Towing Bracket Placement
Discussion
A while back I ordered my new Avondale Land Ranger 6 berth caravan, and it should be finished some time in early May, in time for Le Mans. I have had considerable trouble trying to get all the necessary mods done, such as the metallic paint matched and applied to this new van so it matches my GTR. It should really look something when it's all hitched up. I had the 14" wheels for the van trashed and new 16” ones turned out of billet ally, (running 30 profile yoko’s) like the original Ultima wheels, so they will match as well. Also I have had the SPAX tow-master shocks replaced with Bilstein group N jobbies which were originally out of a Saab (new of course).
Drums are gone naturally, and 12" vented discs and four-pots are being fitted in their place. Chassis mods have been extensive, using alloy lowering blocks to get the ride height down to match the ground line of the Ultima - the van is now 8 cm lower, so these will defo help with the handling. Also the four pot gas ring, and oven, have been replaced with a combo microwave to further reduce the weight. I will also be talking to Ted this week about the possibility of fitting another wing on the van to help air flow, tho I don’t know how this will affect the handling as the wheels are in the middle!
Needles to say the old guy at the van showroom nearly fell off his chair when I showed him a pic of my towcar. He also retracted his offer of free membership with the Caravan club of Great Britain as well - two faced to$$er! He did well out of me as well.
Looking at the rear chassis cross member of the Ult, it looks quite straightforward to fabricate and extend the chassis rails in box section, and to fit the tow bar plate to this new section. I have also devised a neat electric release panel in the GRP, so that the whole hitch mechanism can be removed and out of sight when not towing the van. Instead of using towing mirrors I am using a reversing camera off a truck (the picture is correctly the wrong way around like a mirror would be) and I will be using the pop out screen from the Alpine head unit so I can see behind whilst driving. I think IMHO I am possibly the only Ultima owner to have done this so far, so any comments would be welcome.
Can't wait to blow the doors of Stig's motor, once I am all up and running - with the van on of course.
The only real problem I have has so far was insuring the two vehicles together. The only insurance company I found would only issue me with a special one off policy - Winchester Insurance Non-standard Design & Unclassified Private-use.
Drums are gone naturally, and 12" vented discs and four-pots are being fitted in their place. Chassis mods have been extensive, using alloy lowering blocks to get the ride height down to match the ground line of the Ultima - the van is now 8 cm lower, so these will defo help with the handling. Also the four pot gas ring, and oven, have been replaced with a combo microwave to further reduce the weight. I will also be talking to Ted this week about the possibility of fitting another wing on the van to help air flow, tho I don’t know how this will affect the handling as the wheels are in the middle!
Needles to say the old guy at the van showroom nearly fell off his chair when I showed him a pic of my towcar. He also retracted his offer of free membership with the Caravan club of Great Britain as well - two faced to$$er! He did well out of me as well.
Looking at the rear chassis cross member of the Ult, it looks quite straightforward to fabricate and extend the chassis rails in box section, and to fit the tow bar plate to this new section. I have also devised a neat electric release panel in the GRP, so that the whole hitch mechanism can be removed and out of sight when not towing the van. Instead of using towing mirrors I am using a reversing camera off a truck (the picture is correctly the wrong way around like a mirror would be) and I will be using the pop out screen from the Alpine head unit so I can see behind whilst driving. I think IMHO I am possibly the only Ultima owner to have done this so far, so any comments would be welcome.
Can't wait to blow the doors of Stig's motor, once I am all up and running - with the van on of course.
The only real problem I have has so far was insuring the two vehicles together. The only insurance company I found would only issue me with a special one off policy - Winchester Insurance Non-standard Design & Unclassified Private-use.
Have friend with GT40 that does exactly that. God it looks Wiered with the wind deflector on the roof, and the wing mirror extensions are redickulas. Only problem is that the exhausts sticking out the back of the GT has meant that he has to fit a Heat deflector on the Caravan front other wise he may Ignite the Gas bottle that sits there.
Do you think that Ted could do some wind tunnel testing for you ???
