Thread: Tow Bar Hassles

Originally Posted by POD

Just had a look at the one off my 1990RR, the square hollow section is not 50mm, it is in fact 2"x2"x1/8" shs which may be difficult to source. Fitting 50x50 would have too much slop I would think.

The SHS is cut at 90 degrees, the bend in the flat bar is 72 degrees.

That is interesting, as I cannot get a 50 x 50 to fit in mine - too tight. I haven't needed to bother getting one yet, but it is on my list of things to do...

Hi all,

I'm a metalworker and I made my own tow bar, I just used a piece of 50x50mm box fitted into the receiver, its a bit sloppy but because of the angle it holds perfectly when you use it (1.5 tonne van no problem), will take a couple of pics if you're interested.

Originally Posted by finallyrangie

Hi all,

I'm a metalworker and I made my own tow bar, I just used a piece of 50x50mm box fitted into the receiver, its a bit sloppy but because of the angle it holds perfectly when you use it (1.5 tonne van no problem), will take a couple of pics if you're interested.

If you can takes some pics, that would be great, I am a bit confused now, as I said in my last post, the 50mm hitch I tried was too tight....? Not sure what is going on there...

hello, hopefully this will work and the pictures are on this, as you can see I made up an adjustable hitch but the basic principle should work with a plain one just the same, its just a piece of 50x50 box with a 6mm wall, think the brace might be overkill but I prefer that to weak.

I'm not sure what the legal stance is on making your own so this is of course for off road use only!

Originally Posted by bacicat2000

If you can takes some pics, that would be great, I am a bit confused now, as I said in my last post, the 50mm hitch I tried was too tight....? Not sure what is going on there...

Some 50x50 have quite radiused corners and will fit, whereas other have quite square shoulders and will jam.

Thanks guys, I just had a look at the old dunny door hitch (made by Boronia), and the box section is quite square on the corners. I'll scrounge up something from my mates workshop and see if I can get it to fit.

Cheers - Gav

a VU-VZ commodore ute 1600kg towbar hitch has an angle that looks about right.....

I took the RRC down to a local ARB outlet and an experienced senior guy took a look and recommended a Hayman Reese Tow Ball Mount (Part No. 211933) which in the catalogue has the angled shank into the step, is 50mm square section steel and has a downward sloping tow ball tongue so the tow ball base is level and about 10cm below the square hole in the step/bar. (There is also a version that has the tow ball tongue sloping up for a higher tow ball base)
When I get it (ordered from Melbourne) I hope it slides in ok given some may jam. Will post my experience.