Warren-Pat_01 wrote:

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Why do some vans have their tow hitch located on a plate at the bottom of the A frame & yet others are fitted to the top?

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 Warren, first of all download yourself a copy of Vehicle Standards Bulletin VSB1  This is a compilation of the regulations for building small trailers. Then go to section 16.4.1: 50mm Ball Couplings. This specifies the height limits for your tow ball on your tug.

Ball couplings on towbars are required to be installed so that the height of the centre of the body of the
ball coupling is between 350mm and 420mm from the ground when laden (Refer to ADR 62/01).
Alternatively, if complying with the requirements of ADR 62/02 the maximum height of the centre of the
body of the ball coupling may be increased to 460mm. However, the ball may be installed at any other
height, provided it is also capable of being adjusted to at least one height within the 350-460mm range.
The coupling body used on trailers should be designed to be compatible with these heights.

I think it was Jayco who started mounting the couplings low in the drawbar. I believe they had some problems and sought legal advice. The legal advice was they should stick to the 350 - 460 mm coupling height. I see that many of the other manufacturers have fallen in behind Jayco. If you require the coupling at any other height you will have to rebuild the drawbar and have it certified under your own exercise.

I suggest you read the rest of VSB-1 to see the rest of the requirements for trailers (including caravans.)

And there again.

The reason H.R have the Adjustable pin Ball mount.
to suit differing heights of different vans drawbars\balls.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I had always wondered why the "Outbacks" had the tow hitch mounted low.

Neil & Lynne,
No the van was bought second hand & it has been a gradual learning course on our current trip finding out how the water tank switch, the HWS & toilet work. Only the basic info is given on the Jayco DVD & the seller (a New Age agent) only gave a quick going over.
They did however pass on some questions I had of the previous owners.
I was under the van today investigating where I would put water tank gauges & saw that both tanks are installed hard over on the LHS of the van so ensuring the majority of the load weight is leaning to the LHS.
Peter,
Does a 50mm ball have a weight limit? I note some are stamped 3.5T which until I work out if I'm going to stick to the standard coupling, I think I should be using (for safety). The van has an ATM of 2ton.

Warren