hitch and axle replacement

[richardallen]

Hi

Can anyone recommend someone that can change the old usa hitch and axle to uk spec in south east england? Or carry out the brake controller refit? thanks

[blkmagikca]

I'm not sure that the USA hitch can be swapped for a European hitch. USA hitch hookups are based on a minimum 10% of the trailer weight on the hitch - thus a 3000 lb trailer would have a minimum 300 lbs on the hitch ball; by contrast, the European hitch ball carries about 50 lbs. Consequently, your tow vehicle should be equipped with a 2-inch square Class IV hitch receiver and you could then use the corresponding equalizer type of hitch for that weight.

For braking, a typical Tekonsha controller would work well to activate the electric brakes on the trailer. As you no doubt know, the European trailers have a surge brake mechanism. Trying to retrofit that on the Tradewind would be costly, and may not be as effective as using the electric controller.

FWIW, I believe that the most economical and effective solution is to purchase an equalizer type of hitch and electric brake controller provided that there is no legal requirement to use the surge brake mechanism common to European & UK trailers.