Geometry question

[rdm]

Merry Christmas everyone
We have switched out our toad
Going from towing MKX to a new 2016 Edge Titanium loads with adaptive cruise and all the bells and whistles non eco boost
We use a Blue Ox Aventa LX tow bar (standard sizing)
I see the new Edge base plate has a 14" wider tab width than our previous Lincoln base plate. (22" for the MKX vs 36" for the Edge)
The $64 question is how much closer to the back of our coach will this wider tab width make the car be.
Currently we have zero problems with the MKX setup
Blue Ox sells a longer extension that adds 4" of length the drawbar
I am leaning to doing this upgrade.
Also the Edge tab height is 15" vs 18.25" for the MKX so we also need to check our drop height.
Any input is appreciated
Thanks
Ray

[UFO Pilot]

I believe you will be about 2" closer then you are now. Very unscientific method I used to determine so take it for what it's worth.

[Gary RVRoamer]

This involves determining the height of an isosceles triangle. The "height' is the distance from the base tab line to the joint where the two arms of the Aventa come together at the pivot. Comparing the new and old heights distances will tell you how much closer it will be.

For an exact answer, calculate as follows:

The length of the tow bar side arm is T. Square this number (T*T)
Take 1/2 the Base tab length (B) and square that number (B/2 * B/2)
The distance from center of the base tab to the junction of the arms will be the square root of T-squared divided by B/2-squared

This article explains in more detail:
https://www.algebra.com/algebra/home...on.549918.html

I don't know the length of the Aventa arms (when extended0, but the SWAG of around 2" should be fairly close. It's going to be inches rather than feet difference.

[vsheetz]

Not enough to make any difference that needs any action...

[Dutch Star Don]

Just lay the tow bar on the ground and measure the lengths with the arms spread at 22" and 36". This will tell you how much shorter.

You can also place the tow bar into the MH receiver, spread the arms 36" apart and than clamp or duct tape a 6' broom handle to the tow bar mounts (centering it) and then just walk the tow bar to one side and see if the broom hits the coach.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Thanks, Don. Much easier than calculating!

[miniceptor86]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Just lay the tow bar on the ground and measure the lengths with the arms spread at 22" and 36". This will tell you how much shorter.

You can also place the tow bar into the MH receiver, spread the arms 36" apart and than clamp or duct tape a 6' broom handle to the tow bar mounts (centering it) and then just walk the tow bar to one side and see if the broom hits the coach.

Ya! That's the way I do it. Knew high school geometry class was a waste of time when you can just draw it out like they taught in the useful mechanical drawing.