Member Since: 05 Mar 2012
Location: Widnes
Posts: 14
Detachable Tow Bars
Click image to enlarge
Click image to enlarge
Landrover Discovery 3-4 Detachable Tow Bar arrester bracket
Having seen an increase in reports of these tow bars becoming detached whilst in use I decided to design an engineering solution to contain the situation should it happen to me. I’ve towed with this type of tow bar for the last 10 years and haven’t had any problems, my car also went in for the recall associated with them. Having said that, these reports planted a little seed of doubt in my mind, so I decided on a belts and braces approach so that if the locking mechanism should fail I have a secondary device to stop the tow bar detaching completely and losing my caravan.
The arrester bracket clamps to the tow bar and connects to the recovery eye by means of a stainless-steel shackle, and under normal circumstances is loose and does not interfere with the integrity of the Tow Bar or it’s locking mechanism. Should the locking mechanism fail the bracket will only allow the Tow Bar to drop by approximately 5mm so it’s still well located in the tapered receptacle.
This now gives me total peace of mind when towing and still allows me to remove it very easily when not in use.
EngMan
Last edited by bobcropper on 10th Sep 2017 7:32 am. Edited 1 time in total
9th Sep 2017 12:05 pm
Bar8
Member Since: 20 Jul 2017
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 6
I like the look of this, are you selling them?
In the event of trouble I presume the bracket can sustain a downward force of 150kg (+safety margin)?
9th Sep 2017 9:02 pm
EMcC
Member Since: 10 Jul 2015
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 536
Now that would be a good proposition to put to the Dragons Den.
I'd be in.
9th Sep 2017 10:34 pm
Scottydog
Member Since: 03 Aug 2015
Location: Scotland
Posts: 377
I like the look of this, would def put SWMBO mind at ease
10th Sep 2017 3:42 am
Brooksie69
Member Since: 09 Jun 2014
Location: Wigan
Posts: 168
By the looks of the Stainless steel d ring it would struggle at 150kgs plus but with a bigger d ring no problem.
Looks well designed.
...........One life live it..........
10th Sep 2017 4:59 am
bobcropper
Member Since: 05 Mar 2012
Location: Widnes
Posts: 14
The 10mm stainless steal shackle has a breaking strain of 3350kg and the cleat that it's fixed to is from a HGV trailer lashing ring rated at 2.5t strain tension and and breaking strain of 5t. The fact that this will only allow the male taper to drop approx 5mm the the shackle would not have to take the weight of the trailer/caravan as it would still be well engaged. It would more than take the tow bars Max nose weight (150kg).EngMan
10th Sep 2017 7:42 am
bobcropper
Member Since: 05 Mar 2012
Location: Widnes
Posts: 14
Bar8 wrote:
I like the look of this, are you selling them?
In the event of trouble I presume the bracket can sustain a downward force of 150kg (+safety margin)?
The 10mm stainless steal shackle has a breaking strain of 3350kg and the cleat that it's fixed to is from a HGV trailer lashing ring rated at 2.5t strain tension and and breaking strain of 5t. The fact that this will only allow the male taper to drop approx 5mm the the shackle would not have to take the weight of the trailer/caravan as it would still be well engaged. It would more than take the tow bars Max nose weight (150kg).
The bracket takes a while to make with my limited resources but I may get a price from a local engineering company to profile cut them. If I can get them at the right price I'll consider selling them.EngMan
10th Sep 2017 7:51 am
bobcropper
Member Since: 05 Mar 2012
Location: Widnes
Posts: 14
EMcC wrote:
Now that would be a good proposition to put to the Dragons Den.
I'd be in.
If Landrover had done more to rectify the problem it wouldn't be necessary!!EngMan
10th Sep 2017 7:55 am
jc_uk
Member Since: 19 Apr 2007
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 314
Is this classed as an acceptable modification from an insurance POV?
I assume no type testing has taken place?
Some time ago on here there was a much simpler bolt and plate workaround.
Have any post recall removable tow bars been known to fail?
Is the problem still present on D4s?
Thanks
JC
10th Sep 2017 8:04 am
bobcropper
Member Since: 05 Mar 2012
Location: Widnes
Posts: 14
I see your point but this is something I've made for my own use and is not for sale. The bracket is clamped to the tow bar and does not in any way effect the function or integrity of the tow bar. The shackle is loose and would only come into play if the locking mechanism failed, so the tow bar is operating as normal.
I did see the plate that you mentioned and downloaded the drawing for it. The 2 problems I could see with that is that when bolted in place that would interfere with the integrity of the tow bar as it was forcing the male taper into the female taper. This then takes the weight of the locking pin so that it's not held by the locking pin but is held by the plate??
It also detracts from having a detachable tow bar, might as well get a fixed version.
My vehicle went in for the landrover recall and was deemed to be Ok but I feel that a check with a gauge was just a cop out by Landrover who had to be seen to be doing something about a growing problem.
In answer to your other questions I don't know, but I'll be touring with my caravan knowing that it's a safe outfit and should the tow bar fail I have measures in place to contain the situation. EngMan
Is this classed as an acceptable modification from an insurance POV?
I assume no type testing has taken place?
Some time ago on here there was a much simpler bolt and plate workaround.
Have any post recall removable tow bars been known to fail?
Is the problem still present on D4s?
Thanks
JC
If the insurance is ok without, can't see why is shouldn't be if fitted. It's a bolt and braces, but if the owner was using it to cover the fact that his towbar fits in the receiver like a in a shirt sleeve then it's different.
10th Sep 2017 9:26 am
DG Site Moderator
Member Since: 12 Dec 2005
Location: The Gaff
Posts: 50930
Whether or not it fails, the OEM bar is type approved and would be fully covered ....this would be seen as an untested modification and therefore would give the insurer a 'get out' for your loss, if it came to it.
10th Sep 2017 9:36 am
bobcropper
Member Since: 05 Mar 2012
Location: Widnes
Posts: 14
I take your point but this arrester bracket does give me peace of mind having seen the results above if it does fail. Fortunately the caravan in the picture veered towards the hard shoulder, god forbid what could have happened had it gone towards the fast lane. EngMan
Whether or not it fails, the OEM bar is type approved and would be fully covered ....this would be seen as an untested modification and therefore would give the insurer a 'get out' for your loss, if it came to it.
See your point. Our tintent sits on the drive, I asked the insurance company what discount I'd get off the premium if I fitted leg locks and security posts either side the A Frame, nothing, what's more if I tell them I have them and the van disappears and I hadn't put them up/on they will reduce the payout as I didn't have the said devices in use. So they are fitted but not noted on the policy.
10th Sep 2017 12:12 pm
dgardel
Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: Greater Venice
Posts: 2025
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