Tow Hitch Heights again, but different

[gavinwibrow]

I have one of those snow plough receivers for towing.

If I stick within the recommended heights in the manual, my towball is about 450mm off the ground when reversed, whereas I ideally need to be at 550mm to tow my off road tandem 3.5T brick.

Question. Can I just use one of the strengthened/gusseted towball arrangements turned upside down, or do I need a more significant towball change, like a full Hayman Reese unit?
I don't want to go to a different hitching arrangement like Treg etc.
I do have a 3.5T/50mm and 4.5T/70mm dual opposed towball arrangement (and with vertical adjustment) that I bought some years ago for my bus RV when I used to tow different trailers from time to time, but that seems a little bit overkill in this scenario.

[DieselLSE]

I know you don't want to hear it, but a Mitch Hitch (about $850 I think) would probably be your best option.

[gavinwibrow]

I know you don't want to hear it, but a Mitch Hitch (about $850 I think) would probably be your best option.


Thanks, but don't need it - if that was the only sort of option, I'd install my already paid for HD ex RV hitch.

I'm interested to find out if there are any limitations on safely using those LR type ones with a longer vertical section and gusseting. May have to post some pics to explain.

[Blknight.aus]

I have 2 of the hayman style hitches with a 50mm ball, one is with the ball to the inside of the bend in the steel tongue and the other is to the outside, both purchased that way.

NEver had an issue with it on them.

[roverrescue]

If you want to run a 50mm ball coupling you will then have to comply with ADR ball heights
Excerpt here:

“16.4.1: 50mm Ball Couplings

Ball couplings used on trailers with an ATM that does not exceed 3.5 tonnes must comply with Australian Standard AS 4177.3-2004 Caravan and light trailer towing components Part 3: Coupling body for ball couplings.

Ball couplings on towbars are required to be installed so that the height of the centre of the body of the ball coupling is between 350mm and 420mm from the ground when laden (Refer to ADR 62/01). Alternatively, if complying with the requirements of ADR 62/02 the maximum height of the centre of the body of the ball coupling may be increased to 460mm. However, the ball may be installed at any other height, provided it is also capable of being adjusted to at least one height within the 350-460mm range.

The coupling body used on trailers should be designed to be compatible with these heights.

Of course the solution if you want to be higher than 460mm is to NOT use a 50mm coupling

S

[Markus1]

Not sure how to read those ADR rules. Is it saying what you think it's saying? The ball and the ball coupling are two different things imo. Then it talks about 'centre' and adjustable ball heights.

[gavinwibrow]

Not sure how to read those ADR rules. Is it saying what you think it's saying? The ball and the ball coupling are two different things imo. Then it talks about 'centre' and adjustable ball heights.


I remember seeing a couple of diagrams in the last couple of days which clarify this, now can't recall where - might have been in one of the article links in this or the other related thread on towing weight limits. Also, don't forget the poms usually use that single piece gooseneck. Oh dear, more research.

[RobA]

We had our local towing supplier make an 3500kg rated hitch to fit in to the LR receiver. Has towed our Ultimate and AOR Q+ around 90,000km around outback Australia over the last four years with no issues. Remember though the guys who make it are certified/approved manufacturers. They know what they are doing and stamp their kit to suit

Rob

[gavinwibrow]

If you want to run a 50mm ball coupling you will then have to comply with ADR ball heights
Excerpt here:

“16.4.1: 50mm Ball Couplings

Ball couplings used on trailers with an ATM that does not exceed 3.5 tonnes must comply with Australian Standard AS 4177.3-2004 Caravan and light trailer towing components Part 3: Coupling body for ball couplings.

Ball couplings on towbars are required to be installed so that the height of the centre of the body of the ball coupling is between 350mm and 420mm from the ground when laden (Refer to ADR 62/01). Alternatively, if complying with the requirements of ADR 62/02 the maximum height of the centre of the body of the ball coupling may be increased to 460mm. However, the ball may be installed at any other height, provided it is also capable of being adjusted to at least one height within the 350-460mm range.

The coupling body used on trailers should be designed to be compatible with these heights.

Of course the solution if you want to be higher than 460mm is to NOT use a 50mm coupling

S


So, I might just get away with this mother.
It is adjustable for height.

But I'd be happy to do a local swap for something simpler, rather than waste the potential of this.

Just remembered the brand - it's a Titan (dual/reversible 50/70 mm)

[gavinwibrow]

Would one like this even be legal?

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Mate,, flog that one, get one made to suit the "flats"
the less moveable/adjustable parts the better I think..

[Hugh Jars]

I just use a DO-35 pin coupling, so the ball coupling height does not apply :)

[loanrangie]

I just use a DO-35 pin coupling, so the ball coupling height does not apply :)It still relies on the height of the tongue though regardless of the connection type.

