Drop plate question re using as an up-plate?

[Peter_374582086]

Hi Guy's

I'm new to this game, I own a 73 VW Bay Window camper and have just purchased an Island Plastics 1985 Romini two berth caravan to tow behind Wilma (name of camper). Wilma has been lowered so Pod (name of caravan) sits low at the front so worried about catching humps and bumps on uneven roads and camp sites.

Need to raise the height of tow bar,as Pod only weighs in at 350kg is there a problem of using a drop plate to raise the height by 4" so I can make Wilma and pod travel at the same level. Pod is only 10' long.

At present Pod is away being customised in the same colour as Wilma then off to be re-trimmed to match so all very exciting.

Your help would be very much appriciated. Cheers Peter

 

[Damian]

Peter, it is illegal to use any plate device to raise the height of a towball.

Drop plates are exactly what they are called,Drop Plates.

 

[emmitdb]

Peter,

Further to our illustrious Mods entry, can I tell you that there is an EC Directive that states that the towball height should be between 350mm and 420mm (ground to centre of towball).

If you cant acheive this without resorting to an illegal plate then you can't tow.

 

[ProfJohnL]

To be fair to Peter, I don't think the EU regulation was around in 1973, and thus it will not apply to the VW.

However the 350 to 420 hitch height is still a good guide.

 

[Steve L]

Hi Peter.

It is correct to state that using a lowering plate is illegal to use as a raising plate to higher the tow ball.

There are a couple of options as I see it.

You could have the caravan draw bar swan necked downwards. You should have this done by an engineering firm who would issue a certificat for any welding work carried out. I can be done but is very expensive.

Alternatively you could use a sliding hitch adaptor used by landrover drivers to adjust their tow ball heights to suit the trailers. The main problem with this fitting is that it is ugly for a start and secondly it might cause the engine hatch to foul in it.

As you are using a vehicle that is "customised", you do have to think outside the box of convenionalism. So you have to think of what will attract attention from plod or not.

Maybe a bit of enginuity with an engineered and chromed adaptor might be the way to go.

I would suggest you contact Watling. They regularly advertise front end mounted push bars and they might be able to offer an alternative, or know of a firm who can help.

Now before I get pounced on by the conventionalist's, I've been through the 1970's custom sceene and unless you have been there and got the shirt you won't know what it takes to be different and self expressive. Pete knows what I mean by that.

Good luck mate and I hope it works out.

Steve L.