Lifting towball coupling on 16.49OB

[stormpatrol]

I started to measure up to get a plate for the top of the chassis.mbut noticed my vin numbers are stamped there? I don't want to weld over them.

YES the vin numbers just welded over my lot and re punched them in new tow plate nice and neat looks like a pro job lol

 

[seanparky]

Hi Tailor

You have run into a common problem with outback expanders and an area where jayco fail miserably to give their customers what they want. fitting 50mm lift blocks is a popular way to go but it is getting harder to find a jayco dealer willing to make the mod for you. I know chartrock got his done by tweed jayco but when i enquired there recently they said they will no longer do it and suggested i go to an engineering works to get the job done. There was a claim in one of the other posts on this subject that jayco has advised their dealers not to do this mod any more. Whatever you decide to do you should keep the hitch height inside the ADR specifications or you could run into trouble with insurance etc if you ever have an accident. have a look here http://www.towingguide.com.au/content/couplings.html and you will see the maximum allowable height is 460mm to the centre of the ball.

So if this is a common problem with most outback vans as they and 4wd are taller you would think they could change the adr

 

[millers]

You used that 5 letter word that no self-respecting regulator seems to do.
4WD in outback needs clearance + Outback caravan needs clearance != low height for coupling
But hay it means that your Outback can be towed by a family sedan

 

[Drover]

I wonder if the worry about breaching ADR's with tow ball height is worth it ?? When my tow bar failed and by luck I spotted it before van and vehicle parted company I was informed by my Insurance mob that the tow bar failure would probably be classed as fatigue, wear and tear, thusly I wouldn't be covered so my van could have went it's merry way into the bush and that would have been it no cover. You are covered if hit by a truck , I know that first hand...lol.