Another Honda towbar query

[annierich]

In preparation for buying our first caravan - we are almost there!!- we have booked our new shape Honda CRV into the local Honda dealer to have a detachable towbar fitted next week. (Their price was almost the same as local towbar specialists. ) Reading another query has made me wonder are all towballs the same sizes - ie would it be compatable with an Alko hitch as well as a traditional hitch/ coupling? Sorry for what might seem an ignorant question from a novice. Thanks.

 

[colin-yorkshire]

hi annie

as far as I am aware all standard towballs are 50mm wether they are detachable or fixed and will fit all trailers.

the only differance between alko balls and others is the standoff distance from the bar,(I think it is about 25cm or 1in further out) the alko hitch takes up more room when fitted onto the ball so has to have a bigger gap.

I do not have any experience of honda bars so cannot comment as to the amount of standoff on the fitted bar, but as many crv are used for towing with detachable balls and alko hitches it should be ok.

the only other requirement is that the ball is kept clean and dry

(no paint, rust or grease)as this ruins the stabiliser shoes in the hitch.

hope this helps

colin

 

[Alexander_374295091]

Annie

I also have the 2007 CR-V and a Honda fitted detachable towbar. (Its actually a Bosal make with a Honda badge). My van has the Alko hitch as well and you will have no problems with the coupling. The only thing you must do is remove the black paint covering the ball with some fine grit emery cloth or you will have problems with the friction pads on your stabliser. once rubbed off get an old tennis ball to prevent the ball rusting. Also beware of storing the hitch in the boot the keys don't come out of the lock when the towbar is detached and it could be easy to break a key in the lock.

In relation to actually towing with the CR-V we find if we load up the boot with lots of heavy stuff and making sure the rear tyre pressures are 33psi it stops the bounce as the rear suspension is quite soft, the wife was six months pregnant when we first got the car and she was really sick when we towed, the extra weight in the boot cured it.

Kind Regards.........Alec.

 

[annierich]

Thanks Colin and Alexander for your helpful replies. Alexander - I don't think our 2 dogs will provide enough weight in the boot but thanks for the tip!!