Fitting a Towbar to a Romahome

[empeebee]

Hi Ant,

I have just had a towbar fitted to my 1989 C15 high top Romahome by a firm called Chester Towbars, using a kit supplied by Watling Engineers of St Albans. Unfortunately, I now find that on attempting to park on my driveway which involves only a quite gentle slope, the tow ball strikes the ground. We are going to France in a couple of weeks and the likelihood of being able to get on or off the ferry without a serious prang seems rather unlikely.

I am wondering if the Watling design is known to you and whether the low mounting is unavoidable with this design, or could it be that the height of the actual ball is something that Chester Towbars might be responsible for? Finally, have you, or has anyone else knowledge of this problem and how to solve it. It seems to me that the considerable overhang beyond the back wheels plus the very small clearance to allow for the rear door to open does pose problems here.

I shall be taking this matter up with both firms, but I would welcome any specialist/ technical knowledge you may be able to offer here.

Thanks in anticipation of a response asap,

Martin

[ant]

Hi Martin.
Sorry for the delay in replying I'v been off Farming for a week. Tow bar clearance is always a problem with the Romahome, especially the older ones with the softer springing on the rear. I think the only thing to do now is to fit some Grayston spring assistors, they will lift the back of the van by about 2 inches. Grayston Tel no 02089741122 Part number 31B02H, they can be fitted DIY.
Thanks
Ant

[empeebee]

Hi Ant,

Thanks for the very helpful information, which I have acted on and solved the problem.

Initially, I discovered that the towbar extended 5cm beyond the back of the van, apparently to accommodate certain Romahome models that had this extra length. Shortening the bar effected a degree of improvement in ground clearance, but it was not until the issue of the sagging suspension was addressed that a total cure was found. Watling had already indicated to me that this might be a major source of the problem, but it was very reassuring to have independent confirmation from you of the likelihood of this before coughing up the £111 required.

So thanks for pointing me in the direction of Grayston for the auxiliary springs (now fitted), and even being able to quote me the relevant part number! What a brilliant service this is!

Thanks again,

Martin