Replacing hitch on older van

[Grant_374296468]

I have just acquired a 1978 Viking Fibreline III van (free gratis) from a friend. It needs a bit of TLC and I will have the gas pipes etc checked professionally. I would like to upgrade the hitch if possible to a newer version. It currently has a 'Peak' 50mm type which has the flip plate for reverse and is linked to the brakes at least initially by a single rod.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Grant

 

[GeorgeB]

Grant,

Provided that there's no wear in the hitch head I'd leave it well alone.

If you really wanted to upgrade to a later style hitch then you'd have to upgrade the complete braking systen to the auto reverse type as well.

IMHO it's probably best cleaned of all the old grease then re-greased, & it's not to much trouble to stop, get out & flip the leaver to stop the brakes activating when reversing, you've just got to remember to do it & remember to flip it back when you've finished reversing otherwise you've got no brakes when towing

 

[Grant_374296468]

Thanks for the advice George. I've decided that unless the hubs and brakes need replaced I'll simply service them. I think I'm going to be busy enough revamping the van as it is.

 

[Alan_374347086]

JUST LOOP AN AWNING RUBBER BAND FROM THE REVERSE LEVER TO THE HITCH,MOVE THE CARFORWARD A FOOT,AND THEN YOU CAN REVERSE AND MANOUVRE WITHOUT LEAVING THE CAR. REMOVE IT WHEN YOU ARE SET UP.

GOOD LUCK

ALAN

 

[Grant_374296468]

The hitch was made by Peak and there is no reverse lever as such. There is a curved plate which simply swings up to prevent the hitch moving backwards. It supposedly was fitted with a Marsden Reversemaster originally, but can't see any sign of it now. If there was a simple lever I might consider fitting a solenoid to engage.

Grant