Member Since: 06 Mar 2017
Location: Dordogne
Posts: 19
Red showing on removable tow bar
I am still waiting funds to buy my D4 but I have a friend who has a D4 landmark 2016 and he has just attached the tow bar for the first time, only to pull a small trailer with rubbish in. He doesn't like computers, hence not being on the forum and he asked about the tow bar as in the instructions it states that when fitted, you shouldn't see any of the red trim that is on the lock part of the tow bar. The tow bar has gone on fine, locked and able to take the key out, also the tow bar is able to be stood on and it doesn't move a bit. However you can still see the red collar despite all seeming good with the fixing. Can anybody enlighten as to this red trim/collar and whether it is relevant ?
Many thanksNever argue with a stupid person.....they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.
I can see a very thin strip of red around 2mm when located, I have to pull the handle to see it, compared to 10 to 15mm when I pull the handle when it's unlocked, cannot see any red without pulling the handle.
18th Jul 2017 7:01 pm
sarumlight
Member Since: 07 Nov 2008
Location: Off the Plain
Posts: 1590
Absolutely. Seeing red sounds like might not be going all the way home. Best get it checked out. Make sure he knows to fasten the breakaway to one of the loops in the crossmember not around the tow bar too.
18th Jul 2017 7:56 pm
Godders
Member Since: 06 Mar 2017
Location: Dordogne
Posts: 19
Thanks guys, there is a clear view of the red collar and def more than 2mm, more like the 10mm. I will be seeing him hopefully tomorrow and will have a look to see if there is anything and try to get a pic.Never argue with a stupid person.....they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.
18th Jul 2017 11:50 pm
Godders
Member Since: 06 Mar 2017
Location: Dordogne
Posts: 19
With regards to the original problem, it would appear that my friend has guided the green cover to move over the red edging by using a hammer and some gentle persuasion to resolve the problem. Never argue with a stupid person.....they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.
25th Jul 2017 10:25 pm
Mynstral
Member Since: 30 Jul 2017
Location: Essex
Posts: 22
Sorry to hijack post, just spent the morning fitting the 13 pin electrics. Fitted removable tow ball but it won't fully engage. I still have the red band showing. Also the key won't remove.
Fitting seems secure but I don't fancy towing caravan like it.
Looks like tongue is just engaging but not fully. Does it need hitting with soft type mallet? Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Regards Myn.'Smoke me a Kipper I'll be back for Breakfast'
13th Aug 2017 2:08 pm
geoffsnook
Member Since: 13 Jun 2014
Location: south wales
Posts: 3169
Its not completely engaged try to wiggle it around or tap upwards to see if it drops all the way in i dont think i would tow with it like that to be honest Discovery 3 se gone
Range rover sport supercharged here:)
Think it's just the tightness of the first fit, I'd be tempted to knock it upwards with a mallet.
13th Aug 2017 5:28 pm
Mynstral
Member Since: 30 Jul 2017
Location: Essex
Posts: 22
That was my thinking, a couple of sharp hits with pole thompson. 👍🏻👍🏻
Regards Myn.'Smoke me a Kipper I'll be back for Breakfast'
13th Aug 2017 5:42 pm
Godders
Member Since: 06 Mar 2017
Location: Dordogne
Posts: 19
As with our case, a couple of taps did do the trick, but we were able to get the key out even when red band was showing. Hope this sorts it for you. Never argue with a stupid person.....they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.
14th Aug 2017 9:15 am
Mynstral
Member Since: 30 Jul 2017
Location: Essex
Posts: 22
Hi All. Might of had a brain wave? I tried removing the black paint to mating surfaces with scotch pad. No joy.
So as a trial I placed tow bar in freezer over night and it fit straight away and locked with the key.
Just hope caravans freezer is as cold as the one at home.
Regards Myn.'Smoke me a Kipper I'll be back for Breakfast'
15th Aug 2017 5:55 pm
Godders
Member Since: 06 Mar 2017
Location: Dordogne
Posts: 19
Nice one, good thinking Never argue with a stupid person.....they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.
15th Aug 2017 10:14 pm
fester61
Member Since: 21 Apr 2016
Location: Milton Keynes
Posts: 29
I found the mechanism in the towbar itself can get a bit stuck. Copious amounts of WD40 and GENTLE manipulation, pulling up, of the silver pin at the top eventually released the mech and the tow bar now engages and releases with ease. Mine was stuck down so the lock wouldn't retract fully and so the bar wouldn't fit into the socket properly.
A scrape around the socket helps a bit as well.
18th Aug 2017 10:51 am
Corris MacGray
Member Since: 23 Aug 2017
Location: OutofTown
Posts: 55
Methinks that apart from pulling the Postie out of the ditch; any serious towing needs a fixed tow bar not a 'removable' one.
New to this as you can see but surely a key safety critical issue like the customer at-home fitment of a tow bar shouldn't be open to 'whether it's ok or not'. It should fit easily and safely first time, every time? It's like not knowing whether you've fitted a wheel on properly....
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