[TR] TR4 Tow Bar Question

[Nolan]

I've built several custom hitches over the years.  Mostly for motorcycles, 
but a few for cars and trucks as well.

Making it rigid is the key.  If the hitch ball doesn't move, things work 
much better than when the hitch ball does move.  The mount itself usually 
isn't the issue, it's the flexing of the hitch itself most of the time.

In your case, since you're towing a very light trailer assembly, and you 
want removability, I'd be most inclined to go with a bumper hitch.  The 
bumper is more than strong enough for your application, and is pretty rigid.

I'd fabricate a socket to fit onto the face of the bumper, rubber lined, and 
a ratchet strap on each side to lock it down.  You could also use hooks and 
camlocks that grasp the backside edge of the bumper blade.  This would be 
even better, but would cost more.  To get a good fit onto the face of the 
bumper, don't fear wood.  As in something like oak.  You can shape it well 
to fit very securely.  Remember, this is only going to see small up and down 
loads, the straps or locks are what is going to see the primary towing 
loads.

If you are determined to go frame mounting, don't use anything but  bolts to 
mount to the frame.  You need a tight joint, and thumb nuts and such will 
not provide this, and have the disconcerting habit of falling off.  I 
personally like square tube for custom hitches.  Makes triangulating and 
such much easier.  Your basic shape would be a horseshoe.  Reinforce those 
corners to reduce the flex.  The longer the legs of the horseshoe are, the 
more up and down flexing you'll have.  You can greatly control that by going 
with stouter tubing and making the frame bolts as widely spaced as possible.




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Brian Jones" <banc8004 at comcast.net>
To: <triumphs at autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2008 7:39 PM
Subject: [TR] TR4 Tow Bar Question


> Do any listers have information on fitting a tow bar to a TR4?
>
> I want to tow a light arrangement of row boat and ultralight trailer.
>
> The boat and trailer are here - its the penultimate picture as you
> scroll down: http://www.littlerivermarine.com/accessories.php
>
> I really want to look forward to a Spring where I can take my TR and
> boat (which I'm about to buy) to a local water, early in the morning,
> row some, fish some, and generally decompress,
>
> Ideally, I'd like a trailer attachment I can remove from the car when
> not needed to provide an 'as stock' appearance.
>
> Obviously, building off from the frame rails is the route to success
> here, but if anyone has 'Been There, Done That', I'd appreciate your
> insights.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Brian
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