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Towing poll
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Would you tow a car on a trailer regularly with a LR detachable tow bar?
I've never done it, but I probably would
27%
 27%  [16]
I have done it, but I wouldn't recommend it (please explain why)
8%
 8%  [5]
I have done it and it's totally fine (please expand)
43%
 43%  [25]
I wouldn't (please explain why)
17%
 17%  [10]
You really shouldn't!! (please explain why)
3%
 3%  [2]
Total Votes: 58

Pelyma
  


Member Since: 06 Jan 2005
Location: Patching, Sussex
Posts: 15496

England 

riverblanche wrote:


not keen on having an elec deployable type either Rolling Eyes but had no choice on current car



Don't they do the removable anymore? I had the choice of both but plumped for removable on cost grounds!
 DS3 TDV6 HSE - Silver with Alpaca (old one) Gone
DS3 TDV6 HSE- Silver with Alpaca (new one) Gone
D4 HSE Lux - Montalcino Red Gone
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Post #217558423rd Sep 2020 11:27 am
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Jamiehol
 


Member Since: 13 Nov 2015
Location: Ipswich
Posts: 344

United Kingdom 

Personally I used the detachable bar when I first got our D4 but as I don’t mind having a fixed bar I moved over to that for security and too many stories of bars coming out.

Ok this is a heavier trailer and car but you don’t want this happening do you
  
Post #217559323rd Sep 2020 11:42 am
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rrhool
 


Member Since: 28 Aug 2014
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 4398

United Kingdom 2007 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Manual Zermatt SilverDiscovery 3

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I've towed many things, many miles with my removable tow hitch, no issues.

I do now have a Tow Trust fixed tow bar, but only because I towed my previous caravan using a proper fiction plate Scott anti sway bar, which needed a flat plate to bolt to.
 Richard


D3 SE 2007. Triumph 2.5Pi 1973. Ferguson TEA20 1948.



Discovery 2 4.0 ES 2001- Gone
Discovery 1 300Tdi ES '95 - Gone
Range Rover Classic '79 - Gone 
 
Post #217559823rd Sep 2020 12:05 pm
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HOODIE
 


Member Since: 20 Feb 2011
Location: Great Notley
Posts: 77

England 2012 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 XS Auto Baltic BlueDiscovery 4

I had a fixed tow bar on my D4 which allowed height of tow ball to be adjusted to suit trailer hitch height. I was towing a 6.5m sports cruiser on a twin axle trailer with a combined weight of almost 3 ton. I was advised by trailer specialist that it is essential with twin axle trailers that they tow level and that is not always the case with detachable tow bars. I subsequently had a X5 with an electric tow bar and had the trailer modified so the hitch height matched the tow bar.
Personally I never had a problem towing with either car.
  
Post #217561323rd Sep 2020 12:45 pm
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James W
 


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

United Kingdom 

For the relatively cheap cost of something like a TowTrust bar, if you're worried enough to be polling others on a forum about it then just get a fixed. If you already have a detachable, or want the ability to remove it for neatness, etc, then just use it within its parameters and look after it as specified and ensure the receiving 'hole' it attaches into is in fine order, then you will be fine.

If you have bought a second hand disco with a detachable bar already hanging off it that has been wedged in the back end since the day it rolled off the forecourt then I would be more cautious and would want to remove it (not always easy), inspect for corrosion of the bar and the receiver and ensure the mechanism is operating correctly. if not 100%, I'd get a fixed. Bear in mind though that the LR fixed uses the same hole as part of the design so if there is corrosion damage in there you would want to get that addressed.

I have a removable, I was going to change to a TowTrust fixed for a big Euro trip this summer purely as I get fed up of having to take it off after every towing run before someone else does it for me. Trip got cancelled by COVID, I haven't changed.

It's very easy to poke your finger around the back of the receiver once a removeable bar has been inserted and clicked into place, and clearly feel that the securing pin has successfully deployed into place with the right amount of depth. You don't even have to get on the floor.

I think that covers everything.
 D4 XS, gone, much loved, never forgotten
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Post #217562423rd Sep 2020 1:13 pm
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Iguana
 


Member Since: 14 Oct 2013
Location: 'Sunny' Zomerset
Posts: 9402

Ukraine 

I have a removable but one that can't be removed, I did try initially, but gave up as it was seized solid. It is fixed properly and I've now also added a security plate.

I have a very heavy duty camping trailer (ex army Sankey) as well as an ifor williams for logs etc and have also towed large car transporters

Never had any issues, but to be honest we're only talking 3 or 4 tows a month on average - If I was doing it daily then I would spend the dosh on getting a fixed towbar Thumbs Up
 Iggy/Ieuan

Current LR =
2015 RR Sport Autobiography
&
1992 Land Rover Defender Camper

- Gone but not forgotten:
MY10 D4 GS
MY05 Disco 3 'S'
MY14 FL2 HSE manual in Blue
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Post #217563923rd Sep 2020 2:37 pm
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riverblanche
 


Member Since: 31 Aug 2010
Location: retford'ish
Posts: 2206

England 2008 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Java BlackDiscovery 3

Pelyma wrote:
riverblanche wrote:


not keen on having an elec deployable type either Rolling Eyes but had no choice on current car



Don't they do the removable anymore? I had the choice of both but plumped for removable on cost grounds!



Hi,
No, it was the only option, (£850ish) think I would have gone removable unless it was the same cost Question

Can not use my bike rack with it, as that needs the bolt on ball type fitting, went with the removable on the last L494 RRS for those reasons as well, much lower cost & could use the rack.

Thumbs Up
 Transit! 2019
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Another Porsche Cayenne 2022
Gone Porsche Cayenne 2020
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Gone RRS HSE LUX 2011
Gone RRS HSE 2006
Gone D3 SE 2.7 2008
gone D2 Td5 1999

I plan on living forever and so far so good !

