Member Since: 02 Aug 2016
Location: Berkshire
Posts: 87
Movement in removable tow bar - Do I need a fixed?
Happy New Year All. Noticed this weekend when I put the tow bar back in before towing horse trailer, there appears to be some side to side movement (left to right) in the tow bar.
Car is MY2013 and I added the tow bar when I bought it in 2015 - having the tow bar/chassis check done by Lancaster in Reading.
TBH I usually give the thing a good firm pull downwards when I've put it back in and maybe have never happened to wiggle it side to side before. We have also however been towing heavier loads (around 3 tonnes) the past few months.
Would be great to know if the little bit of sideways movement is normal for everyone else or should I be worried?
Aside from the obvious paint wear I cannot see any sign actual wear on the tow bar itself. Have a short video showing the movement but cannot think where to upload itLuke
D4 MY13 HSE Lux
10th Jan 2020 7:39 pm
alan morgan
Member Since: 05 Mar 2018
Location: ox3 8pp
Posts: 31
when I got my disco 4 2 years ago as I tow a horse trailor with 2 horses onboard did a bit of research. found many horror stories of towing with a detachable tow ball many involving horses. needless to say I fitted a permanent tow bar. I wouldn't have a detachable tow ball as a gift, better to be safe than sorry.
10th Jan 2020 8:42 pm
Andy Foster
Member Since: 27 Dec 2009
Location: Liverpool
Posts: 6551
Just get a security plate, job done. Will never fall out with a plate fitted and for £25 you can’t go wrong D4 MY15 SE TECH
D3 gone but never forgotten.
10th Jan 2020 9:26 pm
M3bobby
Member Since: 21 May 2018
Location: Sleaford, LINCS.
Posts: 857
The removables are fine for a trip to the local council tip with your average garden trailer but even LR don’t recommend it for heavy towing or regular use. They also recommend it’s removed when not in use to prevent fretting and corrosion.012MY RRS 5.0 Supercharged Autobiography (Current)
Mods:
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Remote Boot close from key fob (Complete)
2016 Discovery 4 Mirrors AKA RRS2 (Complete)
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10th Jan 2020 10:58 pm
galwaygreen
Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: plymouth
Posts: 6525
security plate...its in the name..take it off when not using
11th Jan 2020 12:39 am
KenR
Member Since: 17 Jan 2010
Location: Argyll Scotland
Posts: 329
+1 for security plate
11th Jan 2020 2:24 pm
lukeob
Member Since: 02 Aug 2016
Location: Berkshire
Posts: 87
Thanks for replies. Haven't seen the security plate in place. Does it sit flush against the bottom of the tow bar preventing ANY movement? Other than that does seem best option to go for fixed. We're usually towing about 3T at least once a week for varying distances.
Had to pop in to Guy Salmon this morning to pick up some clips and they asked the technicians there who suggested the removable was good for "occasionally towing a trailer to the tip". Surely this should be a clear warning if that's the case?!Luke
D4 MY13 HSE Lux
11th Jan 2020 3:11 pm
Andy Foster
Member Since: 27 Dec 2009
Location: Liverpool
Posts: 6551
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