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I have recently bought my Prado XL and find that the tow hitch is higher than my previous car, affecting the level of my van. I am looking at buying an adjustable tow hitch. I saw some at Repco etc but see that they have a max 2000kg limit. There was a Hayman Reese one there as well but that was also rated at 2000kg. While my van has a max 2000kg weight, I prefer to get something that matches the car's max towing capacity at 2500kg (just in case) I have rung a exhaust and tow bar place who said they can get me one rated higher (I think he said 3000kg). They said it had provisions for weight distribution bars. Not sure if this makes sense but do you need to have the WD bars attached for it to maintain that max tow limit? My van is a european one and cannot take WD bars. Unlikely to need something that big but it was a 'just in case' or is that overkill?
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Hi Macy,
I am assuming you have a Hayman Reece tow bar. They are rated at 3000kg. There should be a rating plate on your tow bar telling you it who makes it, t's towing rating and max tow ball allowed on it.
There are a few different hitches available that are adjustable made by Hayman Reece. I have used the adjustable ball mount hitch that you mention that takes their weight distribution bars for years without using the bars as my then car an Xtrail did not allow their use. You can use the hitch on its own without any worries. Is it over kill? - it won't make any difference what you use as long as the hitch is rated for your needs.
I suggest that you go to a Hayman Reece distributer/outlet and ask their advise for the best product for your use. They make other adjustable hitches which are just 'plain' and don't have a spot for the bars which will be cheaper. Alternatively you can look up their products on the Internet (http://www.haymanreese.com.au) so you are a little wiser before you approach them. You also can ring up Hayman Reece and speak with an expert who will be helpful and recommend the best product for you rather than what someone else may just have in stock.
all the best
David -
Stupid question I know but have you tried turning the hitch upside down ?I had to with mine and it worked perfectly................Originally posted by Macy View PostAtheism is a non-prophet organization.Comment
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Thanks for the advice.
Bluedog16, my tow pack seems to have been factory fitted, branded all over Toyota. Rated at 2500kg. I have since done a bit of research and can see the different types I can get.
Danda, couldn't turn it around as it would make it way too high. Thanks anyway.
Oceanracer, thanks, I have stumbled across these in my research. I didn't realise they weren't too far away from me. Will try them in the morning. Hopefully they are open as a lot of places I have tried seemed to be closed still from the Xmas holiday break.Comment
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Macy,
Do not assume that a hitch from another brand will fit your Toyota tow bar.
I have heard of the Hayman Reece hitch being filed to fit a different brand of tow bar but whether this is a good, safe idea would need to be thoroughly checked out.
Worst case would be to remove the Toyota tow bar and fit a Hayman Reece and then sell your Toyota tow bar ?
Also there was an issue with some Toyota tow bars quite a while ago. Maybe check with Toyota to ensure yours is not one of that batch.
DavidComment
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Hi Macy,
I don't know where you are in Melbourne, but I know that the people at Boronia TowBars will most likely be able to help you.
They are a manufacturer and if you take your Prado and know what height the tongue needs to be they probably will have a tongue in stock that will suit, if not, they can make you one.
Having used an adjustable tongue in the past, I would steer away from it now and just get one that is the right height.
Their Website is at http://www.btatowingequipment.com.au/
Cheers Mal
(No Affiliation, just a happy customer)Comment
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