Towing Socket Positioning

Harryt
Harryt Forum Participant Posts: 8
edited July 2017 in Towcars & Towing #1

I have just purchased an "new " car and had the dealer fit a tow bar an socket. It is a traditional towbar with a bolt on tow ball. The socket is on a plate mounted with the tow ball as per normal. However it is on the right looking at the back of the car. rather than on the left which is where it has been on every other car that I have owned. This means that the cable needs to loop under the hitch.
is this a problem which I need to get the garage to sort or can I just leave it?
In passing they had trouble removing the paint for a normal tow ball so have fitted a gold coloured one which is I believe brass. I have seen them advertised so I assume that it is OK for an Alco Hitch Stabaliser.

Your advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Harry

Comments

  • tigerfish
    tigerfish Forum Participant Posts: 1,362
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2017 #2

    Mine is a factory fitted option, complete with upgraded fan & Oil cooling. The Electrics comprise a 13 pin socket built in to the left side of the swan neck.

     

    TF

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2017 #3

    I answered this last night  ...... it's gone though surprised

    It makes no odds which side the socket is so long as the cable doesn't foul on anything. Mine is on the left too.

    Doubt that the ball is brass ...... far too soft, maybe an anodised finish innocent

     

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
    1,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited July 2017 #4

    Agree that the towball is not brass and is likely to be zinc plated. As said it matters not as long as there is ample length to cope with sharp turns, but it's probably only clipped to a side of the 'A' frame so clip it to the other side if worried by it.

  • G Cherokee
    G Cherokee Forum Participant Posts: 402
    100 Comments
    edited August 2017 #5

    Your yellow towball has a anodised finish called yellow passivated.

    Please be aware that the anodising will need to be removed with 36 grit Emery cloth then finished with 600 grit wet and dry ( but not wetted).

    Or you will find the anodising will flake off where the friction pads bite rendering them useless.

  • Phishing
    Phishing Forum Participant Posts: 597
    500 Comments
    edited August 2017 #6

    Harry, I have never found an ALKO ball in passivate finish. The plating is better but is only usually on traditional trailer towballs. Make sure its ALKO type.

    Removing the paint on ALKO ball is easy, what they meant was they couldnt be bothered.

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2017 #7

    My KIA factory detachable tow hook set up has the hinged 13 pin socket on the right...looking at the rear.

    I'm sure that over many years with different cars I have had it on both sides......and never given it a thought ......until nowwink

     

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