Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Robin · Joined: 06 Jul 2008 Posts: 48

If you buy an old caravan do you have to change the towball as I seem to remember the old size was 2 inches
regards
robin

Keef · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Posts: 371 Location: Sheerness Kent UK

rangerover125 · Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 262

The most common old size was 2inch and the later 50mm

Uncle Alec · Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 734 Location: Manchester

For those who don't know; the 2" balls are completely round whilst the 50mm ones have a flat machined onto the uppermost, er, side.
When I was using a Wessex Craftsman I had 1½" towballs on my cars. This caused absolute panic at the Caravan Club insurance, and I had to seek alternative cover for European trips.
I was cold-called by a Mayday (Caravan Club) telesales rep who tried to get me to take out cover with them. "Sorry dear", I told her, "you have declined to cover me".
She seemed quite taken aback when I told her it was because of the size of my balls.

Dalek63 · Joined: 15 Aug 2009 Posts: 490 Location: North Cornwall

your right about the old 2inch balls being round all over, but the new 2inch balls do have a flat on the top with the size on them ie: 2 inches.
_________________
I can resist anything except temptation ! ( Oscar Wilde)
"Don't try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." ( Mark Twain)
http://www.period-classic-caravan-club.co.uk/

Uncle Alec · Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 734 Location: Manchester

Interesting. I had no idea that anyone still made 2" towballs.

Brian M · Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 8:35 am Post subject:

Does anyone know when the 2" hitches were generally replaced on Caravans, or the latest known appearance of a 2" hitch?

I ask because I occasionally collect old Safari caravans and have a 50mm on my towcar.
_________________
Brian
1970 Volvo Amazon and 1978 Safari 15-4 Caravan
Classic Safari Forum: www.classicsafaris.co.uk

Dalek63 · Joined: 15 Aug 2009 Posts: 490 Location: North Cornwall

yes you can still get new 2 inch towballs from a firm in the middlands, if anyone wants their contact details I can look them up and post them on here.
_________________
I can resist anything except temptation ! ( Oscar Wilde)
"Don't try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." ( Mark Twain)
http://www.period-classic-caravan-club.co.uk/

Paul Grimshaw · Joined: 15 Mar 2010 Posts: 16

I believe that 2" towballs are still standard in the USA. My fairground ride uses towballs as a UJ link and the old ones were imperial. I replaced them with 50mm as the 1930's tolerences weren't that tight. Laughing

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4326 Location: South Cheshire

There are 3 common towball sizes in the US; 1 7/8" , 2" & 2 5/16"

Keef · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Posts: 371 Location: Sheerness Kent UK

Brian M · Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2010 9:32 pm Post subject:

Uncle Alec · Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 734 Location: Manchester

Start worrying Brian. My Safari 4 of 1955 had a 2" ball; as did the Berkeley Messenger of 1950. So whenever the change was, 2" balls were still in use in Safaritime. I have a notion that the sea change came at the end of the 1960s, but to be honest it's not based on anything!

Dalek63 · Joined: 15 Aug 2009 Posts: 490 Location: North Cornwall

As far as I know, diferent companies changed over at different times. So there isnt a "Date " you could say it all changed. But on the whole by the early 1970's most caravans had the 50mm
_________________
I can resist anything except temptation ! ( Oscar Wilde)
"Don't try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." ( Mark Twain)
http://www.period-classic-caravan-club.co.uk/