[Rok_Dr]

Gavin

I’m assuming you are referring to the standard D2 50mm square tow hitch and the Land Rover tongue that came with it.

If this is the case and you need to get an extra 100mm height then how about getting a standard 50mm tongue that has no offset?

I have a couple of different offset hitches here you are welcome to try out/borrow. Ping us a pm/call and we can work out details.

Cheers
Steve

[Odysseyman]

I think towing an Off Road 3.5T brick with a BALL coupling is asking for trouble. Ball hitches have very limited articulation and in outback road situations articulation is critical. I would be using a Cruisemaster DO45 hitch so you have some safety margin. I think your 4.5T adjustable receiver would be ideal if you can change the balls to a pin. Then you can tow a variety of trailers without too much effort.
Cheers
David

[Graeme]

My van has a ball version of the multi-directional pin couplings whereby the ball only moves in 1 plane like a pin. The advantage for me is that I use my box trailer with the tongue inverted compared with normal van use but can also pull the van out of the shed when necessary to extract equipment stored close to the van without swapping the ball for a pin.

[Markus1]

Lookup hyland hitch. One of the best articulating hitches ever made....and it's a ball. Only negative is a bit noisy. Great Aussie company. Dont make it anymore which is a shame. Presumably cheap knockoffs ruined it as per usual.

[Graeme]

Mine doesn't rattle.

[DiscoJeffster]

Lookup hyland hitch. One of the best articulating hitches ever made....and it's a ball. Only negative is a bit noisy. Great Aussie company. Dont make it anymore which is a shame. Presumably cheap knockoffs ruined it as per usual.

I have a Hyland equivalent on my Johnnos Camper and as suggested, fantastic articulation on a ball.

[weeds]

Lookup hyland hitch. One of the best articulating hitches ever made....and it's a ball. Only negative is a bit noisy. Great Aussie company. Dont make it anymore which is a shame. Presumably cheap knockoffs ruined it as per usual.

Ill health it seems stopped the hyland

https://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/editorial/details/hyland-unhitched-55909/

DO35 is a damn good option....

[gavinwibrow]

I think towing an Off Road 3.5T brick with a BALL coupling is asking for trouble. Ball hitches have very limited articulation and in outback road situations articulation is critical. I would be using a Cruisemaster DO45 hitch so you have some safety margin. I think your 4.5T adjustable receiver would be ideal if you can change the balls to a pin. Then you can tow a variety of trailers without too much effort.
Cheers
David

Assuming this is for me, I would agree, except that I have a 360 degree rotational towball head on the van, whose name completely escapes me at the moment (just remembered Hyland Hitch), plus its really a semi off road, and won't be doing any hard core off roading - more Great Central Road corrugations etc.
Cheers

[Odysseyman]

Assuming this is for me, I would agree, except that I have a 360 degree rotational towball head on the van, whose name completely escapes me at the moment (just remembered Hyland Hitch), plus its really a semi off road, and won't be doing any hard core off roading - more Great Central Road corrugations etc.
Cheers

Then I reckon what you’ve got is ideal :thumbsup:

[Hugh Jars]

It still relies on the height of the tongue though regardless of the connection type.

Ah, but the devil is in the detail. The ‘rule’ is for ball couplings. The DO-35 is not a ball coupling [emoji16]

[gavinwibrow]

I know you don't want to hear it, but a Mitch Hitch (about $850 I think) would probably be your best option.


Well Vern, I have come around to your way of thinking/advice - wanted ad posted in hope of a cheaper 2nd hand one locally.

[gavinwibrow]

Well Vern, I have come around to your way of thinking/advice - wanted ad posted in hope of a cheaper 2nd hand one locally.

Sometimes you win. Have just scored from Kevin at Rovertech a 2nd hand mitch hitch for $150 - magic. Now to pass forward hopefully well received good news for the guy looking for 18" rims yesterday.

[loanrangie]

Sometimes you win. Have just scored from Kevin at Rovertech a 2nd hand mitch hitch for $150 - magic. Now to pass forward hopefully well received good news for the guy looking for 18" rims yesterday.


Bargain, i paid $400 for mine but sold the original for $250 so effectively $150 as well.

[boardrider]

hi.i too had this issue.I had a van built at a rating of 3.5t off road.I visited the factory during the biuld and made them aware the ball hitch height at 610mm did not comply with the before mention adrs.They told me that the way it is and live with it.I could not as it did not work with my car.I had to buy an ajustable hitch at a cost of over $500.I was not happy that a manufacturer could build something that was with a total disregard to the ADRS.I changed to the McHitch.Good luck
boardrider

[gavinwibrow]

Bargain, i paid $400 for mine but sold the original for $250 so effectively $150 as well.

Who in this day and age would pay for even a mark 2 plough - maybe a D3 owner I guess!

I'll never understand LR - much innovation/brilliance and some really dumb aspects. Bit like some people I suppose.[bigwhistle]