optimum trailer angle

Ross,
Rather than re constructing the trailer drawbar to suit, why not go to a caravan place and buy either a compromise tongue (one that is mid way between the draw bar height of both vehicles) or buy 2 separate tongues, 1one a bit higher for the Commodore and another a bit lower for the Cruiser .
This would ensure that your trailer tows at the best level regardless of the tug.

It may be a bit dearer than a mate welding something up, but will definitely be safer.

Disco.

Why not just give the trailer a 'spring over' and whilst doing so, change the spring packs for ones with an extra leaf or three.

DD

Optimum Trailer angle?

Level !

The optimum trailer angle is such that the line of the chasis of the trailer is slightly down at the front.....level may be tolerable but never up at the front.

the thinking is thus.

under brakes, if the chasis is pointing up at the front the weight tranasfer will tendancy to push the rear of the tow vehicle up..in extreeme situations this will lift weight off the rear of the tow vehicle considerably compromising its stability....there are some compounding factors with this occurance.

With the plane of the chasis level or better pointing slightly (SLIGHTLY) down, the force will tend to be far more directly forward and if anything slightly down.

If the trailer is set up well, regardless of drawbar weight or distributing hitches the whole rig will behave predictably
.
This slightly down at the front situation is far far better than pointing up as there are a number of compounding factors that tend to help stability this way.

I have discused only braking which is the most predominant issue, acceleration and sway stability are all affected badly by an upward pointing attitude.

Remember there is a standard range for the nominal height of trailer couplings.

If the towbar on the landcruser is not a hitch reciever type, it will not be rated anywhere near the towing capacity of the vehicle.

I seem to remember the point is 1.2 tonnes or near.......anything over that has to be a hitch reciever type tow bar if it is fitted to a pasenger car or light commercial.

If you have a hitch reciever towbar, there are all sorts of hitches that can be pluged in at will to solve these problems.

cheers

We purchased two tongues when we had the van. One for the van and one for the trailer.

Where are you? I don't use either now. Don't tow anything. However they are NOT hayman reese styles.

Phil