How to stop trailer leaning forward

Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:17

ThreadID: 63623 Views:3032 Replies:9 FollowUps:3

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Hi,

I'm in the process of getting a box trailer and towbar for my Subaru Liberty. The Liberty is quite low to the ground, so I imagine the trailer would be leaning forwards when being towed. Is there anything that can be done to have the trailer level? I haven't yet purchased either trailer or tow bar, so my options are still quite open.

The options I've seen are the ~$800 Hayman Reese / Subaru towbars which have a cutout through the rear bumper bar to make it slightly higher, but I'm thinking this might be overkill for a box trailer. The other option comes in around $350 but this would be even lower to the ground that the Hayman Reese.

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Reply By: Ron173 - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:24

Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:24

if you get the hays reese type with the square box receiver, they are reversable so you can put ball up or down to suit.

sounds confusing but a look at the unit will be obvious.

Ron

AnswerID: 335861

Follow Up By: Wizard1 - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 14:25

Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 14:25

That's Hayman Reese.

FollowupID: 603563

Reply By: Notso - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:34

Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:34

I cheaper option is to get the Towball holder with a higher or lower tongue on it. There are a whole range of heights available from most caravan or trailer suppliers. This allows you to get the height right without the expense of the Hayman Reese type.

AnswerID: 335863

Reply By: Member - Lionel A (WA) - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:21

Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:21

Just make sure that the higher tongue setting doesnt interfere with opening the tailgate.

May have to look at a spring under axle and possibly low profile tyres.

Cheers....Lionel.

AnswerID: 335868

Follow Up By: Member - Lionel A (WA) - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:25

Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:25

On the trailer that is......LOL.

FollowupID: 603541

Reply By: Rod E B - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:51

Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:51

I have seen towballs that are about 50 mm taller , like the ball is on top of a 50mm cylinder .

AnswerID: 335878

Reply By: Pat (vic) - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 14:16

Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 14:16

Hi

If you are getting the trailer built you could have them weld the hitch at the bottom of the draw bar that will give you 75-100mm and it may be enough.

Cheers Pat

AnswerID: 335890

Reply By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 15:58

Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 15:58

Smaller tyres? Lower profile tyres?

Go down to 13" rims maybe?

If it is an axle under springs, go for axle over springs?

AnswerID: 335909

Follow Up By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 15:59

Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 15:59

Oops, Lionel has already suggested that.

FollowupID: 603575

Reply By: HGMonaro - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 16:51

Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 16:51

Subaru towbar sounds expensive, sure I didn't pay that much! They usually do 40mm and 50mm versions. I wouldn't recommend a 40mm as although it would do the job you might want to tow something someday somewhere other than from home and your 40mm hitch is at home and someone can lend you a 50mm one as they are used by everyone. I'd suggest getting the one in the bumper as one hanging underneath really lowers your ground clearance.

Nige.

AnswerID: 335920

Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 21:25

Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 at 21:25

There are actually legal limits to the height of a 50mm ball hitch.
(can't recall the details, but 300mm +/-)

There are no constraints to the heights of any other hitch types, so if you use a Treg hitch, you can make it any height that suits you.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome

AnswerID: 335971