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Fredxx[_3_] Fredxx[_3_] is offline
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Default Convert Swan Neck Towbar/ball to flange type?

On 17/08/2012 10:52, wrote:
Hi All,

After having a fixed swan nect type towbar on my car for 10 years or
so, i've just discovered it's limitations !:=((

What I would like to do (once having checked noseweight restrictions)
is to mount a cycle carrier on the towbar/ball, AND tow my trailer.
Unfortunately, the only way I can see to do this is with a behind the
ball type cycle carrier which requires a traditional flange type
towball mount.

I can see some converters on the market, but all these seem to do is
clamp arond the towball to allow you attach an accessory, but not to
also attach o tow ball so as to be able to tow the trailer
simultaneosly.

The current towball is basically a ball on the end of a bar which goes
back to wards the front of the car and is then secured to the towbar
chassis gubbins by two left/right bolts.

Is this the standard arengement, and if so does anyone sell a
replacement for this part which instead of ending in a ball ends in a
flangy wangy to which a standard two bolt towball (and cycle carrier)
would fit?

If not, any recommendations for how to construct such a thing (or in
my case, have a local metal fabricator construct one)?

Could you chop the existing towball off and weld a flange on? Or
would such a weld not stand up to the sheer forces involved?

I suppose one option is to hunt around for a second hand flange type
towbar for the car and swap it over, but i'd rather not go that route
if I can avoid it.

TIA

Chris


There are other forms of cycle carrier which don't use a towball, but
attach to rear doors etc.

Why couldn't you use one of these?