then it may save a few cents on fuel not sticking up so far (but I don’t pay for that anyway) and the centre of gravity is marginally lower. Seems to tow exactly the same - just took it for a blat down the freeway - sits on 90 to 100 with ease. Pics below.

Thought? Did someone say “Just suck it up Princess”? 😉

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4851/45371033245_ee37adb488_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2c8hptT)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2c8hptT) by Gavin Gregory (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150806513@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4902/45371033315_e215b0efbd_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2c8hpv6)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2c8hpv6) by Gavin Gregory (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150806513@N06/), on Flickr

[bee utey]

Clearly you need more junk in the back of the ute to lower it 35mm...

[Homestar]

😆

Assume for the moment that I like to keep the entire rig legal... 😉

I have a toolbox, caravan spare, large trolley jack and compressor in the back - probably 100Kg all up. It may have some bags, an Engel also going in it plus a front and back seat passenger (who probably weigh as much as me between them).

[Hugh Jars]

35mm is nothing. Use which ever way works best for you. It’ll make no difference to fuel economy. 35mm at the towball equals maybe 2mm at the caravan. There’s no ‘legal’ associated with level [emoji4]

[grey_ghost]

Given the fact that the van is taller than the Hilux, regardless of the +/- 35mm... Does it really matter in relation to fuel consumption?

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Yes you are being pedantic.... run it tail down...

[weeds]

I’d get a hitch that made it sit level....

It not than I would have it nose down.....

I have also noticed that some hitch have a different rating depending which way you use it.

[dirvine]

I dont know the "science" or physics behind it, but most people who tow caravans and also "experts" say that for stability the van should be level or with a slight lean to the front. I would load up the van accordingly or change the pin height on tow bar to get that angle.

[Homestar]

I’d get a hitch that made it sit level....

It not than I would have it nose down.....

I have also noticed that some hitch have a different rating depending which way you use it.

Thanks - yeah, a new hitch is on the shopping list, but it would need to be custom made as all the off the shelf ones are not the right height - guess I could buy one of those overly large and complicated adjustable ones too...

I'll swap it around and run it slightly down for this weekends run - it's only a few hundred KM.

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. [smilebigeye]

[Homestar]

This would work in the top most position - HAYMAN REESE ADJUSTABLE TOW BAR BALL MOUNT TONGUE HITCH TRAILER 4WD 70202 70207 | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HAYMAN-REESE-ADJUSTABLE-TOW-BAR-BALL-MOUNT-TONGUE-HITCH-TRAILER-4WD-70202-70207-/162911542779)

Not sure if I like the price though....

Will drop in and see the Engineering Supplies I use to see if they can make and certify one for me... Probably cost the same doing that anyway...

[Pedro_The_Swift]

HTFU Princess[tonguewink],, between road undulations, tyre wall flex and normal suspension movement, do you really worry about 35mm??
save your money for some Tooheys Old... [wink11]

[Homestar]

Ok....

***wanders off to take a teaspoon of cement***

[JDNSW]

I seriously doubt 35mm will make a detectable difference to fuel economy or handling or anything else except - when you drag the tail going into a driveway that you would not have done with the nose down. OK, with the nose down you might scrape the towbar, but I think this is less likely - and probably less likely to be damaged.

[86mud]

Just drive it and see how it goes....

These are now available at all chemists:

146831

Or....flip the van axles under the springs.

[Homestar]

Love it. [emoji106]

Towed the van just on 300km on the weekend with it like the pic shows and it was fine. Would be way too high if I moved the axles below the springs. A custom hitch will be the go I think - still have to drop into my local engineering place and chat to them about this.