Member Since: 06 Aug 2017
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 113
Multiple tow bar related questions!
I thought it would be useful to get a tow bar.
Bought a used fixed tow bar, seems to have two bolts missing, 1st question are they missing? I only have 2 of the bolts in the picture with the red arrow.
I was looking up the bolts when I found there was recall based around the tow bar and possibly the detachable one, 2nd question, what was the recall for?? Is there a way of finding if my D3 was affected and / or rectified?
3rd question when trying to fit the detachable part of the fixed tow bar the retractable bar that pulls in when you turn the key it doesn’t seem to retract far enough to fit the slot it’s meant to, it fouls on the pin at the back. Is this common or have I missed something?
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5th Apr 2022 8:56 pm
galwaygreen
Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: plymouth
Posts: 6525
fixed tow bar...the more bolts the better...detachable one the recall was as i recall to do with rust in the cross member causing issues..once tested some cross members were replaced...welded in as a freebee..
since that LR suggest detachables should be for OCCASSIONAL USE ..whatever that means..many dont feel confident with the detachable...others do...take your choice they are still rated 3500kg
6th Apr 2022 12:18 am
galwaygreen
Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: plymouth
Posts: 6525
just seen dropper plate on ere for sale..scroll down
6th Apr 2022 12:30 am
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8156
The recall was to check for wear in the hole that the detachable hook fits into causing the hook part to work loose, also owners where not removing the hook part after towing and not fitting a plastic plug to stop ingress of dirt and rust, I was guilty of this and had a complete rear cross member fitted under warranty, rust inside the hole where the detachable hook fits may be your problem, the green knob must be unlocked with the key and then turned maximum and the hook part pushed in until the green knob locks it into position, the hole may need cleaning out and the hook part may need a little persuasion with a mallet.
In many cases including mine a HD none detachable tow bar was fitted under warranty with the recall, although I believe the recall has now expired.
The two bolts you have missing are only needed if you are fitting the dropper plate at its lowest setting.It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
6th Apr 2022 4:31 am
Dangerous
Member Since: 06 Aug 2017
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 113
Cheers for the help.
This is what I have, is there anything that looks out of place? Is that rear bar retracted enough? I don’t think it is but it won’t go in any further. But it seems to be what is stopping the towbar from going as far us as it need to be for that bar to go in the slot it’s meant to.
There’s also very little surface rust inside the mount on the disco itself.
7th Apr 2022 9:46 pm
nigethecat
Member Since: 11 Sep 2016
Location: Marnoch
Posts: 4194
That bar needs to go all the way in for it to slide past the lower part of the hole where it locks in.
Have you tried pulling the green handle out while turning? Also apply lots of WD40 or similar. The mechanisms to get clogged up with grit sometimes but they are very easy to take apart and clean up or failing that replace the whole lock section.
PowerfulUK do a very good video on how to take them apart..I want to see the sweets before I get into your windowless van... I'm not stupid!
Corris Grey D4 Commercial SE 2016
Zermatt Sliver 2007 D3 SE manual (gone)
Indus Silver D4 HSE 2015 (gone)
Bonatti Grey D3 HSE 2006 (gone)
White D3 S (LHD) 2007 (gone)
Firenze Red D4 HSE 2014 (gone)
Black RRS 3.6TDV8 2008 (gone)
Rusty Green Defender 110 1997 (gone)
Black FL2 HSE 2013 (gone)
7th Apr 2022 11:00 pm
galwaygreen
Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: plymouth
Posts: 6525
pin needs to go in flush...and come out full length for it to lock in ,,,some have security plate to secure further...plenty on ere about the plate
7th Apr 2022 11:50 pm
Dangerous
Member Since: 06 Aug 2017
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 113
nigethecat wrote:
Have you tried pulling the green handle out while turning?
Hit the nail on the head there my friend. I woke up, went straight out and tried this and got the pin fully retracted straight away!
Many many thanks.
8th Apr 2022 6:44 am
Dangerous
Member Since: 06 Aug 2017
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 113
Anyone know where I can get two of these??
8th Apr 2022 6:44 am
galwaygreen
Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: plymouth
Posts: 6525
we have nuts and bolt shop locally...you can get a couple or a box of various stuff...aint cheap per item but can get you out of the problem..cant see they are special bolts
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