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?