International AR-110 Ute

Thanks fellas, the next job will be to make a tow bar because I have had to hand back my Guvvy vehicle because the WA Govt is in a heap of debt

I am thinking of making a hidden tow bar with the Reece Hitch and trailer plug behind the number plate. This will give me a level ride height for my trailer and look neat and tidy as well.

Cheers
GB

Picked up a towbar from a Toyota Surf that had been thrown out as part of a front verge collection hoping I could use it on the AR-110.
After running the tape measure over it, I cut off the side brackets to fit it inside the AR-110 chassis

Test fit and all is ok. I also flush mounted the 7 pin trailer connector behind the rear panel so that I could still fit the number plate over it

Not the best photo but this is what it looks like from underneath

The removable Reece hitch was not bent at 90 degrees and had to be fixed

Some heat from the Oxy and the Press soon got things looking better

Weld on a plate for the chain shackles

Finished result

All I have to do now is mount the number plate on a spring so that I can swing it up when I want to use the towbar

Graham, get a Number Plate Bracket off an -XF Falcon. Their on a Spring loaded hinge As the Fuel Cap was behind It..

GrahamJB, you certainly have a magic touch with metal. Your designs and workmanship are amazing. Keep the pictures coming, even though they make me feel jealous!

that is truly amazing work,
not sure i would loan it to the son inlaw to do a tip run though,

Jim

Graham,

I think you will find the chains are supposed to be attached directly to the towbar not the removable hitch.

This is to stop the trailer escaping if the hitch pin should go AWOL.

Thanks for the comments gents and you are correct Zuffen re the chain attachment.
In WA you are allowed to attach the chains to the removal lug provided you use a chain to stop the removable lug from coming adrift.
Extract from the WA rules says:
"Towbars with a removable towing lug should be fitted with safety chain connections on the non-removable part of the towbar. If the chain connections are on the removable lug then the lug must be restrained by an additional chain to prevent disconnection from the towbar if the lug attachment fails."

Don't know how I am going to fit the extra chain though

GB

Graham,
A chain welded to the removable hitch and secured ahead of the holding pin would meet the requirements but be fiddly.
While not meeting the letter of the law a second securing pin would do the job of a chain.
Admire your work.
David.

I suppose I could weld a chain to the end of the removable hitch and secure it to the towbar after it has been put into position then it will comply with the WA regs.
Thanks for the idea David.

Live and learn.

If the chain you used to join the two was inserted in some plastic hose or conduit it wouldn't jiggle around and damage your paintwork.