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Is there a "standard" towball height?

Submitted: Monday, Jun 02, 2003 at 21:49

GaryInOz (Vic)

Looking around for towbars (replacement rear bar) on my soon-to-be-lifted Kia Sportage. The overall lift at the chassis rails will be in the order of 2.5" spring and 2.5" tyres. What I would like to know is if I get a Hayman-Reese type hitch at what height should the towball be off the ground, or at least the acceptable height range. I'm trying to keep everything as high of the deck and as close to the body (rear wheels) as possible, due to the rear overhang and leverage factors on the rear suspension.
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ThreadID: 5246 Replies: 4
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AnswerID: 21703   Submitted: Tuesday, Jun 03, 2003 at 11:07

Rusty replied:

Basically if you fit a hayman-reese style towbar the actual part where the tow ball attaches is offset. This means that you can adjust the height slightly by turning the the tongue upside down. Apart from that they just bolt up under the rear and you will have to set the trailer height. ie bigger wheels or higher suspension, to keep the trailer level. I don't believe there is a set height. Just what suits your vehicle and use, to keep the trailer safe when in use.

Regards
Rusty
Reply 1 of 4
AnswerID: 21707   Submitted: Tuesday, Jun 03, 2003 at 11:41

Member - Mal replied:

Mr InOz,
The Vehicles Standards Bulletin No.1 National Code of Practice "Building Small Trailers" put out by the Commonwealth Department of Transport para.12.2.1 states".................and be installed so that the height of the centre of the body of the ball coupling is between 350mm and 420mm from the ground when laden".

Mal T.
Reply 2 of 4
FollowupID: 14166   Submitted: Tuesday, Jun 03, 2003 at 11:48

GaryInOz (Vic) posted:

Precisely what I was after :)

Thanks.
FollowUp 1 of 3
FollowupID: 14183   Submitted: Tuesday, Jun 03, 2003 at 16:43

Rusty posted:

I don't know what you drive Mal but 420mm is not very high. Have you checked the height of yours. I would suggest that it is higher than that.

Regards
Rusty
FollowUp 2 of 3
FollowupID: 14228   Submitted: Wednesday, Jun 04, 2003 at 09:46

Member - Mal posted:

Rusty,
I drive a 100 LC 2002 with a hayman reece tow bar. When unladen, yes, it is higher than that. However when laden, it varies with the load but sometimes falls within that range.
The document I quoted is the AUSTRALIAN STANDARD so all state should be the same and it is not vehicle specific.

Don't shoot the messenger LOL, LOL, LOL ;-).

Mal T.
FollowUp 3 of 3
AnswerID: 21741   Submitted: Tuesday, Jun 03, 2003 at 16:41

Rusty replied:

Maybe the rules are different in Vic. I drive an 80 series Cruiser and when the trailer is attached the to ball is 600mm off the ground. Slighly above what was said previously. I would think maybe that height applies to cars only.

Regards
Rusty
Reply 3 of 4
FollowupID: 14266   Submitted: Wednesday, Jun 04, 2003 at 17:51

ThePublican posted:

And a 4x4 is not a car/ station wagon/ utility ??? then we all need to change our licences to heavy vehicle,,,tongue in cheek.
FollowUp 1 of 2
FollowupID: 14363   Submitted: Thursday, Jun 05, 2003 at 17:11

Member - Doug posted:

Yup; just measured mine: it's 650mm with 2" (58mm) lift on vehicle (series 80);
I guess it goes down to 600mm or a bit less when laden.
from:
The Welshmun & The Witch
setting off in 2004
FollowUp 2 of 2
AnswerID: 21760   Submitted: Tuesday, Jun 03, 2003 at 20:03

Goodsy replied:

It all depends on what you are towing. I would agree with the figures mentioned for standard tow ball height.

Mine sits at 440mm. Perfect for my trailer. But a little high for others.
Reply 4 of 4
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