I can assure you all that the boot floor is mint and there are no problems with suspension, the previous owner fitted the plate to tow a caravan from Devon to the Midlands once as it was cheep than fitting a tow bar to his 4x4 which had previously towed it down to Devon, either way the plate will be comimg off tomorrow and the ball attached correctly, the tow bar itself looks relatively new so not worried about any wear on the old girl

thanks for all advice tho