PS I'm up for giving you a hand as long as I get first Bunk at Le Mans..
Do you think that Ted could do some wind tunnel testing for you ???
PS I'm up for giving you a hand as long as I get first Bunk at Le Mans..
Good point GTRCLIVE. I have already dealt with that by using specially fabricated inserts which clip into the original factory pipes, and hold on to the lip of the pipes. The flexible exhaust duct (4.5" dia) is what Mercedes use to carry the fumes out of their workshop, so they are good enough for me too. The pipes pass through the A frame and are directed onto the floor.
Don't know whether or not to fit those nice little curtains in the Ult as well tho...
Don't know whether or not to fit those nice little curtains in the Ult as well tho...
If they take the piss Simon, don't worry, they won't be laughing when were having our breakfast whilst watching the race on Satellite TV. I hope it doesn't rain on there Tents that night, they might get little cold poor things.
Le Mans here we come.
Earny And he drove the fastest milkfloat in the west.(Caravan in Simons Case)
>> Edited by GTRCLIVE on Sunday 30th March 03:35
Le Mans here we come.
Earny And he drove the fastest milkfloat in the west.(Caravan in Simons Case)
>> Edited by GTRCLIVE on Sunday 30th March 03:35
Simon
Is your trip to Le Mans a prelude to an attempt on the caravan towing world speed record?
If it is, can I suggest that you dispense with the wing you are proposing for the van as IMHO it will only increase drag without any other benefit.
There was no splitter mentioned in your specification. If you combine a splitter with a skirt and duct your exhaust to the back of the van you could use the venturi effect to create a vacuum in the skirt. This will give you the downforce you thought you would gain with the wing.
You should also check with the manufacturer about the tyre pressures. I think you will find they need to be much higher than you would expect.
Don’t forget to ensure that your fully laden van has a tow hitch load of 110 pounds.
Happy holidays
Steve
Is your trip to Le Mans a prelude to an attempt on the caravan towing world speed record?
If it is, can I suggest that you dispense with the wing you are proposing for the van as IMHO it will only increase drag without any other benefit.
There was no splitter mentioned in your specification. If you combine a splitter with a skirt and duct your exhaust to the back of the van you could use the venturi effect to create a vacuum in the skirt. This will give you the downforce you thought you would gain with the wing.
You should also check with the manufacturer about the tyre pressures. I think you will find they need to be much higher than you would expect.
Don’t forget to ensure that your fully laden van has a tow hitch load of 110 pounds.
Happy holidays
Steve
No, no, no, no.
You're going about this the wrong way!
I've had a look into this aswell, and have designed a secondary canopy/bonnet combination, that actually gives you bunk space for 4 adults in comfort.
I did have trouble with the height of the supercharger and K&N, but have cunningly modified it for use as an occasional table in between the bunks. In fact, I've also got a felt cover for the odd game of cards etc.
Even with these extensive bodywork mods, I'm still getting a cd of 0.23!
The other bonus is that I've reconfigured the gas supply for the oven/hob so that I can run on lpg. The additional space that the bunks provide has proved invaluable for storage of extra fuel for trips of more than 40 miles.
I'll send pics but err.... my camera is playing up
PS. Nice try mate
You're going about this the wrong way!
I've had a look into this aswell, and have designed a secondary canopy/bonnet combination, that actually gives you bunk space for 4 adults in comfort.
I did have trouble with the height of the supercharger and K&N, but have cunningly modified it for use as an occasional table in between the bunks. In fact, I've also got a felt cover for the odd game of cards etc.
Even with these extensive bodywork mods, I'm still getting a cd of 0.23!
The other bonus is that I've reconfigured the gas supply for the oven/hob so that I can run on lpg. The additional space that the bunks provide has proved invaluable for storage of extra fuel for trips of more than 40 miles.
