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Tow Hitch Question
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MG
D3 Decade 


Member Since: 08 Nov 2005
Location: Surrey
Posts: 217

England 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Buckingham BlueDiscovery 3
Tow Hitch Question

Hi All

My wife and I are thinking about buying a caravan and was wondering if I will be ok to tow it with the removable tow ball as supplied by Land Rover, or do I need to upgrade to a fixed tow bracket? I had the towing electrics put on the car from new, but I have not towed anything this far with the car. The car has two sockets and I believe new caravans have one 13 way Jaegar connector so I will need an adaptor I guess.
Do I need anything else like a relay for example to power up the caravan?

Much appreciate any advice to a caravan novice. Although I do own a caravan back in 1985 and so things have changed a bit since then!!
Many thanks.

Mel.
 MG

HSE V6 Diesel
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Post #203658213th Mar 2019 2:49 pm
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nigel207
 


Member Since: 26 Mar 2009
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 1342

England 2016 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 Landmark LE Auto ZanzibarDiscovery 4

I have used the detachable towbar on a number of vehicles (D3 + 2XD4’s) and never had an issue. Our current caravan weighs 1700kg. The vehicles provided by LR for an annual Tow Car test have all had the detachable type too (caravans weighing 2000kg). If you do have the detachable one, make sure that you take it out when not being used (not only are they easy to nick, but the ones that appear to have had issues are the ones that have been left in-situ for long periods). And, keep it all clean and the moving parts lubricated.

Some wouldn’t use the detachable type, so I guess it’s down to personal preference. I’m quite happy using it.

As for the electrics, if they are genuine LR ones then everything should work with an adaptor. You could change the 2X 7-pin sockets for the 13-pin. If it’s a D3, the wiring is basically plug and play (if it’s already been enabled). On the D4, when I changed the twin sockets to the 13-pin, the car had to be “told” to ensure that everything worked properly, i.e. reversing sensors stopped etc., although others have reported not having had any issues. They are LR’s after all!! Laughing
  
Post #203659713th Mar 2019 3:43 pm
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Cloverhill
 


Member Since: 11 Nov 2017
Location: Norwich
Posts: 36

England 2008 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Tonga GreenDiscovery 3

Everything Nigel said above, we tow an 1850 kg twin axle on a detachable tow bar had no issues.
Only thing to add you may need to wire brush the towbar and socket machined surfaces, even a bit of surface rust can stop it locking in place.
Derek
 Derek


I have a million ideas, but, they all point to certain death. 
 
Post #203660013th Mar 2019 3:56 pm
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MG
D3 Decade 


Member Since: 08 Nov 2005
Location: Surrey
Posts: 217

England 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Buckingham BlueDiscovery 3

Thanks very much Nigel and Derek for the re-assurance. I was concerned that the removeable tow ball is only for occasional use and may not be man-enough to tow a caravan across Europe and back!

The tow ball has been wrapped in an oily rag and is like new and the socket is clean as I have always kept the car as near perfect as possible.

If when I get the Jaegar adaptor, is there a simple way to determine if the car recognises that it has a caravan in tow and how does one change the settings?

I assume that people that have had issues with the tow ball (failing or falling out?) it is due to the lock not securing fully into the notch in the car's socket. I have tested mine and it does latch in but I could imagine that if it wasn't checked at the time of insertion the locking bolt (for want of a better description) may not have fully engaged.

Once again very many thanks Nigel and Derek - and any further advice would be very much appreciated and welcome.

Looking forward to getting my van. BTW considering a Swift Eccles 560 - anyone on here got one? Any horror stories?!!

Cheers.

MG
 MG

HSE V6 Diesel
Buckingham Blue
Ebony Leather
Side Steps
Mini Fridge
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Parrot 3100 Bluetooth
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Post #203666013th Mar 2019 6:36 pm
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philm
 


Member Since: 02 Oct 2016
Location: Manchester
Posts: 732

England 

Dealer I got my car from said they wouldn't trust one for any type of towing.
Mine is fitted with a tow trust fixed bar now.
 L633 Defender
Range Rover Velar-gone
Discovery 4 Landmark-gone
Gap IID Tool 
 
Post #203666713th Mar 2019 6:47 pm
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James W
 


Member Since: 27 Mar 2008
Location: Wirral, UK
Posts: 3056

United Kingdom 

If fitted, removed, maintained and used correctly within its designed limits it is fine. Beyond this, it’s completely up to your preference.
 D4 XS, gone, much loved, never forgotten
2018 FFRR SDV8 Autobiography - WTF does this button do 


Last edited by James W on 13th Mar 2019 8:30 pm. Edited 1 time in total 
Post #203668313th Mar 2019 7:33 pm
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Cloverhill
 


Member Since: 11 Nov 2017
Location: Norwich
Posts: 36

England 2008 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Tonga GreenDiscovery 3

I am not a legal professional, but if land rover supplied towbars that fell off loosing caravans all over our roads they would be in a whole world of trouble ( more than they are now).
Derek
 Derek


I have a million ideas, but, they all point to certain death. 
 
