Towbar height and drop couplings

[doggerry]

Hi all

Really need some help as this is driving me mad. Just bought an X Trail on a 12 plate with a towbar fitted. Took it to the caravan and hitched it up and the towbar is too high. The rear of the caravan was only about 8 inches off the ground. Just measured the towbar and it it is 500mm from the ground to the center of the towball (unladen). The towbar is a flange type with two mounting holes and has a stabiliser bracket. Can I fit a drop coupling to help this problem. I have heard that they are illegal.

 

[VicMallows]

The tow-ball height (measured from ground to center of ball) should be between 350mm-420mm. Yours does sound as if it is too high. Theoretically, to use a drop-plate, the type-approval of the particular tow-bar must permit that (which it may, or may not, do).

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi all

Really need some help as this is driving me mad. Just bought an X Trail on a 12 plate with a towbar fitted. Took it to the caravan and hitched it up and the towbar is too high. The rear of the caravan was only about 8 inches off the ground. Just measured the towbar and it it is 500mm from the ground to the center of the towball (unladen). The towbar is a flange type with two mounting holes and has a stabiliser bracket. Can I fit a drop coupling to help this problem. I have heard that they are illegal.

The Eu type approval regulations require the LADEN tow ball to settle to between 350 and 420mm vertically from the ground to the geometric centre of the tow ball. However certain types of non domestic vehicles are excluded from this requirement. You will have to check with your vehicle supplier to see if yours is excluded.

AS Vic suggests you will need to check the type approval for your tow bar to see if a drop plate is permitted.

 

[Hutch]

Welcome to the forum, Check on your Xtrail that previous owners havent fitted extra "suspension " spings to maybe aleviate a previous problen. And also double check that you are measuring everything on level ground. Sound daft but a very slight slope changes everything.
I used to have a Hyundai SF where I had to use a drop plate. (Probably ilegale) But if you want to use one check with the tow bar manucacturer to see if it possible. , needs to be checked that its "street legal"
Hutch.