I'll send pics but err.... my camera is playing up
PS. Nice try mate
This is a topic I (together with J-K) have thought about. As I am building the GTR and my little bro has the Can-am, both of which are yellow and we have a yellow trailer I thought it would be good to see one towing the other for track days etc. Also it would be fun to have a go at the world record for towing a caravan - I believe this is held by a dodge viper at about 129mph - easy meat. I mentioned it at the factory a couple of visits ago but didn't get a warm reception so I dont think they will sponsor the world record attempt. So it's great to hear from others who have interesting plans. Anyone else fany a caravan towing world record?
Winchester Insurance Non-standard Design & Unclassified Private-use.
He he I am a sod! Ok well done to those who smelt a rat!; Stig, B1ECC etc, a bit of fun. For those that didn't, then surely the bold letters on the last line must have given you a clue?? oh yeah and I must admit GTRCLIVE was obviously in it as well!! well we do like to provide entertainment!
Sadly Chewy has REALLY inspired me as the world record (as set by the Guiness World of Records) is as he says, and clearly is open for competition.
Yes this IS something that I may go for, given the egging on from the right people; I don't see why Ultima wouldn't want the publicity, my car was factory built and 129 mph is only 3rd gear material. Naturally I would hope for at least 150 mph plus, which is very possible given the right support.
If anyone else thinks this is a fair record attempt then please let me know while the money is in the bank!
The WINDUP was quite clear as far as it was a bit OTT but I am probably daft enough to try it and the chassis does lend it self to fittment of a detachable towing bracket. STIG should be a contender for towing a caravan with his blower as it will have lots of low down torque. So who really would like to be a world record holder?
Are you really the Ultima people that I will meet at Le Mans this year?........(god bless me). 
ultimasimon said:
Winchester Insurance Non-standard Design & Unclassified Private-use.
He he I am a sod! Ok well done to those who smelt a rat!; Stig, B1ECC etc, a bit of fun. For those that didn't, then surely the bold letters on the last line must have given you a clue?? oh yeah and I must admit GTRCLIVE was obviously in it as well!! well we do like to provide entertainment!
Sadly Chewy has REALLY inspired me as the world record (as set by the Guiness World of Records) is as he says, and clearly is open for competition.
Yes this IS something that I may go for, given the egging on from the right people; I don't see why Ultima wouldn't want the publicity, my car was factory built and 129 mph is only 3rd gear material. Naturally I would hope for at least 150 mph plus, which is very possible given the right support.
If anyone else thinks this is a fair record attempt then please let me know while the money is in the bank!
Si - I knew you were completely start raving tonto, so at first I actually wasn't that surprised
I know, I konw, I know somebody is joking here. Our friend is a really charming liar (sorry, my english is in the limits here).
But as seen in a next door topic there are some gadgets I can´t explain myself how does it work........
Radio set,CD, Video, music on board !!!!!!!!!! in a Ultima? I can´t believe this !!!!!!!
See you there (starting engines)
But as seen in a next door topic there are some gadgets I can´t explain myself how does it work........
Radio set,CD, Video, music on board !!!!!!!!!! in a Ultima? I can´t believe this !!!!!!! See you there (starting engines)
Simon the GT40 I mentioned does actually have a Tow bar, and His small trailer that he use’s does have a Heat shield on it. But it's a Trailer Tent. So only a Half Caravan half tent job.
I'm not joking on that one, only problem is that the Guy has sold the car now, and has kept the trailer.
Look at Stonliegh for a Red Tornado GT40 with Black Plastic coated panels, then look at the rear lower chassis member at the back and you should find the mounting point for a Tow bar with the Electrical plug point on it. I S**T you not.
Trailer was taller than 40 inches so must have looked strange from the back.
Us English are defiantly Eccentrics....
I'm not joking on that one, only problem is that the Guy has sold the car now, and has kept the trailer.
Look at Stonliegh for a Red Tornado GT40 with Black Plastic coated panels, then look at the rear lower chassis member at the back and you should find the mounting point for a Tow bar with the Electrical plug point on it. I S**T you not.
Trailer was taller than 40 inches so must have looked strange from the back.
Us English are defiantly Eccentrics....
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