Need Advice on Replacing Towball for Cargo Rack

noideaa on 14/07/2024 - 21:44
Last edited 14/07/2024 - 22:24

Hi,

Rather than replacing the towbar that doesn't have a hitch mount, I want to replace the towball and fit a hitch receiver for a carrier/cargo rack. I wonder if that's possible?

See pictures.
https://i.ibb.co/3BNgRnf/Untitled-design-1.png
https://i.ibb.co/QrdJ16q/Untitled-design-2.png

What i'm hoping to get is the picture below. Is it safe to remove the ball and put that on top?
https://www.misterhitches.com.au/cdn/shop/products/mhbmra-1_…
https://www.misterhitches.com.au/collections/special-purpose…
https://www.roofracksgalore.com.au/mister-hitches-ball-mount…

For a carrier like this
https://www.vevor.com.au/cargo-carrier-c_11831/vevor-1524-x-…

Thanks

Automotive

Comments

  • barge-in hunter on 14/07/2024 - 21:58
    +1

    Haven’t seen an adapter like that, but no reason it shouldn’t work - that is, removing the towball option, but leaving the tongue in place

    Fwiw I’ve bought from mrhitches before and the quality is reasonably good.

    • noideaa on 14/07/2024 - 22:16

      Thanks

  • mapax on 14/07/2024 - 21:58
    +1

    You need to check what the rear overhang will be of the rack you fit.

    From memory the allowable overhang in Vic is 60% of the wheelbase or 3.7m, measured from the centre of the rear wheel and which ever is shorter applies to the vehicle. Double check though because it’s been a while since I dealt with that stuff.

    You also need to check the departure angle will be suitable for your driveway etc.

    • Euphemistic on 15/07/2024 - 08:09

      3.7 sounds too much from rear wheels. Besides, its usually the % of wheelbase that gets you.

      Edit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-02/RMS-Carry…

      Its 1.2m from rear bumper. Fairly sure Vic is same as NSW

      Edit edit: Vic is 3.7m from centre of rear wheels or 60% wheelbase, but does include 1.2m from bumper.

      Id be very surprised if the overhang is legal. Many bike racks arent legal if you look at the overhang % of wheelbase. Surprisingly, many long cars have long rear overhang compared to wheelbase and its the hatchbacks with wheels at the corners that have more available overhang.

      • FoxJump on 15/07/2024 - 10:14

        I saw a pic on nsw police fb page about a guy being booked for not having aux plates on their bike carrier - but NO remark from the cops about the 60% overhang rule being exceeded.

        basically most SUV with a spare tire at the back, and a bike rack for more than 1 bike - exceeds the 60% overhang rule

        i really think nobody enforces the 60% overhang rule

        • Euphemistic on 15/07/2024 - 11:45

          Ive asked on a couple of forums about the 60% rule, including a bike forum. I think there was one response that someone they knew had been booked. So yeah, dont think its really enforced as long as lights and rego plate are good and it doesnt look too bodgy.

          • FoxJump on 15/07/2024 - 12:56

            @Euphemistic: i carry 3x bikes on the back of a Pajero.
            went to qld and back.
            went to canberra and back
            still havent been booked.

            i'm feeling pretty confident

            i have a number plate board at the back with all lights .

            • Euphemistic on 15/07/2024 - 17:53

              @FoxJump: I carry bikes in a vertical rack too. They stick out around 1250mm. 60% of the wheelbase means i have around 670mm of legal overhang so im not legal by quite a lot.

              Based on the number of vertical racks getting around id say it isnt policed much at all otherwise the local message boards would be 'outraged'

  • Mechz on 14/07/2024 - 22:04

    In your second pic you say you want to remove the whole tongue but you just need to remove the ball for those receivers.

    You need to take into account the load rating for that towbar. Then calculate how much you want to add to the 25kg the carrier already weighs.

    • noideaa on 14/07/2024 - 22:16

      The towbar load is 1200kg.

      What I'm carrying won't be much at all. It'll be 50-60kg from estimation so I don't think it's a big deal right?

      Yes, I just need to make sure it will work but "Mister Hitches Ball Mount Receiver Adapter" is the only thing I can find.

      • oscargamer on 14/07/2024 - 22:19
        +5

        The towing load might be that, but the downward weight will be decided by the tow bar AND what the car can take

        Also, you cannot obscure the rego plate or your lights with that thing

        • noideaa on 15/07/2024 - 07:45

          But this isn’t a 200kg box trailer, it’s a lightweight carrier.

          I’m having a hard time picturing how a 60kg load will affect a car like everyone is saying, seems like an exaggeration?

          • Euphemistic on 15/07/2024 - 08:04
            +1

            @noideaa: The towbar load on a box trailer is significanlty different to the twisting motion from a carrier like that. A trailer is pulled (and pushes) and has a veritcal weight load. The carrier will try to rotate/twist the towbar.

            • noideaa on 15/07/2024 - 12:51

              @MS Paint: Why do they sell them here if it’s dangerous?

              • MS Paint on 15/07/2024 - 12:53

                @noideaa: Does any reputable sellers sell them in Australia (I can't bf looking)? Or is it only dodgy importers and dropshippers?

