Member Since: 15 Aug 2012
Location: Blackridge
Posts: 18
recommended towbar
As above I'm looking for peoples recommendations for a tow bar to fit to my D3, just bought a caravan so looking for something safe but would prefer it to be de-tachable still behind the cover by either securing in or bolting on when needed
At the moment it has the Land Rover original de-tachable one fitted but that will be getting binned as soon as poss after the response I recieved from Land Rover regarding its usage, a total joke if you ask me
Cheers in advance for any help
11th May 2014 8:09 pm
Grunders
Member Since: 30 Apr 2011
Location: Manchester
Posts: 2334
I'm curious about the response you mentioned....
I've used the detachable on 2 D3's towing boats, caravans and trailers... Never an issue, towed for thousands of miles, does what it was cesigned for....If it ain't broke... Take it apart anyway, how else you gonna find out how it works
11th May 2014 9:29 pm
Joyride4life
Member Since: 14 Jun 2013
Location: Cambridgeshire
Posts: 245
What was their comment and was that reply in writing or verbal? I'm curious to understand what is going on with detachable tow bars....
11th May 2014 9:33 pm
sputnixb51
Member Since: 23 Apr 2013
Location: Morayshire
Posts: 833
Despite the perceived problems with the detachable towbar there is nothing wrong with the fixed adjustable(which is still quick and easy to remove)mine has pushed static caravans around up to 10 tonnes and normal on road towing 3500kgs and is perfectly sound for the job.
11th May 2014 9:48 pm
D3NUM
Member Since: 15 Aug 2012
Location: Blackridge
Posts: 18
Below is the reply I recieved which IMO is a shocking statement for such a large company
Dear Mr Denholm
I write further to your private message sent to my colleague Peter <SNIP> through the Disco3 forum. Due to the nature of your enquiry, your communication has been forwarded to this office for a response.
The leisure tow bar which I understand was fitted to your vehicle is intended for light and infrequent use only. If your intention is to use the vehicle to tow on a regular basis, a fixed tow bar should be considered for your vehicle as it is a more robust system when being used frequently.
As to the safety of the system and checks that can be carried out, we would respectfully suggest contacting your local franchised Land Rover dealership, who will happily inspect the vehicle for you.
If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
Jason <SNIP>
External Liaison
Now I'm sure everyone will have there own opinions etc etc but as an engineer to trade how can you put a certain usage etc on a mechanical part??? Its a cop out if you ask me
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11th May 2014 10:42 pm
D3NUM
Member Since: 15 Aug 2012
Location: Blackridge
Posts: 18
Oh and the reason I was asking LR for clarification is that the previous keeper had the detachable part detach itself while towing his caravan causing major damage to his caravan
11th May 2014 10:45 pm
DG Site Moderator
Member Since: 12 Dec 2005
Location: The Gaff
Posts: 50979
So what's new? ..a similar statement has been around for a while ...nothing shocking 21 year LR veteran > D2 GS 2003 > D3 S 2006 > D3 HSE 2009 > D4 HSE 2013 > D4 HSE 2015 > D5 HSE 2018 > DS HSE R-Dynamic P300e 2021
11th May 2014 10:51 pm
scaniaman
Member Since: 01 Jan 2014
Location: Dumfries, Scotland
Posts: 84
I had similar worries but purchased a kit from Geosdad on sales and wants which bolts below the removable tow bar and stops any rattles or worries about it falling off. I tow a twin axle caravan at 1800kg and no more rattles. I looked at replacing with a stronger bar as well but happy with the way it is now. Kit well made and can be removed if you want to remove bar. Think it was £18 delivered.
scaniaman
12th May 2014 6:53 am
D4mation
Member Since: 29 Jul 2011
Location: Ruralshire
Posts: 593
D3NUM wrote:
Oh and the reason I was asking LR for clarification is that the previous keeper had the detachable part detach itself while towing his caravan causing major damage to his caravan
Sorry, but that's a load of cobblers. The previous owner could not have inserted the tongue of the detachable correctly - once the locking bar springs into position there is no way it will come out. Granted it might rattle a bit after long usage, but it's still a robust tow hook.MY12 D4 HSE Ipanema Sand
12th May 2014 4:39 pm
nearlee
Member Since: 15 Dec 2012
Location: where the sheep are scared
Posts: 1777
well i use the detactable towbar on a daily basis to tow my twin axle box trailer around, and a year later no rattles or problems, still can't get the key to work so havn't had it out yet
13th May 2014 8:58 pm
D3NUM
Member Since: 15 Aug 2012
Location: Blackridge
Posts: 18
D4mation wrote:
D3NUM wrote:
Oh and the reason I was asking LR for clarification is that the previous keeper had the detachable part detach itself while towing his caravan causing major damage to his caravan
Sorry, but that's a load of cobblers. The previous owner could not have inserted the tongue of the detachable correctly - once the locking bar springs into position there is no way it will come out. Granted it might rattle a bit after long usage, but it's still a robust tow hook.
I have got the detachable variety and I use it for my horsebox. When I got the vehicle a year a go I took it my local towing specialist and they confirmed that it is completely suitable for the job.
My bigger problem was the horse who didn't like being penned in one side of the horse box so he dented my floor and hurt himself. He now travels partition free, using the whole box for himself!
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key to work so havn't had it out yet
