Towing a 3 tonne caravan - WDH

[Cheshire cat]

An internet search says not use this when towing. Not specific to the IG though.

As far as I am aware, in the UK, the receiver can only be used if the vehicle is N1 class. M1 are not technically allowed to use a receiver hitch even though the towbar is identical.

 

[Blackwolf]

I'm not sure that that is correct. In the UK (or more accurately UK and ECE) the towing equipment must be Type Approved and this is now the case for both M1 and N1. If the receiver system has been through the TA process it can be used but I don't think it has (it will have TA markings if it has). If not then one a vehicle as recent as the Grenadier you could not legally use the receiver for towing on an type of Grenadier.

 

[landmannnn]

I'm not sure that that is correct. In the UK (or more accurately UK and ECE) the towing equipment must be Type Approved and this is now the case for both M1 and N1. If the receiver system has been through the TA process it can be used but I don't think it has (it will have TA markings if it has). If not then one a vehicle as recent as the Grenadier you could not legally use the receiver for towing on an type of Grenadier.

On the ford website you can buy this for a ranger in the UK. It does appear to have a sticker.

 

[ECrider]

Cross chains? Not familiar with that term.

Break away chains (crossed over) for trailers. Something like the below......though would use shackles not carabiner

 

[Cheshire cat]

Break away chains (crossed over) for trailers. Something like the below......though would use shackles not carabiner

Thanks for mentioning those. The biggest lesson is correct torque values however I will take some advice from my local trailer & Towbar centre in Chester. I do have some round slings which would do the same job.

 

[Tazzieman]

Where did you hear that?
I have used it while towing, no ill effects... I wonder why it would not be ok to use while towing?

The bolt cannot handle being pounded by 200-300 kg loads.
If you are troubled by rattle, you need to shim the socket.

 

[Cheshire cat]

Until I can verify the legal situation as mentioned above by Blackwolf I will stick with the original configuration and not use the receiver. Problem is matching heights of trailer and hitch. A bit more research required I think.

 

[Eric]

Break away chains (crossed over) for trailers. Something like the below......though would use shackles not carabiner

If you use shackles instead of lower load carabiners aren't you defeating the object of a breakaway cable. You could end up being rear ended by your own trailer after the brakes are applied it will just skid on its tyres into your back end. You need to make sure once the brakes are applied the carabiner snaps.

 

[Tazzieman]

If you use shackles instead of lower load carabiners aren't you defeating the object of a breakaway cable. You could end up being rear ended by your own trailer after the brakes are applied it will just skid on its tyres into your back end. You need to make sure once the brakes are applied the carabiner snaps.

A breakaway cable means the trailer brakes are automatically applied.
Unless you mean something else?

 

[Eric]

A breakaway cable means the trailer brakes are automatically applied.
Unless you mean something else?

Yes but the breakaway cable is then designed to snap after the brakes are applied, then separate from the towing vehicle. If descending a hill at the time that is paramount. Most breakaway cables in the UK are now rated for the load you are towing. Red pvc coated wire cables are designed for < 3.5T applications

 

[Tazzieman]

God help you if your hitch lets go. Hard to believe it can. Do you use DO35s?

 

[Eric]

God help you if your hitch lets go. Hard to believe it can. Do you use DO35s?

The standard ball hitch is used in the UK, I'll be honest I've never seen a DO35 hitch on a UK vehicle, there isn't that amout of extreme towing off road. Utility and forestry vehicles use the cast iron and pin