      • MS Paint on 14/07/2024 - 22:35
        +2

        The towbar load is 1200kg.

        The fact that you wrote this tells me you should probably not be doing any of the above. You are out of your depth.

        Just tow a trailer or see a towbar professional.

        Thank you in advance from a fellow road user.

        • elgrande on 14/07/2024 - 22:56

          I agree with Muzzy, you should see somone who knows what they are doing..

          • MS Paint on 14/07/2024 - 23:13

            @elgrande: Ironically the OP created this post yet is willing to push the tow ball weight of their vehicle thus compromising their breaking braking and steering abilities. FFS. Who's the danger on the road now.

      • brad1-8tsi on 15/07/2024 - 08:03

        The towbar load is 1200kg.

        That's what you can pull and implies a maximum towball downforce weight of ~120kg. (There should be a sticker on the towbar with the specs)

        The steel cage weighs 20kg?? So you can only use 100kg of the 177kg rating of the cage.

        You also need to consider the overhang to wheelbase ratio, whether you can still open the hatch/boot, lights & licence plate being obscured and the amount of crap your wheels will throw up on your cargo, especially in the wet. My MTBs get covered in crap - worse than the actual ride.

        These cages are popular in the USA but they don't have the same strict rules regarding lights and licence plates

        • Mechz on 15/07/2024 - 08:44

          I think at this stage lights and plates are the least of our worries.

  • Euphemistic on 15/07/2024 - 08:06

    Not sure id trust one of those adaptors for a carrier load. Its a fair amount of force that it may not be designed for. Its not just the weight but the twisting motion of the weight bouncing around.

    What car is it? What the possibiily of replacing the towbar with a hitch style?

    Edit: https://www.roofracksgalore.com.au/mister-hitches-ball-mount…
    From

    NOT TO BE USED ON UNSEALED ROADSEXTENDED LENGTH OF LOAD FROM ADAPTER CAN GREATLY AFFECT YOUR DOWNLOAD RATING. EG. 60CM CAN REDUCE DOWNLOAD RATING BY AROUND 50%.

    NOT SUITABLE FOR TILTING BIKE CARRIERS.
    NOT SUITABLE FOR BIKE CARRIERS MOUNTED ON REAR OF CARAVANS/CAMPERS UNLESS BIKE CARRIER IS SUPPORTED BY STRAPS TO AVOID EXCESSIVE BOUNCING/ROCKING MOTION WHICH CAN ADD EXTRA STRESS.

    NOT SUITABLE FOR MOTOR BIKE CARRIERS.

    NOT SUITABLE FOR VERTICAL BIKE CARRIERS

    • noideaa on 15/07/2024 - 12:44

      It’s a Falcon sedan. 2 Towbar service near me quoted $1150 for the same product (including installation) which is why i’m trying to find a cheaper alternative because getting a 6x4 trailer is cheaper than replacing that.

      • MS Paint on 15/07/2024 - 12:55

        Is it an AU? I haven't seen that tow bar design since the early 2000's.

        Go to a wreckers or look on marketplace place. You'll probably find a suitable updated design for less than $100.

        • noideaa on 15/07/2024 - 16:43
          +1

          It’s a G6 model.

          Everyone here left me nervous so I’ll drop that one and shop around for a 6x4 trailer instead for an ease of mind.

          • MS Paint on 15/07/2024 - 17:04
            +1

            @noideaa: Awesome idea. I got a 6x4 with a builders top for $400 a few years ago. Put new bearings and tyres on it for peace of mind but there are some bargains if you look and are quick.

  • battler on 15/07/2024 - 10:22

    what's wrong with a roof pod?

    • noideaa on 15/07/2024 - 12:45

      Too flat and restrictive.

      • MS Paint on 15/07/2024 - 13:28

        But they are popular for a reason. Safety.

  • BigBirdy on 15/07/2024 - 11:22
    +1

    Assuming around 120kg max downward weight limit at the ball, and centre of gravity of this rack around 60cm behind ball mount thus reducing weight limit by 50%, leaves you with a limit of about 60kg downward weight. Rack weighs 27kg, so you’re limited to about 30kg of storage.

  • CurlCurl on 15/07/2024 - 15:27
    +1

    I think the OP is nuts.

    The suspension will be shot on the Falcon.

    The basket weighs 60kg plus the hitch. I have no idea what you intend to carry in it. if you put 50kg in the basket, your headlights will be lighting up the moon with the shot rear suspension.

    There is a difference in having 100kg in the boot and 100kg hanging of the arse end of a car.

    • mapax on 15/07/2024 - 16:04
      +1

      That basket weighs 27kg plus the hitch, there’s also a couple of lighter ones they could use.

      Personally I think the OP should do it, as long as they post the follow up of what went wrong…

    • noideaa on 15/07/2024 - 16:45

      Thanks for the heads up everyone.

      I’m going to shop around for a 6x4 trailer now to avoid any further problems.

  • CurlCurl on 15/07/2024 - 16:17

    That basket weighs 27kg plus the hitch, there’s also a couple of lighter ones they could use.

    You are correct, I had pounds and kg's back the front.

  • NevC on 15/07/2024 - 19:45

    No way is something like this suitable for hanging off the rear of a vehicle.

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