"Pushbar" (towball) mounted to Sovereign front bullbar?

[GR1 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close GR1]

I have just purchased a 2006 120 series Prado that came fitted with a factory fitted Sovereign front bulbar.

In order to get my 16ft caravan into its preferred parking, space inside the front fence, its a very tricky operation to come in the driveway and then jackknife the van at the perfect time to line it up with the fence and then push it in.
What I have seen done in the past for shifting boats/vans in tight situations is to mount a towball on the front of the vehicle. This gives great control and a much better turning circle can be a achieved.

Off course, Toyota recommend against mounting a winch or anything solid to the bull bar.

I would be very interested if anyone has tried this type of thing and how it went. I don't want to set of the front air bags or do any other (expensive?) damage.

[LeighW Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close LeighW]

The winch mounts to a separate steel support plate, I don't believe the alloy bar would be strong enough to mount a tow ball to.

[adrian5800 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close adrian5800]

Learn how to reverse?

*ducks for cover*

[foxclan Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close foxclan]

Hi GR1
Could you get the van to a point with the vehicle then use a ratchet type jockey wheel to move vans into its position?
Some info and options here http://www.lets-getaway.com/jockey-wheel.htm
Cheers
Troy

[GR1 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close GR1]

Thanks for the reply's guys.
I have got a ratchet jockey wheel and will give that a try, but have to lay some new pavers to make sure it can get a grip.

If I do end up with the front pushbar, will have to attach it to the chassis as per a winch mount.

[120D4D Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 120D4D]

Hi GR1
Could you get the van to a point with the vehicle then use a ratchet type jockey wheel to move vans into its position?
Some info and options here http://www.lets-getaway.com/jockey-wheel.htm
Cheers
Troy

I have a ratchet type jockey wheel to manouvre my van into place and it's not bad. Its a bit jerky initially and you need to be sure the jockey wheel has plenty of grip cause if it slips... it's curtain's Irene!

[sparksy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close sparksy]

Might need to knock one of these up.

[120D4D Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 120D4D]

The seat doesnt look very comfortable though

[Limo Guy Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Limo Guy]

I use an Optitec van mover as where I keep the van couldn't reverse into place even if I jack knifed as have a wall less than 2 metre in front of, carport 1.5 metre behind and wall 1 metre beside van.
It has a remote control so can walk around the van while moving so I don't hit wall or carport, needs solid surface to work digs holes in lawn.
I get it to a point where it takes 20 mins to disconnect, move, unload and secure same to hitch up.
Best thing I ever bought, only use at home too heavy to cart, also did a van reversing course.

[GR1 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close GR1]

Hi Sparky, Looks like that unit would move a mountain! What motor did you use? Looks like a 12V. Would it be possible to use a trailing lead with an AC 230V motor? or would it not have the required torque and or need too large a gear reduction. I am a retired mech eng so could knock something up. More details would be appreciated, off line is fine.
Thanks, Graham

[sparksy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close sparksy]

I'm in process of making it m
Now. Got idea from one on ebay.
Uses a small at w inch remove rope and fit sprocket it then drives a larger sprocket on the axle.
Do a search on " myswag caravan mover "for images and it will show heaps of ideas.
There is one they make in South Africa that uses a 240 volt motor with a through shaft gearbox that looks easier to make.
I've got at home a 200 v dc motor with a 150 to 1 reduction box using a dc motor makes reversing easier . It's got a 25mm through shaft box so just need a shaft and make up some taper lock hubs to fit some quad bike rims.
Going to work on it at work as a side project until they make me redundant in August.
Got a full machine shop so have to take advantage of . It
When I draw up some cad plans ill post them up

[foxclan Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close foxclan]

The seat doesnt look very comfortable though

Don't knock it till ya ride it Micheal!