Member Since: 12 Dec 2005
Location: The Gaff
Posts: 50968
xcentric wrote:
so, when they check mine next week, if they find it loose, I should ask them to replace the towbar AND do the rear cross member?
correct?
No they tell you what action is required based on what they find.
Perspective is that even with the mot your towbar will pass with some movement21 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
5th Jun 2015 11:39 pm
Westfield 10
Member Since: 04 Jun 2015
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 28
Had my towbar checked today and it was giving the all clear.
My next question is, is the detachable ball ok for alko hitch locks?
Thanks in advance.
Shaun
9th Jun 2015 7:41 pm
nicademus1
Member Since: 03 Aug 2013
Location: anglesey
Posts: 55
Had my tow bar tested three weeks ago. Advised by local dealer that the cross member and removable tow bar needed replacing. Arranged with LRCS for the work to be carried. Work completed in two days. Very good job and excellent service from Landrover.
Had my towbar checked today and it was giving the all clear.
My next question is, is the detachable ball ok for alko hitch locks?
Thanks in advance.
Shaun
yes it is
10th Jun 2015 6:40 am
A.J.M
Member Since: 31 Oct 2009
Location: Carluke
Posts: 2823
Mine is booked into Taggarts Glasgow for Monday for the check.
Was on the system but hadn't received a letter to get it booked in.
Shall see what they say about the tow bar and cross member on my 54 model.In loving memory of FA54WSK.
Rest well old friend, your work is done.
11th Jun 2015 3:33 pm
jc_uk
Member Since: 19 Apr 2007
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 314
Hi all,
My 07 D3 has been in for checks this and returned with a new fixed towbar fitted.
Great job from Scott at Farnell Leeds Land Rover. Many thanks again.
JC
11th Jun 2015 10:30 pm
nigelericsmith
Member Since: 24 May 2015
Location: Stoke on Trent
Posts: 5
morning all, I have been a member for only a couple of weeks now so have been a bit of " a grey man ' so to speak, watch, learn and take on board some cracking info and advice, for which I thank you all for.
I have been reading with interest over the last few days (between work,sleep,wife,kids etc) and getting a bit concerned with the "fit for the purpose of" detachable tow hitch. I have used plenty of various defenders in the military for towing and disco 1+2 for horse boxes, plant trailers, car transporters,caravans and B+E driver training, all with fixed tow hitches.
I bought the wife a D3 12 months ago, with the idea that if the D1 was off the road again at least I had something to fall back on. As you can see, not occasional light use but quite heavy and often. D1 is now an MOT fail, so I commandeered the D3 and press ganged it into action for a few weeks before reading this thread and I suspended towing activities on Thursday. Yesterday I contacted my local LR dealer about my concerns and impressively was asked to take D3 for an inspection the same afternoon " yes, your VIN is on the list but we hadn't got round to informing you yet". (No sense of urgency?)
I admit that there is no play in the hitch up and down or front to back, but there is what I consider sh** loads from side to side and plenty of banging and cluncking when turning, because as we all know, towing forces are not just from accelerating and braking. The hitch is cleaned, lubed and put away when not in use because not only does it say to do so in the manual, but it's an eyesore and spoils the looks of a beautiful design and it would also ground out greenlaning.
"It's been inspected and all is ok sir"
"Superb, can I have that in writing please?"
"We, um, no we can't do that"
At no point in the conversation was I asked what it's intended use was.
JLR R+D budget must have allowed for some funds to be spent on the detachable tow hitch and you would think that the D3/D4 would be up to the job of there predecessors without this issue, also, this vehicle has won Towing Vehicle of the Year 9/10 years, no mention that you need a heavy duty fixed tow hitch though.
When I explained all of this to the dealer, give him his due he'd didn't just point blank refuse to do anymore, after calling LRCS a case has been opened to se if anything can be done, hopefully Pete might catch this post, and after I've posted a couple more times elsewhere, I can PM him with the relevant details. If I'd know before buying the D3 that this was a big issu I would have gone for a defender 110, cheaper to fix as well, as my lady says " it's hemorraging(?) money. 2x wheel bearings, discs and pads, track rod ends, wishbones, propshaft, compressor, alternator and now another vibration on the steering wheel that will need sorting!! Not chuffed for 7,000 miles in one year on an 111,000 mile vehicle.
Sorry I had to get that off my chest, will post the outcome of the 'open case' when I get a reply
Cheers for now
Nige
13th Jun 2015 9:58 am
A.J.M
Member Since: 31 Oct 2009
Location: Carluke
Posts: 2823
Land Rover are replacing the lock on my detachable tow bar.
It's getting a valet just now so I'm making the use of the tea and biscuits available In loving memory of FA54WSK.
Rest well old friend, your work is done.
15th Jun 2015 2:06 pm
jc_uk
Member Since: 19 Apr 2007
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 314
Hi,
It is not just the lock that is problem it is the whole of the detachable towbar.....
Spoke to friend this weekend, who went through two of them and is now on a third party fixed towbar....
'Greatest tow car in the world' if you can get a towbar that works.........
Cheers
JC
15th Jun 2015 2:33 pm
A.J.M
Member Since: 31 Oct 2009
Location: Carluke
Posts: 2823
Well considering they spent over 2 hours working on it. I'll take that my towbar and the cross member slot is fine and safe to use.
Just the lock that needed sorting as i was having some issues with it.
If there is a continued issue i'll take it back.
I've used the tow bar twice this year so it gets minimal use.In loving memory of FA54WSK.
Rest well old friend, your work is done.
15th Jun 2015 4:43 pm
jc_uk
Member Since: 19 Apr 2007
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 314
Hi,
Do you remove and store the tow bar between your minimal use?
I had a new lock fitted a few years ago, as the original one seized and wouldn't move......
Pretty much unfit for purpose - but very secure
Thanks
JC
15th Jun 2015 5:10 pm
A.J.M
Member Since: 31 Oct 2009
Location: Carluke
Posts: 2823
Yup. Removed and stored in the boot.
I do more off roading than towing so I don't like having an anchor hanging out the back.In loving memory of FA54WSK.
Rest well old friend, your work is done.
15th Jun 2015 6:37 pm
dubbs
Member Since: 18 Apr 2012
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 3626
My adjustable towbar was on the D3 for 3 years - did about 4000 miles of towing 2 tons, no problems.
It came with me to my new D4 - has done about 1000 miles of towing and will do about 10000 more
So far it is rock solid, up and down and left and right.MY15 DIY Black Pack (Better than factory and half the price!)
Prospeed rock/tree sliders w/steps
HSE Winter wheels
TransK9 B24
Travall Cargo Guard
Hatchbag
15th Jun 2015 6:54 pm
jc_uk
Member Since: 19 Apr 2007
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 314
Hi all,
Mine had been on the D3 from new 07 plate (July) and has been rattling for past few years.
I tow most weekends - either single axle complete with quad bike, or double axle tipping trailer with logs/timber.
Dealer serviced, including the new lock a few years back.
The Dealer kept saying it was fine they all do that.
LR Customer Service were as lame when approach a few years back.
I considered buying a fixed towbar to fix the problem, until I saw this thread and went back to another dealership who were willing to help.
There was also the plate for sale through this forum that could be bolted through the towbar mount and take up the slack.......
Many thanks
JC
15th Jun 2015 7:19 pm
oop north
Member Since: 26 Jun 2009
Location: Preston
Posts: 236
Am collecting my D4 next on the 25th - just had phone call from LR saying that they had checked the removable towbar, it was showing signs of play and so they were going to fit a new heavy duty multi height fixed replacement and was that all right...
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