Tow Bar to Tow Step ??

[shotgun0589]

I've got a Dixon Bate type adjustable tow bar fitted (first pic) and want to fit a Tow Step type (second pic)
Is it an easy swap over job? Will the electrics I have fit the new step??
Cheers

 

[The Ferkin BoB]

no as you only have 1 plug,you need two plugs for the tow step..

 

[suew]

no as you only have 1 plug,you need two plugs for the tow step..

Moron

 

[suew]

I am no expert in mechanical things OP.

However I do tow a lot and one thing that is immediately obvious is the height of the new step.

If you are currently towing with the adjustable on the lowest setting then the new one will be considerably higher. Look at the distance from the tow ball to the cross member.

Altering the height of the tow ball can cause all sorts of problems like snaking as most trailers have a recommended height for the hitch. I believe having a high tow ball increases the nose weight of the trailer.

 

[shotgun0589]

I am no expert in mechanical things OP.

However I do tow a lot and one thing that is immediately obvious is the height of the new step.

If you are currently towing with the adjustable on the lowest setting then the new one will be considerably higher. Look at the distance from the tow ball to the cross member.

Altering the height of the tow ball can cause all sorts of problems like snaking as most trailers have a recommended height for the hitch. I believe having a high tow ball increases the nose weight of the trailer.

Thanks suew, makes sense, I don't tow much, maybe half a dozen times a year, but I do used 2 different trailers, it's just that everything else has been tidied up ... the tow bar always makes the rear end look old!!

 

[The Ferkin BoB]

Thanks suew, makes sense, I don't tow much, maybe half a dozen times a year, but I do used 2 different trailers, it's just that everything else has been tidied up ... the tow bar always makes the rear end look old!!

I wouldnt worry.
do a search on TD5 rear x-members...

 

[suew]

Thanks suew, makes sense, I don't tow much, maybe half a dozen times a year, but I do used 2 different trailers, it's just that everything else has been tidied up ... the tow bar always makes the rear end look old!!

I know what you mean, I have one on mine. Its ugly and worse still it moves because it is only held in place by the one bolt. Horrible thing but usefull

 

[The Ferkin BoB]

them rear ends are made of cheese...

fit 1 of these from pressbrake then fit your tow step,

 

[shotgun0589]

them rear ends are made of cheese...

fit 1 of these from pressbrake then fit your tow step,

Can you spray over galvanising??

 

[shotgun0589]

I know what you mean, I have one on mine. Its ugly and worse still it moves because it is only held in place by the one bolt. Horrible thing but usefull

Suppose I could take it all off, have it shot blasted, spray it then put it back again, probably be easier to just put a new one on for £140 though !!

 

[suew]

Suppose I could take it all off, have it shot blasted, spray it then put it back again, probably be easier to just put a new one on for £140 though !!

True but the new one would soon go rusty too.

I bought some spray stuff from the motor factors a while ago intending to do mine. Its some sort of weird paint/wax oil or whatever but its black

Intending to tidy mine up when the weather is a bit better.

Just been looking at those tow steps. Do they only fasten to the cross member? If so I agree with BoB (cant believe I said that) I wouldn't want a heavy trailer just on that. Mine has bits that fasten onto the chassis further forward as well.

 

[shotgun0589]

True but the new one would soon go rusty too.

I bought some spray stuff from the motor factors a while ago intending to do mine. Its some sort of weird paint/wax oil or whatever but its black

Intending to tidy mine up when the weather is a bit better.

Just been looking at those tow steps. Do they only fasten to the cross member? If so I agree with BoB (cant believe I said that) I wouldn't want a heavy trailer just on that. Mine has bits that fasten onto the chassis further forward as well.

Yep, they bolt through the cross member but there are some 'support arms' too that bolt to the chassis....

http://www.extreme4x4.co.uk/acatalog/LRM_instruct_Rear Step and Tow Bracket.pdf

I think I'll do the same and just tidy mine up and paint it. Cheers