Tow hitch bolt holes

kernowdragon · Feb 8, 2010

I want to fit a combined nato pintle/50mm ball hitch on my Rangie, and have managed to acquire one; however the new one has slightly different bolt spacing to my towbar. The 4 holes are about 5mm closer together in each direction. I'm presuming that grinding out the holes will invalidate the type approval and result in an MOT failure, even if it's still strong enough once I've backed it up with plates. A drop plate would leave it too low, and fitting a drop plate reverse way up is generally not a sound move.

The question is how can I get round this?

freelance · Feb 9, 2010

i would elongate the holes and back up with a big washer behind, if the slots show around the hitch when fitted then make upa shim from 4mm plate with the holes spaced correctly and sandwich it between the hitch and towbar, in my mind job done, legal and safe.

goonarmy · Feb 10, 2010

MOT UK car and vehicle MOT information equipment car servicing parts and spares - vehicle condition
take it off for the test

G-man · Feb 10, 2010

after having a word with a customer who is an MOT tester his opinion on the new regs for tow hitches is that as long as they look secure they are a pass, his advise "If i cant see it i cant fail it" i.e. cover the fooker up if you think it looks dodgy

Optimus Prime · Feb 10, 2010

this is crazy, first it says:

For tow balls the amount of acceptable wear is
considerably less. However, a tow ball should only be
rejected if a visual assessment indicates that the tow
ball is obviously excessively worn.

then it says:

No covers or panels shall be removed to facilitate the
inspection of any components, including tow ball covers.

understand the whole dismantling for inspection issue with MOT's but surely not removing a towball cover to inspect the ball is a bit too far.

G-man · Feb 10, 2010

no covers can me removed by the MOT tester

Tow hitch bolt holes

kernowdragon

Well-Known Member

freelance

Well-Known Member

goonarmy

Beer tester

G-man

BBQ king

Optimus Prime

Well-Known Member

G-man

BBQ king

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