20' Series Extended drawbar??

[Flossymk1]

I've seen that quite a few people get an extended drawbar on their vans - apart from wanting room to put a toolbox, what other reason would you get it for? Eg does it make it easier to tow, reverse etc?

We didn't have one on the 17.56 and had no problems, but with the 20.63 arriving in October I'm wondering whether we need to add it on?

We have space issues in our driveway hence why we didn't put it on the original extras list, but if it is going to make a significant difference with towing, reversing etc we may have to consider it..

So forum friends , your thoughts / advice on this would be much appreciated!

Cheers
Sandra

 

[Petecaz]

I've got an extended draw bar on mine and I think it makes reversing a lot easier. It also allows room to open the boot of the car, Carry bikes, and of course a tool box. If you have room I think it's worth considering. Hope this helps.

 

[Kenshi123]

As @Petecaz has said, you can open the car boot without hitting the jockey wheel. We got it for that reason and that it is very difficult to change later on.

 

[skippy]

Depends on what you want to carry on the A frame, but for us I prefer to have a tighter turning circle especially in tight caravan parks and outback tracks. I too have the 20.63-1OB and I find the A frame is huge for what I need. Just comes down to what toys and gear you want to carry on the A frame.

 

[Matt'N'nic]

I probably should know this but it is possible to set the bed up whist still connected to the car isn't it? I would assume just to wind the jockey wheel up to take the weight off the tow ball (stop the movement) , pull the handbrake and drop the stabilisers and all good to go? First time van buyer so I will probably have lots of silly questions...

 

[dagree]

Yes @Matt'N'nic you can set the bed up while still hitched (We have a standard drawbar)
The only silly question is the one you don't ask!!!!!

 

[skippy]

That's what the forum is all about sharing info with other caravan enthusiast @Matt'N'nic

I don't worry about winding down the jokey wheel. I chose to wind down the legs only and sometimes I don't even do that especially if it's raining... Hang on rain in WA .... Never

Yes @Matt'N'nic
The only silly question is the one you don't ask!!!!!

True that @dagree

 

[dagree]

Hang on rain in WA .... Never

Stick your head outside soon @skippy there may be a miracle about to happen

 

[skippy]

It's hailing up this way @dagree OMG

 

[dagree]

And looks like it's heading our way

 

[dagree]

Sorry for the "Off Topic" people.
But we now have it @skippy

 

[skippy]

:eek-53:It's true what they say miracles do happen @dagree :rain:

:focus:

 

[Flossymk1]

We don't plan to put anything on the drawbar, and we have a navara so opening the 'boot' won't be a problem for us - I was just worried that it might affect reversing the van etc.

 

[skippy]

I have the Colorado and with the van on I still can open the Tail gate and canopy lid without catching on the bed no worries at all @Flossymk1

I am not with ya though in regards to reversing?

 

[MDS69]

I ordered the extended drawbar as I have a Prado and don't want issues opening the rear door.

 

[James Byrne]

Extended drawbar is great with 150 Series Prado as you can still open the door.

 

[achjimmy]

Extended drawbar makes it slower to come around when backing, but also extends the time before jackknife so you get a bit more control. Also reduces you clearance when towing over a "hump"

Does give room for bikes etc as a lot of people have had bad experiences with bikes on the back of vans.

With the heavier vans allows you more clearance to intentionally jackknife her if you need to like the pic attached.

 

[Flossymk1]

Thanks for all the advice! I think we will survive without it