Post #203668413th Mar 2019 7:34 pm
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Farmer Col
 


Member Since: 05 Jan 2017
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 263

United Kingdom 2014 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 XS Auto Santorini BlackDiscovery 4

I think you are right in thinking that the fault with the detachable tow bar is the locking mechanism.
I have a fixed tow bar, but it's one that I have taken off my old Disco and put on the new one, but the centre part is very similar to the detachable one in that it has a centre pin that locks in to the same slot. The difference with mine is that it must be an older design because it has a small bolt that screws down behind the locking pin, so there's no way it can come out. Thumbs Up
  
Post #203669413th Mar 2019 7:46 pm
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M3DPO
 


Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8043

England 2014 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Lux Auto Corris GreyDiscovery 4

Cloverhill wrote:
I am not a legal professional, but if land rover supplied towbars that fell off loosing caravans all over our roads they would be in a whole world of trouble ( more than they are now).
Derek

Eerm...... isn’t that exactly what has happened to justify a recall on them, I had a new fixed tow bar, new rear cross member fitted for free, take it to your nearest main dealer and they will check it out for wear without charge if you are lucky.
It is quite common for you to have a spot check on the tow bar when entering France and if it does not comply you will not be allowed to continue your journey, this includes all tow bars that must be made and fitted by a proprietary company.
 It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't. 
 
Post #203673013th Mar 2019 8:51 pm
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Kelvo
 


Member Since: 07 Aug 2015
Location: Perth WA
Posts: 264

Australia 2014 Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 Base 7 Seat Auto Fuji WhiteDiscovery 4

I’m unsure what the worry is with using the detachable tow hitch is in the UK.

Australian D4s only came with the detachable (receiver) tow hitch. My camper trailer is 1500Kg, caravans are a lot heavier than the Euro ones, and these are being towed on unsealed gravel/mud/sand roads for hundreds of Km at a time without issue.
 MY14 TDV6  
Post #203677613th Mar 2019 10:46 pm
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Mogwyth
 


Member Since: 03 Oct 2014
Location: Pwllheli
Posts: 3976

Wales 2005 Discovery 3 4.4 V8 HSE Auto Zambezi SilverDiscovery 3

I used to tow 3.5t on the detachable with no issues it was only changed to a fixed one by LR on the towbar customer satisfaction scheme as they said the detachable was suitable for the sort of heavy duty towing on a regular basis.

They have been known to fall out but on the three reported incidences on a caravan group I belonged to independent engineers found user error was to blame, in every incident the locking pin hadn't been fully engaged.

However if you want additional security https://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/kit434-s...0032-p.asp
 ==================================
05 D3 HSE V8 4.4
04 MG TF 135
03 MG TF 115 Cool Blue Edition
02 MG TF 160
00 Hymer B564 Lionheart
1971 Series III 109
 
 
Post #203678013th Mar 2019 11:00 pm
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Mogwyth
 


Member Since: 03 Oct 2014
Location: Pwllheli
Posts: 3976

Wales 2005 Discovery 3 4.4 V8 HSE Auto Zambezi SilverDiscovery 3

M3DPO wrote:

Eerm...... isn’t that exactly what has happened to justify a recall on them, I had a new fixed tow bar, new rear cross member fitted for free, take it to your nearest main dealer and they will check it out for wear without charge if you are lucky.


No there was never a recall, it was a Customer satisfaction programme which resulted from a misuse of the detachable tow-bar, ie not removing it when not in use, this caused undue wear on the socket and knocking when in use.
 ==================================
05 D3 HSE V8 4.4
04 MG TF 135
03 MG TF 115 Cool Blue Edition
02 MG TF 160
00 Hymer B564 Lionheart
1971 Series III 109
 
 
Post #203678213th Mar 2019 11:04 pm
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MG
D3 Decade 


Member Since: 08 Nov 2005
Location: Surrey
Posts: 217

England 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Buckingham BlueDiscovery 3

So should I discard the removeable tow ball and get a fixed one fitted?

What is the best solution I guess is what I am eager to understand.

Is there anyone from LRCS reading this thread to give the official view/recommendation?
 MG

HSE V6 Diesel
Buckingham Blue
Ebony Leather
Side Steps
Mini Fridge
Rosen A7 Roof-mount DVD player
Parrot 3100 Bluetooth
Removable Towbar and Elecs
Pure Highway DAB
Portable Fridge 
 
Post #203689214th Mar 2019 10:25 am
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Mogwyth
 


Member Since: 03 Oct 2014
Location: Pwllheli
Posts: 3976

Wales 2005 Discovery 3 4.4 V8 HSE Auto Zambezi SilverDiscovery 3

Personally I would have no concerns towing a car an withit, if you have concerns just buy the retaining plate, I wouldn't go to the expense of a fixed one.
 ==================================
05 D3 HSE V8 4.4
04 MG TF 135
03 MG TF 115 Cool Blue Edition
02 MG TF 160
00 Hymer B564 Lionheart
1971 Series III 109
 
 
Post #203690514th Mar 2019 10:57 am
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James W
 


Member Since: 27 Mar 2008
Location: Wirral, UK
Posts: 3056

United Kingdom 

Agreed, I am considering a fixed Tow Sure tow bar but only if we do a potential France tour with the caravan next year so I don't have to keep taking it off and on constantly between towing.

When I put the detachable tow bar on I always feel and visually inspect that the pin has correctly sprung out/extended correctly.
 D4 XS, gone, much loved, never forgotten
2018 FFRR SDV8 Autobiography - WTF does this button do 
 
Post #203692114th Mar 2019 11:53 am
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