Tow Hitch question

Hi all,

I've not really had to tow anything up to now, so have been focused at the front of the truck.

The Mrs now wants a trailer to cart her rubbish about, so I've started looking at the back.

It came to me with a basic ball on it. As you can see I've upgraded this bit, but have noticed that there are no supporting struts running from the plate to the (I think should be) roll cage points.

The rear cross member has at some point been upgraded and is solid, not one of the hollow ones.

So question is, do I need the braces? If so, where can I get them? Part number?

Photos attached to help explanation.

If you are only doing light towing ( small / light trailer even when loaded ) you should be ok with that setup, but if you are towing say a caravan or a heavy trailer then I would suggest fit the braces

The whole thing is non standard so you will have to make your own mind up. However it looks pretty strong and if just hauling light rubbish [ she is not a builder is she?] should be ok as is. No standard parts will fit.

Thanks guys. Great advice.

I'll go with what I've got for now, but I'll probably get our local mechanic make me up a couple of braces when he's not busy. Knowing the Mrs, she will come home one day and say she's bought a horse and box, or a zebra or something. *

*This would not be unexpected. She went out a few weeks ago for a pint of milk and came back with a four foot Python

the biggest concern is the thickness / strength of that tubing distorting / crushing under load. but as others had said small trailers should be good

It needs to be torqued, braced and indeed the circular tube is suicide unless its solid, the bolts going through it will weaken it considerably. You need to think normal towing is different what happens when you slam all on, someone bumps you or you turn sharply and it twists.

Leverage is considerable and the way its welded onto the steel is considerably weaker than bolts/crush tubes through the entire frame (front and back)

In the short term, you could substitute one of the twin rear steps (solid metal) for your tube. You definitely need the braces - your local towbar centre may be able to make and fit them for you. Here's an example of the step: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/2818...3395220866:pla-146652029826&adtype=pla&crdt=0

As said that tube is rather a worry, personally I'd bolt it on either above or below the hitch but definitely not behind it.

The stresses on any tow hitch are enormous whilst towing. Don't forget it is the only point of contact between your trailer and the vehicle.
Loose the tube. Fit braces. Do not take any chances as your insurance will be void in the event of any accidents.
The leverage forces on the crossmember caused by the drop plate are huge which is why the braces are necessary.

I know peeps are saying it should be ok for light loads but the reality is that the towbar installation should be rated for the full towing capacity of the vehicle which on your case IIRC is 3500Kg with overrun brakes and 4000Kg with hydraulic assistance, not just what you 'intend' to tow. I'd get rid of the round bar and replace it with a proper flat set of steps (if you need them) and fit braces.

another note if yer landy is newer than 1998 it must have an approved tow bar fitted

*This would not be unexpected. She went out a few weeks ago for a pint of milk and came back with a four foot Python[/QUOTE]

Bet you were pretty pi55ed off when all you had to put in your tea was a 4 ft python.

Wimblowdriver said:

*This would not be unexpected. She went out a few weeks ago for a pint of milk and came back with a four foot Python

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Bet you were pretty pi55ed off when all you had to put in your tea was a 4 ft python.[/QUOTE]
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richard_paradox said:

another note if yer landy is newer than 1998 it must have an approved tow bar fitted

Click to expand...

It's 10 years older than that. 1988

Woldsguy said:

Thanks guys. Great advice.

I'll go with what I've got for now, but I'll probably get our local mechanic make me up a couple of braces when he's not busy. Knowing the Mrs, she will come home one day and say she's bought a horse and box, or a zebra or something. *

*This would not be unexpected. She went out a few weeks ago for a pint of milk and came back with a four foot Python

Click to expand...

Why the python?

As above really. The tube has to go or at least flattened at the point where the hitch joins the drop plate so it is then more like a washer. You really do need braces bolted back through the chassis as although it looks strong, you could in theory twist the cross member off at the welds to the chassis rails. Better be safe than sorry. Apart from a light trailer, you may use it to tow a car one day and thats when the problems could arise.

Cabbie said:

Why the python?

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I don't know!!

She walked down the shop to get a pint of milk, met someone we know in the village and had a chat, they told her they were getting rid of their pet Python, rest is history.

I give up!!!

Thanks everyone. Great advice from you lot as always.

The tube is a really solid lump of steel. I don't know how thick, but it's bloody heavy, and there is no way it's going to be flattened. But even at that, yes, it will go. I'll get some braces made up when our local fabricator is back from his holiday, and get it sorted out.

Thanks a lot everyone.

Woldsguy said:

I don't know!!

She walked down the shop to get a pint of milk, met someone we know in the village and had a chat, they told her they were getting rid of their pet Python, rest is history.

I give up!!!

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I used to have cornsnakes and when i was over here building my house i got a call from my wife telling me we now had over 35 snakes and see wasnt happy having to feed them pinkies one each every week.

mick the builder said:

I used to have cornsnakes

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Did you go out to buy cornflakes and get confused?