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andrewlandy



Member Since: 07 Feb 2016
Location: Graz
Posts: 82

Austria 2016 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Alpine White
Trailer Handbrake catching Spare wheel.
Hi, So as the title suggests the handbrake on the trailer is c watching the spare wheel when backing up. Why would I back up on an angle to have this happen you may ask? I live up a 4km dirt road with a couple of tight 180 degree turns. On 2 of the turns I need to back up (with any car - not only the 110) to get around and with the trailer on the spare on the back door is catching the handbrake handle.

An option could be to raise the wheel drilling new holes etc. But not keen on this.

The tow ball is on the lowest setting already so no luck there.

So I am stuck and though someone may have had the same problemo.

Ideas welcome.
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Post #731425 26th Sep 2018 9:23pm
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donmacn



Member Since: 06 Nov 2017
Location: Nth Scotland
Posts: 1841

 
DEpending on the details - trailer weight; the tow hitch itself - I can only think of four other things to look at:

use a 'drop plate' between the tow plate and hitch - you might get an extra 5 or 6cms from this;

adjust the handbrake lever position or length? - less likely i'd imagine;

source a longer drawbar on the trailer, or have an extension fabricated;

put the wheel somewhere else for the trips you use the trailer...?

Trying to visualise this, it does seem as if the handbrake must be quite high mounted. Maybe some pics would help? Donald

1994 Defender 300Tdi 110 SW - owned since 2002 - 230k miles and going strong
(The 'rolling restoration' or tinkering thread: http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic58538.html )
2000 Range Rover P38 4.0L V8

in the past..
RR classic - fitted with 200Tdi
1984 RR classic - V8 with ZF auto box
1993 Discovery 300Tdi

not to mention the minis and the Type 2 VW camper...
Post #731446 27th Sep 2018 7:00am
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Ads90



Member Since: 16 Jun 2008
Location: Cots-on-the-Wolds
Posts: 809

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 CSW Keswick Green
I have a similar problem with my jockey wheel mast - it's a pain but I just remove it for driving, obviously not an option for you!
I'm considering a NAS step, to move the ball rearwards by the few inches which should make the difference when turning.
Post #731449 27th Sep 2018 7:44am
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geobloke



Member Since: 06 Nov 2012
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 4410

United Kingdom 
Yeah I can see how this would be a problem. Things that come to mind are;

    Extending the draw bar is probably impractical because every inch of extra length is a problem on a tight turn.

    Altering the position of the trailer hand brake is possible but there is probably a lack of space.

    Drop plate on the tow ball might give you an extra few inches but forces the trailer to become more nose heavy and reduces the height off the ground too.

    Put the wheel somewhere else - This is what I would do. The problem as I see it is traditionally you have only a few options; Rear door, roof rack, rear tub or bonnet.


The latter is your best option. There are loads of pros and cons relating to the positioning of the spare wheel, unfortunately on a Land Rover as standard it is almost always at the back of the vehicle and slightly to the right, coincidentally directly in-line with the trailer hand brake lever and your problem.

Spare wheel positioning;

    Standard rear door: 80% of the time this is the perfect position, unless you tow and/or have larger than standard tyres or wheels. Not to mention wear on the door hinges over time etc etc.
    Bonnet: Love or hate it it's traditional and does get the wheel out of the way, sort of...
    Rear tub: Great if you have a pickup, not so much if you have seats in the back.
    Roof rack: Gets wheel out of the way, doesn't impede forward vision, but adds to elevated weight and is tricky to get up and down.
    Wolf side mount: Not sure how legal this would be in other countries and it does require an extended wing mirror to see around the tyre.
    Rear wheel carriers: There are many styles to choose from, but what they all have in common is that they do alter the position of the wheel, usually out and up in relation to the standard position. This is where I would start. Ask folks for some photos of their setup, manufacturer, size of wheel etc and you may find the solution.


The alternative and it really depends on how often you are towing this particular trailer, is to put a wheel mount on the trailer for those times you are towing. Obviously this would be a real pain in the rear to be swapping back and forth every other day, but once a week/two weeks might be livable. Options here would be to have a modified wheel carrying system whereby you could have a 2" receiver like slot on both the vehicles wheel carrier and also on the trailer. Then it would just be a case of take the securing pin out, slide out the wheel, put on to the trailer, secure in place with pin. Total time 3 minutes. Reverse the procedure when you drop the trailer off. If I were in your position and towing semi-regularly I would be tempted to do this...

First port of call though would be photos of other peoples spare wheel setups to see if that is the quickest and easiest solution.
Post #731462 27th Sep 2018 9:02am
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leeds



Member Since: 28 Dec 2009
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 8580

United Kingdom 
All depends how much space you need to achieve.

The Alko tow ball has a longer neck so will give slightly more room.

Tow ball spacer blocks exist which gives an extra 50 mm. Just ensure you get longer bolts of the correct rating. I can not remember if they are 8.8 or 10.9 bolts


Brendan
Post #731469 27th Sep 2018 9:28am
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LandRoverAnorak



Member Since: 17 Jul 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 11324

United Kingdom 
How about a Disco II tow ball? The extra few inches length may give you the clearance you need.


Click image to enlarge


Some pictures of your existing set up may help. Darren

110 USW BUILD THREAD - EXPEDITION TRAILER - 200tdi 90 BUILD THREAD - SANKEY TRAILER - IG@landroveranorak

"You came in that thing? You're braver than I thought!" - Princess Leia
Post #731470 27th Sep 2018 9:34am
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dorsetsmith



Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: South West
Posts: 4554

Tow ball spacer blocks



Click image to enlarge
Post #731483 27th Sep 2018 11:03am
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legin



Member Since: 22 Jul 2017
Location: Chelmsford Essex
Posts: 1004

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Santorini Black

Click image to enlarge






Click image to enlarge



A small spacer block and Alko tow ball gives me all the room I need towing a large twin axle caravan.




Click image to enlarge
Post #731569 27th Sep 2018 8:06pm
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andrewlandy



Member Since: 07 Feb 2016
Location: Graz
Posts: 82

Austria 2016 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Alpine White
Thank you all. Its either a spacer to get me an extra 5cm or remove the wheel.

But ill post some pictures in the next day or so.
Post #732146 1st Oct 2018 10:12am
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Scotm



Member Since: 28 Feb 2014
Location: Aberdeenshire
Posts: 666

Scotland 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 SW Orkney Grey
A ball and pin hitch like this might help as alternative to spacer?

https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-LR008244BPD...CJEALw_wcB
Post #732149 1st Oct 2018 10:23am
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