Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Pat Russell · Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 131

This may be well known to drivers that tow things.

Our garden is not the easiest to steer a horsebox/caravan or trailer into especially into the space down the side of the house.A boat owner friend of ours suggested I put a tow hitch on the front of my landrover . This makes parking so easy hitch the trailer on the front and you can see exactly which way it is going...I bet all you members know this already but some may not.

Pat

clan chieftain · Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Posts: 2041 Location: Motherwell

How can you see if you are pushing a caravan or horsebox.Its bound to block your view. Whereas if you are reversing in you can see where you are going through your wing mirrors. Confused

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The Clan Chieftain

Brian M · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 7:32 am Post subject:

The 1966 SWB Land Rover that I occasionally borrow from a friend has two front tow balls. One in the centre if you are squeezing the outfit into a tight space and one about two feet towards the passenger side so you can see alongside whatever you are pushing.

He uses it in his boatyard and as Pat says it really does help with precison manoeuvring.
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Brian
1970 Volvo Amazon and 1978 Safari 15-4 Caravan
Classic Safari Forum: www.classicsafaris.co.uk

Pat Russell · Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 131

Pat Russell · Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 131

47p2 · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 2009 Location: Glasgow

Having driven articulated trucks with 45' trailers for a number of years I wouldn't find a need for this but I could see it being of advantage to someone who isn't used to reversing a trailer
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ROVER
One of Britain's Fine Cars

Pat Russell · Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 131

Peter_L · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 4:19 pm Post subject:

The advantages of front mounted hitches has little to do with the ability to reverse a trailer.

By having the steering wheels of the vehicle closer to the trailer one can place the trailer into a position that is just not possible when reversing.

Penman · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4763 Location: Swindon, Wilts.

Roger-hatchy · Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Posts: 2135 Location: Tiptree, Essex

A neighbour who is dissabled and a caravaner, uses something like this to move his van around to the back of the house

http://www.rhynomovers.com/

47p2 · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 2009 Location: Glasgow

I've never tried reversing a wagon & drag so I'm unable to verify this for you Penman
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ROVER
One of Britain's Fine Cars

buzzy bee · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 3382 Location: South Cheshire

buzzy bee · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 3382 Location: South Cheshire

Having a towbar on the front bumper also makes the steering wheels closer to the unit, so in effect a rear steared vehicle, which responds quicker, in my oppinion.

Reversing with a stacker truck is the same, although I numally put it on the front tines and push it.

Having the towbar offest to one side is good if you have the space, but it still pays to have a banksman so to speak.

You want to try backing a combine, with the header behind it or heres another a steam roller with watercart. Laughing

Cheers

Dave

Pat Russell · Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 131

poodge · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 687

[quote:have a hitch in the centre of the front bumper. ]
In actual fact,these fittings are to tow the vehicle when disabled.They are however also useful for the purpose stated,i.e. reversing the trailer.However,it seems reversing isn't neccessary as often as it used to be.[/quote]