Tow ball lowering options

[Grumpy]

Hi,

This subject has been fairly thrashed to date but couldn't locate a definitive answer on a couple of points so here goes.

I'm looking at options to drop the height of the towball/ jaw and pin when required.
There is the Dixon Bale Adjustable plate (340mm overall) that can be mounted. But is the an alternative that is available, and okay to use in Britain, utilising the receiver that gives a similar range?

The drop plate option serves a purpose but the removable receiver option would be the preferred.
Any recommendations on alternative and advice would be appreciated.

G.

 

[landmannnn]

Hi,

This subject has been fairly thrashed to date but couldn't locate a definitive answer on a couple of points so here goes.

I'm looking at options to drop the height of the towball/ jaw and pin when required.
There is the Dixon Bale Adjustable plate (340mm overall) that can be mounted. But is the an alternative that is available, and okay to use in Britain, utilising the receiver that gives a similar range?

The drop plate option serves a purpose but the removable receiver option would be the preferred.
Any recommendations on alternative and advice would be appreciated.

G.

The Dixon Bate is allowed. Plenty of detail on their website about meeting standards etc.

The 2" receiver with a dropped towball is a better option. Now the legality...
1. Construction and Use regs are silent on this topic, they only talk about the towing bracket.
2. You can buy a new Ford Ranger equipped with one from the ford dealers, so it must be legal. It might be just for N1, I wouldn't want to guess.
3. Don't UK Google it, you will only find misinformation and guesses from various sources.
4. I am using a receiver with the ball attached, just to be a bit more sure I am using a pin with a keylock as opposed to an R clip.

 

[Grumpy]

Thanks for the response.
Reciever, as I said, was my preference too. It would all be personal use. whether trailer caravan or other.
What make is your reciever and what drop have you got if any?
I would only have it on whilst towing a would likely go for the ball with the jaw and pin in one.

G

 

[landmannnn]

I went for standard height using this rather expensive one from apb trading and bolted the factory towball on it.

2 Inch Towing Receiver & Plate for the Ineos Grenadier.

Elevate your towing capabilities with our premium 2 Inch Towing Receiver & Plate, expertly designed for the rugged Ineos Grenadier.

www.expedition-equipment.com

I was a bit disappointed that it didn't come with nuts for the towball, so had to source them.
There's a whole range on Amazon, I would avoid anything unbranded.

 

[Baron von Teuchter]

I fitted one of these

Pardon our interruption...

Good quality, does the job but it does sit quite low

 

[Grumpy]

Baron, looks solid and was what we had on our Amazon, never had an issue with it. But with the option of the reviecer and it being removable I'm tempted to try something else if legal.
Landmannnn, are you a N1, commercial, and if so does it make a difference legally, we are M2.
Thanks

G

 

[landmannnn]

Mine is an N1.

I've previously been through the ECE Regulation 55 and the UK Construction and Use and found no clear information on 2" receivers. They do mention ring and pin not being allowed on M1 though.

I did see a site selling 2" receiver hitches (screenshot below) that says N1 only which would tie in with it being available for the Ford Ranger, as that is N1 too. Witter do a range of 2" receivers for vans, again N1.

All I can say is that it is possible that using the 2" receiver is only permitted for towing in the EU and UK for N1 vehicles.