Towbar spacer???

[CRAIG_5077026]

Hi, I have been told today that the spacer we have on our witter towbar is illegal! the spacer is about 1 1/2". It is on to allow the plate that protects your bumper when hitching up to fit. Without it the plate would not clear the bumper on our Sorento.

Can someone please advise me on this, IS IT ILLEGAL?

Many thanks

Craig.

 

[Lutz]

It depends. Towbars have to be type approved. To homologate their towbars, the towbar manufacturers must carry out tests under specified conditions which take the geometry of the system, including the dimension from the vehicle attachment points to the towball, i.e. the rear overhang, into account. Therefore, if the tested geometry included any optional spacers, then they may be legal. If spacers were not included for the purpose of homologation, then they are not legal. Only the towbar manufacturer can tell you whether, in your particular case, spacers are allowed or not. He must also tell you up to which thickness of spacer is still permissible.

 

[RogerL]

Assuming your vehicle was registered since 1998, all parts of the towbar assembly have to be type-approved including any spacer.

Adding a spacer between the towbar flange and the towball has a major leverage effect which won't have been tested by Witter to gain their type-approval.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

http://www.witter-towbars.co.uk/towbars/price_list.aspx
If you look on Witter website above and search for your car and model it will tell you what has been type approved

 

[Lutz]

The Witter website quotes 25mm max. for all Sorento towbars. A 1

 

[JohnDavo]

Craig,

Lutz is quite right. I have a Sorento and was told by Witter that 25mm is the max size spacer allowed. I have a 20mm spacer but don't have a protector plate. Never had a problem without the plate but the wife is pretty good at directions when hitching up!