Towbar Spacer

Chaz · 22-08-2010, 10:03

Is it ok to fit a 2inch spacer to the towbar ? It is a bit of a pain having to open the rear door all the time when you hitch/unhitch. Was ok with last caravan, this one has the Alko one fitted and the handle hits the spare tyre on the back so wont release.

Chaz

Freebird · 22-08-2010, 10:32

Cant see why not.

(RIP) PLANK · 22-08-2010, 13:26

or take the alko hitch off! that would be my choice

rustic · 22-08-2010, 16:33

Am I right in thinking, that if you invert the spare wheel bracket, it raises the spare wheel a little, if so could this help.

stana · 31-08-2010, 11:59

I read somewhere that a 1" spacer is the most you can legally fit to a towball.

zippy656 · 31-08-2010, 12:18

i think darwin made a lift plate for his wheel. could look out for that.

dinky · 31-08-2010, 12:50

Got a 25mm on mine and use the short handle on my alco hitch.

(RIP) PLANK · 31-08-2010, 13:08

this will do the job, sorted

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Alko-Hitch-/22...an_Accessories

you know it makes sense

TONUP · 31-08-2010, 14:46

Chaz,

I had the same problem with hitching up my van. Have you got a big plastic spare wheel cover? i changed mine for a soft type, which free's up a bit more space.

I have also removed the red part of the handle and push the levers down one at a time with my foot.

I think that Alko make a special lever for 4X4's fitted with a spare.

Regards

Alan

Thomas-the-Terrano2 · 31-08-2010, 22:17

yep used to have same with my alco under spare of old t2,

found had to open door to allow full travel.

other resolves may include the removable alco lever designed
to help free 4x4 owners of more cash hehe.

or another brand of friction dry coupling like the westfaler?
the blue one...

or a blade type or just run without like plank and I do.

troll and twin axle at less than 70% ratio, plenty of nose weight
no issues in 2 seasons tugging.

seriously give it go without alco locked down. oh and had current
caravan on t2 with no alco without hitch pardon pun.

22-08-2010, 10:03	#1
Chaz Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: staffordshire Vehicle: 2003 Terrano II lwb Posts: 87	Towbar Spacer Is it ok to fit a 2inch spacer to the towbar ? It is a bit of a pain having to open the rear door all the time when you hitch/unhitch. Was ok with last caravan, this one has the Alko one fitted and the handle hits the spare tyre on the back so wont release. Chaz

22-08-2010, 16:33	#4
rustic Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Staffordshire Vehicle: Maverick Mk I 2.7 TD LWB Posts: 7,825	Am I right in thinking, that if you invert the spare wheel bracket, it raises the spare wheel a little, if so could this help. __________________ Ford Maverick GLX 1995 2.7TD LWB in illusion silver, 98k miles. Owned since new, for 22 years. Best car I have ever owned. Just wish I could drive it more.

31-08-2010, 22:17	#10
Thomas-the-Terrano2 Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hackenthorpe Sheffield Vehicle: Terrano2 R20 lwb 2.7TDi Posts: 5,234	yep used to have same with my alco under spare of old t2, found had to open door to allow full travel. other resolves may include the removable alco lever designed to help free 4x4 owners of more cash hehe. or another brand of friction dry coupling like the westfaler? the blue one... or a blade type or just run without like plank and I do. troll and twin axle at less than 70% ratio, plenty of nose weight no issues in 2 seasons tugging. seriously give it go without alco locked down. oh and had current caravan on t2 with no alco without hitch pardon pun. __________________ M6YTB / 20YTB '60' 2010 Ford C Max Zetec 1.6i, black '56' 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0TD, silver 2021 Bailey Pegasus Grade SE Turin caravan Smile, its more likely to confuse. One Life, Don't Just Live It, Drive a Nissan, or ...... a Jeep. Owner of Nissan 4x4s 2005 to 2019, and maybe in the future too!

22-08-2010, 10:32	#2
Freebird Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: West Cumbria. Vehicle: 1996 Terrano 2 Posts: 161	Cant see why not.

22-08-2010, 13:26	#3
(RIP) PLANK Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central England, in the Heart of the Black Country Vehicle: T2 2004 TDI SE LWB Posts: 7,740	or take the alko hitch off! that would be my choice

31-08-2010, 11:59	#5
stana Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: north east Vehicle: patrol 2.8td Posts: 32	I read somewhere that a 1" spacer is the most you can legally fit to a towball.

31-08-2010, 12:18	#6
zippy656 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Devizes Wiltshire Vehicle: Nissan Note Ntec 1.5 Posts: 14,137	i think darwin made a lift plate for his wheel. could look out for that.

31-08-2010, 12:50	#7
dinky Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SOUTH YORKSHIRE Vehicle: t20 lwb Posts: 1,238	Got a 25mm on mine and use the short handle on my alco hitch.

31-08-2010, 13:08	#8
(RIP) PLANK Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central England, in the Heart of the Black Country Vehicle: T2 2004 TDI SE LWB Posts: 7,740	this will do the job, sorted http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Alko-Hitch-/22...an_Accessories you know it makes sense

31-08-2010, 14:46	#9
TONUP Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: England Posts: 755	Chaz, I had the same problem with hitching up my van. Have you got a big plastic spare wheel cover? i changed mine for a soft type, which free's up a bit more space. I have also removed the red part of the handle and push the levers down one at a time with my foot. I think that Alko make a special lever for 4X4's fitted with a spare. Regards Alan