Help - hitch weight 680lbs - Airstream twin axle 23ft

[thestedmans]

Please help
We are buying a beautiful 1972 23ft twin axle airstream which is in original condition
The AS will be perfect for our family but has a hideous hitch weight (680lbs) 310kg using old origional spec and bathroom scales - total 3600lbs.
We are trying 2 move thinks backward - and replacing the heater with a lighter one - but the major weight of the fridge and cooker are forward of the front axle - and as both are in perfect original condition i cannot face replacing.
We could move the heater to the rear but this would involve cutting holes in the exterior.
I dont think there is much mileage in moving the axle as the wheel arch would limit any forward movement.
Im sure we could get the hitch weight down near 250Kg with careful rear loading (gas bottles etc) but this is very limiting for tow vehicles.
Reading american forums European |SUV's with class 3 hitches have very hight hitch rating's (X5 , Touareg , Grand jeep C)
From my understanding a defender (look great but no commuting car, or discovery 3 - expensive ) would be O.K with 250Kg hitch.
I realise the early 70's safari has about the worst hitch weight but wonder what others have done 2 overcome this problem.
I was keen 2 keep the original axles having replaced brakes etc with an electronic controller.

Any thoughts on reducing hitch weight or other SUV's with big hitch weight would be wonderful as this is now distracting from our excitement for this years adventures.

 

[littlebasher]

Stick to the US theme for your tow vehicle
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1986-Ford-F350-american-pick-up-truck-v8-mustang-/290528295010?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43a4d5f862

That's not even going to break a sweat (but it will break you bank balance to run it!)

 

[ProfJohnL]

The Airstream is an American caravan, and their towing regulations are very different to our own. If you intend to us a UK registered vehicle to tow the AS, then you are obliged to follow UK regulations regardless of the vehicles origins.

Although there are plenty of large 4x4s that can cope with the all up mass of the AS you would have to check the nose weight limitations of your chosen vehicle.

It is not only illegal to exceed the nose weight limits of the tow vehicle it is also higly dangerous, as the limit is not just an arbitrary figure, but it represents the maximum load the manufacture considers the structure of the towbar and car can handle without sustaining damage under normal usage.

I tend to agree that you may need to consider a stateside tow vehicle, but be warned, that you may need to check your driving licence categories, regarding gross MAM’s

 

[NickinFrance]

How about fitting an American tow bar to an European vehicle ?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2008-2010-Land-Rover-LR2-Hitch-Class-3-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem519607e84fQQitemZ350409451599QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

[ProfJohnL]

Not sure this would be legal in the UK, as tow bars have to be type approved in the EU.

 

[NickinFrance]

Not sure this would be legal in the UK, as tow bars have to be type approved in the EU.

That's what I thought but would it be anymore illegal than importing a vehicle from the US with a non-EU type approved tow bar ? (as mentioned above)
I saw a caravan TV show yesterday which had a feature on Airstream caravans & one owner was towing one with a UK registered American Chevy with a 'receiver' type of tow bar.

 

[ProfJohnL]

If a car is sold new in the EU to remain legal I believe it can only have a an EU approved towbar fitted - though who would actually know I'm not sure, but it might be detected during the new MOT check.
An import may have to meet different legal requirements, for example a lh drive car can still be impored and used on UK roads
VOSA would be the people to advise.