So maybe Y'all's permanent trailer Hitch rules aren't so bad after all.....

[Erie Fred]

I have commented on how UK trailer hitch's don't remove they way they do here in the US, most popular are a 2" square socket, and that is something
that limits versatility. There is a wide range of attachments to plug in there.

Spotted this landscaping contractor on my afternoon commute.....

It's a 1 ton dump truck, with the new 2 1/2" sq. hitch (that no-one sells anything for, so the OEM equips them with a 2" bushing that rust's in permanently)
Owner is pulling a 14k 2 axle dump trailer (everyone is geared up right now collecting leaves).
The amount of slop (up/down & side/side) by the time we get to the trailer is clearly visible, and the height adjustable part is set too high as well.
Not even considering how much further back the ball is from the truck, adding leverage (in a bad way).

 

[bletchmonster]

Does look properly wobbly, maybe he's just trying to keep that big flexy pipe away from the tipper body corners when turning?

 

[Wildefalcon]

Four (+) more potential points of failure than a fixed hitch?

Decent chains, though. What are they attached to?

 

[frank horton]

my mate had one on his big US motor home to tow a trailer with a Smart car on it.......
I refused to follow the stupid thig.....
always looked like it was gonna wobble and fall off........

 

[Fastdruid]

Isn't that a square fitting in a square fitting as well so the whole height adapter is redundant anyway?

Looks like it's one of those multi-ball adapters where you can rotate it to get different sized balls.

 

[skotl]

I have commented on how UK trailer hitch's don't remove they way they do here in the US, most popular are a 2" square socket, and that is something
that limits versatility. There is a wide range of attachments to plug in there.

Spotted this landscaping contractor on my afternoon commute.....

It's a 1 ton dump truck, with the new 2 1/2" sq. hitch (that no-one sells anything for, so the OEM equips them with a 2" bushing that rust's in permanently)
Owner is pulling a 14k 2 axle dump trailer (everyone is geared up right now collecting leaves).
The amount of slop (up/down & side/side) by the time we get to the trailer is clearly visible, and the height adjustable part is set too high as well.
Not even considering how much further back the ball is from the truck, adding leverage (in a bad way).
View attachment 423754

Over here that would get you a definite tug if you were unfortunate enough be spotted by the traffic cops

 

[fizzy]

I don't like the square tube plug in style. They tend to stick out too far to get clearance. Might be ok onroad but offroad sideways forces can be pretty high.
Dixon Bate adjustable as fitted to older Landrovers are the best I reckon.

 

[500e]

Only trouble with those is they can dig in off road or steep drives

 

[Redsailor]

When I was going to construct a motorbike carrier to fit the tow bar on my camper van I looked at some of the USA designs on YouTube. Decided that hanging a bike on a single wobbly 2" box section was not my idea of fun. Part built a system using two RHS pieces bolted to the "chassis" rails. Eventually bought some alloy ramps and now have a Honda PCX scooter that rides safely inside the van.

 

[fizzy]

Only trouble with those is they can dig in off road or steep drives

Indeed - I cut he bottom bit off on mine as not needed. Plenty of bracing though unlike the plug in style ones.

 

[Ton-up]

A local guy had a trailer with 3.5 ton digger come off his truck last week and smash into another van. The two 16mm bolts holding the hitch to the towbar broke......
Worth a check or change if you are towing heavy loads...

 

[fizzy]

A local guy had a trailer with 3.5 ton digger come off his truck last week and smash into another van. The two 16mm bolts holding the hitch to the towbar broke......
Worth a check or change if you are towing heavy loads...

I bet they had been over tightened - can't see them breaking otherwise unless badly rusted.

 

[Migmac]

Only trouble with those is they can dig in off road or steep drives

I took mine off as it dug into the high centres of forest roads.

 

[Migmac]

I don't like the square tube plug in style. They tend to stick out too far to get clearance. Might be ok onroad but offroad sideways forces can be pretty high.
Dixon Bate adjustable as fitted to older Landrovers are the best I reckon.

View attachment 423765

I would want the square tube type on a vehicle either, I’d never remove it! I have one on my quad, it quite regularly gets stuck in place.

 

[fizzy]

I would want the square tube type on a vehicle either, I’d never remove it! I have one on my quad, it quite regularly gets stuck in place.

Would or wouldn't ?

 

[Agrismith]

I think the biggest factor is that size trailer over here would be on a proper ringfeeder setup. Not a little socket like that. There are some bigger tow balls floating around but think they are imports on caravans or specialist kit.

 

[Migmac]

Would or wouldn't ?

Wouldn’t

 

[Erie Fred]

I don't like the square tube plug in style. They tend to stick out too far to get clearance. Might be ok onroad but offroad sideways forces can be pretty high.
Dixon Bate adjustable as fitted to older Landrovers are the best I reckon.

View attachment 423765

I have a pintle hitch from an army jeep/truck, and it swivels as well.
That would be the Ultimate IMHO for off road usage.

 

[Erie Fred]

Isn't that a square fitting in a square fitting as well so the whole height adapter is redundant anyway?

Looks like it's one of those multi-ball adapters where you can rotate it to get different sized balls.

Yup, he's got a few "universal adapt-a-kits" running on this set up....

 

[Erie Fred]

I think the biggest factor is that size trailer over here would be on a proper ringfeeder setup. Not a little socket like that. There are some bigger tow balls floating around but think they are imports on caravans or specialist kit.

That is the 2 5/16" ball and IIRC they are rated to 30k lbs.