I want to bring the towball out a bit further on my towbar so the Alko stablizer hitch is clear.It is an Alko towball. Is it okay to use a 13mm spacer. I tow a T@B - 800 kgs.
Tow Ball Spacer
- Thread starter Morganic
- Start date
In view of the fact that you are towing only a light caravan, I personally would not have any reservations with a 13mm spacer so long as it's made of suitable material. I'd make sure that high tensile bolts are used, though.
I have no issues with an alloy spacer, I use a 15mm cast one myself so the Alko hitch does not catch the bumper protector.
An alloy one may be quite OK depending how it's made, a steel one will definitely be OK, that's all I wanted to say.
Hi,
I'm with Lutz on this one - but my concern is different - unprotected aluminium in contact with steel is prone to galvanic corrosion.
Two dissimilar metals in tight contact + water = shorted out battery
And it's much worse if the water is a bit salty - like in winter.
If you are happy with the alloy spacer from a strength basis, make sure that the aluminium is very well protected (paint) from direct contact with the tow-bar, tow-ball and the through bolts.
Steel may / will go rusty but it won't corrode as quickly as an aluminium / steel pair can.
Robert
I'm with Lutz on this one - but my concern is different - unprotected aluminium in contact with steel is prone to galvanic corrosion.
Two dissimilar metals in tight contact + water = shorted out battery
And it's much worse if the water is a bit salty - like in winter.
If you are happy with the alloy spacer from a strength basis, make sure that the aluminium is very well protected (paint) from direct contact with the tow-bar, tow-ball and the through bolts.
Steel may / will go rusty but it won't corrode as quickly as an aluminium / steel pair can.
Robert
In these days of regulations its worth checking the towbar manufacturers type approval stipulations.
Some don't allow them at all
Some don't allow them at all
This is what Witter say fot the Freelander
EC Type Approved: Yes Tow Ball: Flange 2 Bolt
EC Type No: 01-0735 S Value (kg): 140
Max Towing Capacity (kg): D Value (kN): 10.00
Max Coupling Packer (mm): 25 Cycle Carrier: ZX108 or ZX109
Max Drop Plate Size (mm): 0 Spare Wheel Location:
EC Type Approved: Yes Tow Ball: Flange 2 Bolt
EC Type No: 01-0735 S Value (kg): 140
Max Towing Capacity (kg): D Value (kN): 10.00
Max Coupling Packer (mm): 25 Cycle Carrier: ZX108 or ZX109
Max Drop Plate Size (mm): 0 Spare Wheel Location:
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