Tow Bar Clearance on Caravan

[CKZ 102]

Hi All,

Totally new to this, but I have a Westaflia Detachable Tow Bar on my van.

We’re looking to get a caravan, so I went and tried mounting a friends caravan to see what the van sits like (vans lowered), and one thing that stood out to me was the small amount of clearance between the towbar and the caravan hitch.

I’m guessing this is normal, but there’s a small part of me that thinks that I’ll need a different westfalia model of the detachable tow bar

Anyone with an experience or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JDC]

Mine is the same, just be careful so as not to bounce the hitch of the bumper into the hatch. Also you may need to check the dip from the rear of the van and front of the caravan as it will look uneven. Im looking for a taller detachable towbar but can't find a definite model number. It will help to lift the caravan more level with the van as well as more clearance from the bumper.

 

[Salty Spuds]

Hi All,

Totally new to this, but I have a Westaflia Detachable Tow Bar on my van.

We’re looking to get a caravan, so I went and tried mounting a friends caravan to see what the van sits like (vans lowered), and one thing that stood out to me was the small amount of clearance between the towbar and the caravan hitch.

I’m guessing this is normal, but there’s a small part of me that thinks that I’ll need a different westfalia model of the detachable tow bar

Anyone with an experience or advice would be greatly appreciated.

View attachment 316110

View attachment 316111

View attachment 316112

Drive forward on full lock in both directions, if the hitch doesn’t hit the bumper, you’re good to go. Just be careful not to jackknife it when reversing.

 

[FWhite]

Drive forward on full lock in both directions, if the hitch doesn’t hit the bumper, you’re good to go. Just be careful not to jackknife it when reversing.

Don't take it as a reference, but
according to some fast calculation...

My SWB Kombi with OEM hitch:
Van overall length: 4904 mm.
Overall length with hitch: 5006 mm.
So, being the hitch ball 50 mm:
Distance from bumper edge to the ball center: (5006-4904)-50/2=77mm.
It is very close.
Height, on mine it sits about where the red cat-eye is. See picture with a cap installed.

 

[CKZ 102]

Mine is the same, just be careful so as not to bounce the hitch of the bumper into the hatch. Also you may need to check the dip from the rear of the van and front of the caravan as it will look uneven. Im looking for a taller detachable towbar but can't find a definite model number. It will help to lift the caravan more level with the van as well as more clearance from the bumper.

We used a nose weight gauge and it was at 80kg. The van sat perfect as it’s slightly higher on the rear that the front when unhitched.

Drive forward on full lock in both directions, if the hitch doesn’t hit the bumper, you’re good to go. Just be careful not to jackknife it when reversing.

His van was in storage so we didn’t get change to unlock it all to try this. But it’s probably the best bet to really know.

Don't take it as a reference, but
according to some fast calculation...View attachment 316130

My SWB Kombi with OEM hitch:
Van overall length: 4904 mm.
Overall length with hitch: 5006 mm.
So, being the hitch ball 50 mm:
Distance from bumper edge to the ball center: (5006-4904)-50/2=77mm.
It is very close.
Height, on mine it sits about where the red cat-eye is. See picture with a cap installed.

Thanks for this info, I’ll have a check through the numbers.


I appreciate the responses. Feels like a practical approach of actually attaching and driving might be the best bet!

 

[ChrisBell]

Ignore below... I see you're on about clearance not the vertical height etc. below may be useful however....

Had exactly the same problem. Getting the caravan hooked on was sometimes challenging. If possible make sure van and caravan is on the level or at least facing in right direction so as marry up better. I also had a bit of timber to lever up the tow bar on van. I found there wasn't enough on the jockey wheel to lower nose of caravan. Trial and error best approach

 

[dubber36]

That does look tight especially if you need to maneuver with some tight angles.

I notice in the photos that the hitch is compressed. I presume you know to pull forwards to extend the hitch out before unhooking? I'm sure we've all forgotten once then panicked as the hitch makes its way into the bumper.

 

[CKZ 102]

That does look tight especially if you need to maneuver with some tight angles.

I notice in the photos that the hitch is compressed. I presume you know to pull forwards to extend the hitch out before unhooking? I'm sure we've all forgotten once then panicked as the hitch makes its way into the bumper.

Wasn’t aware of this. I think the best thing is to give it a try!

Thank you!

 

[Salty Spuds]

Wasn’t aware of this. I think the best thing is to give it a try!

Thank you!

Re. Pulling forward. I also tow a boat trailer and SOP is if you’ve reversed into a parking space, chock the wheels and gently pull forward. This extends the hitch, and more importantly pulls the brakes forward out of the reversing position. Failure to do this can result in the brake shoes sticking to the inside of the brake drum, and ripping the linings off the next time you move off.