Club DG Mclaren stuff
 
Post #217564023rd Sep 2020 2:39 pm
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Pelyma
  


Member Since: 06 Jan 2005
Location: Patching, Sussex
Posts: 15496

England 

Mine was that and the electric one was over twice the price Shocked but I guess on a new built car they are cheaper.
 DS3 TDV6 HSE - Silver with Alpaca (old one) Gone
DS3 TDV6 HSE- Silver with Alpaca (new one) Gone
D4 HSE Lux - Montalcino Red Gone
Porsche Cayenne V8 Diesel S 
 
Post #217564923rd Sep 2020 2:53 pm
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Nasher
 


Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2668

England 2016 Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 HSE Lux Auto Loire BlueDiscovery 4

If you are towing something heavy regularly it's probably also worth quite a bit to you in monetary terms or emotionally.

So, look at the additional cost of the fixed towbar as insurance and piece of mind.

Being an engineer by trade I just don't trust the removeable one with my precious boat.

I picked up a used fixed towbar for my D3 when I first got it many years ago and fitted it myself, including the electrics. At that time another forum members enabled it in the CCF for me.

Earlier this year I fitted the same towbar to my D4 having removed it from the D3 when it went.

Oh, and a fixed towbar is added crash protection for the rear end.

Nasher.
 Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.  
Post #217565423rd Sep 2020 3:03 pm
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IainMac82
 


Member Since: 20 Jun 2018
Location: S36 7JA
Posts: 81

United Kingdom 2012 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Auto Santorini BlackDiscovery 4

Thanks all, some really good considered replies. I appreciate it.

I put the removable tow bar in about a year ago and all it has done is carried a Thule bike carrier. It hasn't been out since and it hasn't been stolen.

I went to it the other day just out of interest and it wouldn't come out easily, and while I was fiddling with it, the key snapped in the lock. I've managed to get the key out. So, I can either accept the fact that I've got a removable (which isn't removable any more) tow bar and just get on with it, or spend some money trying to get it out, get new locks, and replace it with a fixed item.

On balance, I'm probably swaying more towards the former. I'm considering getting a security place beneath it for peace of mind. I could even tack weld the bolts in place to stop them being undone. Then I'd have a fixed removable tow bar. Laughing
  
Post #217566123rd Sep 2020 3:34 pm
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riverblanche
 


Member Since: 31 Aug 2010
Location: retford'ish
Posts: 2206

England 2008 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Java BlackDiscovery 3

Hi,
my view is, you have just summed up why the removable bar gets a bad press Rolling Eyes

they are designed to be Removable, once you have towed with it, take it out again Exclamation

do that and they Dont seize in place, you dont snap the keys in them and they dont get nicked.

if your going to leave it in place, get a fixed one

Thumbs Up
 Transit! 2019
Gone D3 HSE 2008
Another Porsche Cayenne 2022
Gone Porsche Cayenne 2020
Gone RRS HSE Dynamic 2016
Gone RRS HSE LUX 2011
Gone RRS HSE 2006
Gone D3 SE 2.7 2008
gone D2 Td5 1999

I plan on living forever and so far so good !

Club DG Mclaren stuff
 
Post #217571423rd Sep 2020 6:29 pm
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waterbuoy
 


Member Since: 26 Oct 2013
Location: Argyll
Posts: 2855

United Kingdom 2009 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto Stornoway GreyDiscovery 3

I towed trailers of all shapes and sizes around Europe with the removeable towbar until JLR replaced it for me FOC due to excessive wear (that was at about 150k miles). Consequently I have had the fixed unit for the past 100k or so.

The removeable is fine and is rated to 3,500 tonne but, as others have said, if you are going to be towing regularly then I'd be thinking about changing it - especially if you have an issue with the removeable one just now.
 Currently 2009 Disco 3 SE and 2013 MY D4 HSE
Previously:
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Post #217581224th Sep 2020 10:04 am
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will.i.am
 


Member Since: 05 May 2016
Location: hertfordshire
Posts: 250

United Kingdom 2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Keswick GreenDiscovery 3

towed for 1000's of miles with one - i would say it is all down to you keeping it clean and oiled up when not in use - also check its clicked in properly, double check and then give it the 3rd kick check!

the longest journey i did was from london to the middle of sweden and back with a 3.7 ton trailer and this was with 3 of us driving non-stop.

i now have a tow trust fixed bar on my current LR3 as thats what it came with but would happily change back to a detachable.
  
Post #217596925th Sep 2020 6:17 am
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IainMac82
 


Member Since: 20 Jun 2018
Location: S36 7JA
Posts: 81

United Kingdom 2012 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Auto Santorini BlackDiscovery 4

To conclude this from my perspective after thinking over the weekend;
    - I found this thread and the poll results full of mixed messages.
    - If I was towing something small and of little value (tip trailer or similar), I would stay removable.
    - I'm lazy, and cannot be bothered taking the removable tow bar on and off the car each time.
    - Whatever I use needs to be a 'fit and forget'.
    - Whilst I suspect a lot of the 'don't do it' advice on here is internet folklore, mixed in with a little bit of scaremongering, with a distinct lack of hard evidence, I have invested a lot of money in my track car, so it's probably not worth risking for the sake of £200.
As a consequence, I've ordered a new fixed setup from Witter and will be taking off the removable, replacing the keys, and listing for sale.

Thanks all
Iain
  
Post #217656728th Sep 2020 12:41 pm
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LT
 


Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23258

United Kingdom 2016 Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 Landmark LE Auto Santorini BlackDiscovery 4

At the end of the day it’s what you feel most comfortable with that’s important, not what others think. Thumbs Up
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Post #217657528th Sep 2020 12:55 pm
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