Four-wheel drive motorhomes are the perfect choice for those who love exploring off-road trails and remote locations — all without giving up on comfort. These vehicles offer the freedom to venture off the beaten path, but to ensure maximum towing safety and performance, some key details must be carefully managed — starting with the towbar height.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to adjust and optimize the towbar height and explore the best accessories to enhance your all-wheel drive camper’s functionality and versatility on every journey.
Towbar height on AWD campers: regulations and key considerations
When dealing with a towbar, it’s essential to comply with ECE 55 (R55) regulations, which require that the towball height must be 38.5 cm ± 3.5 cm from the ground, with the vehicle fully loaded.
This specification is crucial to ensure that trailers and caravans stay level, providing greater towing stability. Maintaining the correct height also prevents excessive tilt angles, which could compromise driving safety and negatively impact vehicle handling.
For 4×4 motorhomes, the situation is often different. Their ground clearance can be up to 10 cm higher than front- or rear-wheel-drive models. On top of that, off-road tires often installed on these vehicles further raise their overall height. As a result, the towball may sit too high, causing imbalanced towing and an increased risk of instability, especially during travel.
That’s why it’s essential to adjust the towbar height correctly — to preserve proper balance and ensure a safe, smooth ride.
Top accessories to adjust the towbar height of a four-wheel drive camper
To achieve the correct height, a range of smart, easy-to-install accessories are available.
Fixed flange towbars (2- or 4-bolts) and adjustable plates
Flange-mounted towbars with 2 or 4 holes are ideal for those who want precise control over their towing setup. When paired with adjustable mounting plates, these towbars allow for fine-tuned height correction, greatly enhancing driving stability and safety.
The 2-bolts version offers even more flexibility, thanks to a second set of mounting holes that let you easily reposition the towbar.
These systems are perfect for improving your camper’s handling and towing efficiency.
You can find them on:
- AHK-onlineshop → under towbars and adjustment plates
- X-CAMPING.EU → with a wide selection of towbars for motorhomes and height adjustment plates
Pivoting bike rack modules
If you’re carrying bikes and need better access to the rear of your camper, swing modules for bike racks are the perfect solution. These allow you to swivel the bike rack sideways, giving you easy access to the rear storage or doors without needing to uninstall the rack.
SWINGY by LEMET
The SWINGY module from LEMET is quick to install and compatible with any flange towbar. With a load capacity of up to 90 kg, it’s perfect for transporting electric bikes and fat bikes. Its sleek, functional design adds both convenience and comfort to every trip.
Available from AHK-onlineshop and X-CAMPING.EU, with a range of pivoting bike rakcs modules for different vehicles and needs.
Moose by Fabbri – For Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer & Citroën Jumper
Designed specifically for Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, and Citroën Jumper, the Moose swing module is easy to install with a dedicated adapter and supports up to 60 kg. Made of high-grade metal and finished with black powder coating, it’s built to withstand shocks and harsh weather.
Spare wheel carrier
An essential accessory for all-wheel drive campers is the external spare wheel carrier, which lets you carry a spare tire without taking up valuable interior space.
LEMET Spare Wheel Carrier – Practical and Secure
Compatible with any 50 mm towball, the LEMET wheel carrier is available in several versions — including models with a tilting function for easier trunk access, and others with quick-release mechanisms and anti-theft protection.
It can accommodate wheels from 12″ to 19″, making it a versatile and safe solution for carrying your spare tire.
Available on AHK-onlineshop and X-CAMPING.EU, alongside other towbar accessories.
Skid wheels
Bumper wheels are highly recommended for AWD campers, especially those with long rear overhangs. They protect the camper from ground contact damage — such as to the rear garage, bumper, or exhaust pipe — when tackling steep slopes or uneven terrain.
XIMPLIO Skid wheels
Built to absorb impacts, XIMPLIO’s bumper wheels reduce the risk of serious damage. Made from reinforced nylon, they offer excellent protection while ensuring safe maneuvering even on steep inclines.
Available in four versions:
They’re easy to mount on the chassis extension, either from the side or underneath, and are a smart, robust upgrade for your camper.
Towbar-mounted rear steps
Towbar rear steps are the perfect add-on to improve rear access — especially if your camper has a high clearance or long rear overhang. These steps offer a stable and safe foothold, making it easier to load, unload, or step into your camper.
Available in manual or electric versions, many models feature anti-slip surfaces for added safety in wet or icy conditions.
Installation is generally quick and fits directly onto existing towbars — just ensure compatibility with your towbar type.
You’ll find a broad selection at AHK-onlineshop and X-CAMPING.EU.
Winch mounting plates
If you plan on installing a winch for off-road recovery or utility purposes, mounting plates are essential. These allow for secure attachment of a winch to your towbar, ensuring maximum strength and stability for lifting or recovery operations — especially in difficult terrain.
Once installed, your winch will be firm and ready for use without compromising your vehicle’s safety.
Semi air suspension: extra height adjustment and enhanced stability
Beyond towbar accessories, installing an additional air suspension system is a great way to boost comfort and stability in your 4×4 camper.
These systems allow you to adjust ride height based on load and terrain, improving carrying capacity and reducing wear on the stock suspension. They’re ideal for heavy loads and rough terrain, offering a smoother, more stable ride.
LEMET Airsprings Premium – cutting-edge bluetooth technology
LEMET’s advanced air suspension systems use Bluetooth technology, allowing you to control air bellows height through a wireless mobile interface. You can easily adjust the ride height via a user-friendly control panel — even from outside the vehicle.
Available at X-CAMPING.EU, these systems are compatible with a wide range of models, including:
An ideal upgrade for off-road enthusiasts looking to optimize performance and comfort.
Get adventure-ready with the right accessories
Installing the right accessories — such as flange-mounted towbars, height adjustment plates, swing modules, spare wheel carriers, anti-scrape rollers, winch mounts, and auxiliary air suspension — is the key to fully preparing your 4×4 motorhome for any adventure.
These upgrades not only help you optimize towbar height, but also improve the vehicle’s overall safety, performance, and usability, giving you peace of mind and confidence wherever you go.