Front Towbar Connection

Just to add to the above, my tie downs are now rated recovery points and all is mounted rear of the crush points where the bullbar is mounted.

Gerry

Hi GerryP "I have airbags and have installed a hitch receiver between the chassis rails" Home made or commercially purchased any chance of some piccy's

Cheers Michael

Gerry P,

would love to see some piscs also mate!

Gerry,
Can I also second that request for a picture? Its a long way from the tie down to the front of the bullbar on the Prado and the tongue would have to be fairly long. As long as there is not too much flex it won't be a problem - I was thinking a flat reinforced bar with the 50mm socket sliding into the tow receiver with the original pin to locate the whole thing.

Hi all,

Just went out and took a couple of pics as requested. It's a home made job and is also supported at the rear with a bolt to the cross-member. The force at this point will be in an upward direction with the van attached and will therefore counter the length of the bar to the front. It's all pretty sturdy and as has been noted elsewhere, you're only moving fairly slowly to position the van.

It certainly makes it easy to manoeuvre when you have a twisty, narrow driveway (like I have unfortunately).

Click for pic's

Cheers
Gerry

Thanks Gerry

Gerry,
Thanks. A photo gives much more of an idea of where to start. I have found the front hitch to be of more use when offset on the left of the vehicle. This gives you a view down the side of the van/boat.
My Prado looks like yours underneath. I was going to take the hook off and mount it in that spot. Not sure of the effect that taking the sleeve to the front of the vehicle, height off the ground wise. Was thinking of having a longer gooseneck but the leverage effect may kill that plan.
Thanks for your input.
Cheers
Bill

Thanks Donks1
If thats the case I can start making that bracket for the front
I have seen hitches on ebay and they always stressed "not for air bag equiped cars"

Cheers Michael