Member Since: 26 Jan 2018
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 18
Help and advice needed on multi height tow bar position
Hi all
So I have got myself a multi height tow bar but have a dilemma, as well as needing the tow ball for the trailer, I also need to fit a detachable motorbike rack for my trials bike, so I know that the tow ball should fit on the lowest of the holes but I would like it to fit on the middle set as that way I could fit my bike rack on the bottom set and then it would always be ready for either.
My question is has anyone had the tow ball in the middle position for any length of time without issue as I read a previous thread where people were worried that as they were countersunk they wouldn't be up to the job.
Hopefully the pictures should make it clear what I plan to do
Thanks Matt
1st Feb 2018 4:18 pm
Tweedviper
Member Since: 26 Jan 2018
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 18
Another view
1st Feb 2018 4:20 pm
Erea
Member Since: 19 Mar 2012
Location: Munster
Posts: 1509
It’s multi height so within reason put the ball at which ever height suits. Turn the backing plate upside down if that suits. I’ve my long bolts passing through the tapered holes for years and tow heavy loads. I’ll try and find the link here to a previous discussion.
1st Feb 2018 4:28 pm
Erea
Member Since: 19 Mar 2012
Location: Munster
Posts: 1509
Member Since: 08 Nov 2005
Location: Oldbury, WM
Posts: 10289
I ditched the backplate years ago, so here is mine with towball fitted in what is on your the "middle set" of holes:
Click image to enlarge
Fit the towball with some proper towball bolts, not the tapered ones that the backplate is fitted with, you'll be fine as the "middle set" of holes is really the bottom set of the actual towbar (if that makes sense)
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1st Feb 2018 5:36 pm
Tweedviper
Member Since: 26 Jan 2018
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 18
I have mine exactly like that, but with the plate (not needed, but I think it looks neater with it) the other way up. Always towed our horse trailers from the lower middle hole. Current: Discovery 3 06MY (55 reg) HSE Auto Zambezi Silver Allisport Fast Road Intercooler, V8 Brakes, Silicone IC Hoses, EGRs Blanked, Remapped, De-Cat pipe, FBHIC
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2nd Feb 2018 9:41 am
Tweedviper
Member Since: 26 Jan 2018
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 18
Just out of interest Lost for words, why did you turn the plate the other way up?
Ground clearance, and looks more tidy tucked up to the bumper IMO. Current: Discovery 3 06MY (55 reg) HSE Auto Zambezi Silver Allisport Fast Road Intercooler, V8 Brakes, Silicone IC Hoses, EGRs Blanked, Remapped, De-Cat pipe, FBHIC
Freelander 2 2007 HSE Manual Tambora Flame
Previous: FL2 56 reg SE Manual Black (written off )
Disco 3 06 reg B7S Manual Rimini Red
Disco 2 TD5 Y reg ES Manual Blue - Chipped
Several Discovery 300 TDis
2nd Feb 2018 9:51 am
Tweedviper
Member Since: 26 Jan 2018
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 18
I can get a better one later if you like. Whether there'd be enough clearance to fit your rack above rather than below I don't know. Current: Discovery 3 06MY (55 reg) HSE Auto Zambezi Silver Allisport Fast Road Intercooler, V8 Brakes, Silicone IC Hoses, EGRs Blanked, Remapped, De-Cat pipe, FBHIC
Freelander 2 2007 HSE Manual Tambora Flame
Previous: FL2 56 reg SE Manual Black (written off )
Disco 3 06 reg B7S Manual Rimini Red
Disco 2 TD5 Y reg ES Manual Blue - Chipped
Several Discovery 300 TDis
can't quite see from the pictures but if you leave part of the bike carrier on (looks like that in your gallery), can it be fitted BEHIND the plate, using a spacer to overcome the angled sides of the plate ?
2nd Feb 2018 10:35 am
Erea
Member Since: 19 Mar 2012
Location: Munster
Posts: 1509
Re: Help and advice needed on multi height tow bar position
Tweedviper wrote:
Hi all
So I have got myself a multi height tow bar but have a dilemma, as well as needing the tow ball for the trailer, I also need to fit a detachable motorbike rack for my trials bike, so I know that the tow ball should fit on the lowest of the holes but I would like it to fit on the middle set as that way I could fit my bike rack on the bottom set and then it would always be ready for either.
My question is has anyone had the tow ball in the middle position for any length of time without issue as I read a previous thread where people were worried that as they were countersunk they wouldn't be up to the job.
Hopefully the pictures should make it clear what I plan to do
Thanks Matt
Just looking at your pic again on my phone. I can’t see the side support bars in the pic. I presume they are fitted?
Member Since: 26 Jan 2018
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 18
Thanks Erea
Not fitted the support bars yet as that was just a mock up to see my options and only did the bolts up finger tight for the pictures.
Thanks Lost for words for the picture, I was able to zoom in to see it, forgive me if I am being naive but wouldn't your configuration give you the same ground clearance and tow ball height if the plate was the right way up ? this would also enable fitting the tow ball into the non countersunk holes
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