Nissan Terrano problem

[saint-spoon]

Gaffer Bill I have a question. I have a Nissan terrano (53) to which I have recently changed from the old style tow ball to alkohitch. My problem is that I can't get the caravan hitch on unless i remove the spare wheel from the back door. The top of the hitch handle is impeded by the bottom of the tyre. Can I pad out the toe hitch or do I accept that I will have to remove the spare wheel?

 

[ProfJohnL]

The tow hitch assembly will have a rated capacity but that capacity will only be true for the hitch assembly fitted as per the instructions. This will have type approved for the car. Modifications such as spacer pads mean the product does not follow its type approval and thus its ability to cope the specified loads is not proven. Technically it is illegal to fit a non approved assembly.

I suggest you seek official advice from Nissan on what you need to do,

 

[Gafferbill]

.......I can't offer advice as such I can only tell you what I have done.

In 2001 when my Terrano was new I fitted it with a Towsure towbar and because the caravan was nose high I fitted a 50mm drop plate.
This drop plate is 10mm thick so effectively the tow ball has dropped by 50mm and moved back 10mm.
My caravan does not have the modern Alko hitch however so I do not know if a similar set-up would give you enough clearance.
I can tell you that this set-up on my Terrano has towed my caravan for well over 50,000 miles without issue.

 

[Sproket]

This was brought out by ALKO to help with the problem for this particular model hitch

 

[Gafferbill]

......there you go Sproket has the solution!

 

[Gabsgrandad]

Used one for years on Freelander, sold mine on ebay, (£15) they're on there regularly.

 

[saint-spoon]

Cheers guys, much appreciated. I must have looked a right idiot trying to hook up this morning, took me ages to work out how the hitch worked and realise that it was the spare wheel causing the problem.

 

[woodsieboy]

Hi
We had same problem with Shogun, you could try hitching up with the rear door open at 45 degrees, or as in our case we removed the Alko handle and you are left with 2 arms either side of the tow ball which then press down using the device Sproket has pictured, but if you take the original handle off it may be in two parts, and can be rejoined to make a handle you can use without paying for a new one.

 

[saint-spoon]

the 45 degree solution seems to be a good idea, I shall give it a go. I am going to have a look at my hitch this evening as i am pretty sure that it is a later model than the one that the kit is designed for... oh well if all else fails I can always remove the spare wheel.

 

[HenryB1]

I had a Terrano for years. Great towcar I always hitched with door partially open. Works fine when you get used to it.

 

[h4rri]

Should the above handle not be the correct one then have a plate made to raise the spare wheel enough to clear the handle rather than space the hitch out.

 

[RONALD5555]

I have used Terrano`s for many years. On my latest Cartagena with the new type of alko stabiliser I can couple up as normal. With the previous type of alko stabiliser, I just used to remove the long bolt at the top of the stabiliser handle, and pull off the red plastic handle. This enable me to hitch up with the rear door shut, then push the handle back on, bolt back in, and push the handle down to secure the stabiliser. Worked this way for years

 

[saint-spoon]

I had a look at it last night and think that this is the way that I will be going to be honest. Any advice is good advice because it has me thinking about the problem and to be honest, knowing that it isn't just me desperately trying to qualify for the whoosie club is and that there is a recognise issue is reassuring. thank-yiu all for your advice so far, very much appreciated.

 

[Thingy]

We had same problem with Shogun, you could try hitching up with the rear door open at 45 degrees, or as in our case we removed the Alko handle and you are left with 2 arms either side of the tow ball which then press down using the device Sproket has pictured, but if you take the original handle off it may be in two parts, and can be rejoined to make a handle you can use without paying for a new one.

Strange. I also have the Shogun but no problems at all with the AlKo

 

[BrianStAlbans]

If you remove the spare wheel carrier and refit upside down it will give you more clearance.

 

[woodsieboy]

Hi Thingy
Perhaps it depends on model,we have the spare wheel set towards the offside with chrome wheel cover, on newer models the wheel is in the centre and I think the cover and mounting may be different allowing more clearance.

 

[saint-spoon]

will give that a go