"Posh" Tow hitches

CJL · 27 May 2008, 18:58

Does anybody know why caravans have these swanky tow hitches that are integral stabalizers but boat trailers don't have them??

Nobody does anything.

I know that stabalizers are no substitute for a properly loaded trailer but based on the grand plus costs of a new trailer isn't it resonable to expect a slightly more posh tow hitch??

Chris

Bigmuz7 · 27 May 2008, 19:22

If your boat isnt liable to sway, why would you need one ? IMO some vans are not as well balanced due to their immoveable fit out and configuration inside, and therefor a more difficult tow in some circumstances, also because the chassis is fixed beneath it, unlike most boat trailers. Also they have a high surface area (compared to boats) and can be affected with cross wind, or buffeting from passing high sided vehicles. So the fitment of these devices is to add stability, as lack of it, is a nasty problem suffered by many, which I have seen at first hand

Hugh Jardon · 27 May 2008, 19:24

having towed caravans for years and towed boats for many miles it is my opinion that boats dont seem to need em, mine sits behind me solid as a rock as the other have, after towing boats for the last 12 + years i have never once considered needing a sway brace

also those hitch braces that work on the ball mean you need a dry ball...worth remembering

caravans .......different story

jyasaki · 28 May 2008, 00:41

Has more to do with tongue weight and weight distribution, I think.

Caravans (or on this side of the pond, travel trailers) tend to have much higher tongue weights than boats, since they're usually heavier.

In addition, it's tougher to get the tongue weight to rig weight dialed in since the weight in a trailer is dispersed throughout, whereas a boat typically has most of the weight at the back.

The weight distributing hitch does a couple of things, but primarily it keeps the tongue of the trailer and the rear of the tow vehicle up higher than the amount of tongue weight would suggest. That allows a more even distribution of tongue weight between axles of the tow vehicle and the trailer.

jky

ian parkes · 28 May 2008, 01:34

probably also has a lot to do with the muppets you see towing caravans with cars that are way too small and evrything but the kitchen sink in the van and no idea about loading or nose wieght .
Sally traffic usually updates us how far some have got before bringing the motorway to halt for hours most days during the summer
Most boats seem to be towed by a 4wd or something more substantial because they have to get up the slipway.

mdt · 28 May 2008, 21:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by ian parkes

probably also has a lot to do with the muppets you see towing caravans with cars that are way too small and evrything but the kitchen sink in the van and no idea about loading or nose wieght .

what do you mean.......