Why Must the Drawbar for the 1991 Toyota Camry Class I Hitch be Used Only in the Down Position

Question:

Im using this hitch with a 1991 Toyota Camry. According to the instructions, i can only use the designated drawbar in the drop position, but if I do so, the safety chains drag on the ground. Why cant I use it in the rise position?

asked by: S

Expert Reply:

Class I and Class II hitches are are tested and rated with the specific ball mount used in a specific position for that hitch. Using a ball mount that is not recommended by the manufacturer will void the warranty. See the link to choosing the correct ball mount below.

The testing is done so that the placement of the trailer coupler at the rear of the vehicle is in the safest position should and accident occur that caused the trailer to be disconnected from the hitch and/or vehicle.

The best recommendation I can make is to either remove some links from your safety chains or to twist the safety chains before attaching them to the safety chain loops on the hitch. Twisting the chains will shorten them so that they do not drag the ground but leaves the length of the chain, just in case it is needed for another vehicle.

If you want to shorten the chains you could use a couple of the Safety Chain Quick Links # C82932, to reattach the chains after removing the required number of links.

expert reply by: Robert G