Problem with tow ball?
I am new to caravanning and soon to collect my new Bailey Pursuit 400-2. It has been fitted with a ALKO 3004 stabiliser and also motor movers. I drive a Vauxhall Mokka 2015 plate and have had my Vauxhall dealer fit their recommended towbar which is a Westfalia
detachable swan neck. There seems to be very little clearance between my bumper and my tow ball. From the centre of the ball to the contact point on my bumper there is a measurement of 75mm. I have been in touch with Westfalia who tell me that the recemmended
clearance is 67/68mm required by ALKO, they say that ALKO say that this will not allow contact between hitch and bumper.
Being a novice to this it is causing me some concern. I do not yet have my caravan here to try it but the clearance seems very slight being 7/8mm. How do I get this caravan on the back of my Mokka without catching the bumper and will the stabiliser catch
my bumper when driving.
I could be worrying for nothing, I would be grateful if you experienced caravanners would help me out with your opionions and knowledge. PLEASE HELP!!!
Comments
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The operation of any motor mover is not precise and a bit of overrun in the last moment before landing exactly above the ball is to be anticipated. I think you have cause for concern.
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Agreed it seems a narrow gap to play with but you can add a steel bumper protector plate onto the tow bar.
http://www.towsure.com/towbar-bumper-protector-plate
Designed to protect against accidental damage...
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Agreed it seems a narrow gap to play with but you can add a steel bumper protector plate onto the tow bar.
http://www.towsure.com/towbar-bumper-protector-plate
Designed to protect against accidental damage...
OP has a detachable towbar
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If Westfailia say you only need 67/68mm and you have 75mm then that leaves you quarter of an inch clearance.
I disagree with both comments above and think you'll be fine. My motor mover is capable of enough accuracy to hitch up without fouling the back of my car and I'd guess there's similar clearance ..... I'll measure it for you when I get 5 mins
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In order to reduce stresses in the components, the towbar manufacturers try to keep the towbar arm as short as possible. 75mm from centre of ball to the bumper is quite normal and there is no way of increasing this dimension as the towbar has been type approved
as it is and any modification would make the approval null and void (unless the manufacturer has provided for a longer arm in his documentation, but that is unlikely).0 -
I would go with Lutz as the gap sounds reasonable but if the clearance proves insufficient then it is not fit for purpose and you can ask for your money back and find another make of towbar. However I cannot see that Westfalia have not done their homework
and got the gap right.0 -
Thanks to you all for your help and advice its much appreciated. I will let you know how it goes when I collect my caravan.
Will probably have another concern for you to help me with before then. Once again many thanks0
