Goofy
Member Since: 07 Jun 2011
Location: Sunny Cheshire
Posts: 100
  
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| Fitting a quick release tow bar on D3 |
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Hi All.
I've just bought my first D3 last Friday and think its awsome  !!!.
Unfortunately I bought it as a tow car for my caravan and little trailer but it hasn't got a tow hitch with it.
Being somewhat of a cheapskate (and skint after forking out for my D3) I decided to buy a tow hitch off've eBay. Before it comes, I was just wondering if anyone can give me advise on how to fit it as I'm positive it won't come with instructions and i can't find any when trawling the net.
I know it looks fairly straight forward and involves turning the little green knob and locking the key, but in what sequence ??
Thanks in advance for all your help 
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 9th Jun 2011 3:32 pm |
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Bodsy
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Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
Location: In the Clubhouse
Posts: 21361
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turn the key to make sure it's unlocked. Turn the green knob all the way and pull if oiut (in fact you may not need to do this if it is already in the unmounted position)
Then slot it into the Chassis until the green knob turns and you can then get the key oiut. If it doesn't sit properly, hit it upwards with a hammer to fully engage the pin. 
Don't forget the towing electrics.... Bodsys Brake Bible
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| 9th Jun 2011 3:47 pm |
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wiggs
Member Since: 03 Sep 2006
Location: Manchester
Posts: 14368
 
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It should come with the key in the lock ( its so you dont loose the key while its off the car )
Remove the red bung ( if there ) in the towbar slot at the back . Spray a bit of wd40 in there .
Then push the new towbar in ..should hear a clunk when the pin locks in ...turn key to lock and remove the key .
Jump on it to make sure its locked in fully G4 Gone ...but not forgotten
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| 9th Jun 2011 3:49 pm |
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Goofy
Member Since: 07 Jun 2011
Location: Sunny Cheshire
Posts: 100
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Thanks for the tips Guys.
I got a new set of Electrics Bodsy. Hopefully I'll be fitting them tonight if the rain stays off. Then its off to my local Landy Dealer to blag an ECU reprogram for free so my D3 knows when its towing.
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| 9th Jun 2011 4:11 pm |
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Grunders
Member Since: 30 Apr 2011
Location: Manchester
Posts: 2302
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One thing to watch out for.... When you put the bar in the hole keep your hands away from the green handle... It spins with some force.....  If it ain't broke... Take it apart anyway, how else you gonna find out how it works
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| 9th Jun 2011 4:15 pm |
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Navigator
Member Since: 17 Mar 2010
Location: Stay at Home. One of the lives you save could be your own.
Posts: 5105
 
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. . . and when you take it out again it lands on your toe with a great thud! A vaccine does not stop you catching a virus, or passing it on, or getting ill from it, really ill. It does reduce the likelyhood of you dying when really, really ill. Stay Alive - KEEP AWAY FROM PEOPLE.
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| 9th Jun 2011 5:40 pm |
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CDS
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Member Since: 12 Oct 2009
Location: All over the UK!
Posts: 3324
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Or needs beating with a rubber mallet to get the little b  r out........then it breaks your big toe
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| 9th Jun 2011 10:30 pm |
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Goofy
Member Since: 07 Jun 2011
Location: Sunny Cheshire
Posts: 100
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Fitted and removed several times and so far I've still got all my fingers and toes.
Thanks for the advice guys
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| 13th Jun 2011 9:06 pm |
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ccannon
Member Since: 14 Mar 2005
Location: Newport Pagnell
Posts: 31
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Sorry to hijack this post but I wanted your advice with the removeable towbar.
I have had the D3 from new since 2005 and it's been fantastic. Towing the caravan a couple of weeks ago and going over some bumps in the road, the van seemed to move up and down a lot more than normal. On getting home I checked the towbar and it probably has 2cms movement up and down.
Is this normal (I can't remember ever checking). I only ask as I have seen some other posts with regards to the towbar physically wearing out.
Any advie would be greatly appreciated! Nara Bronze MY2011 Discovery 4
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| 17th Jun 2011 11:28 am |
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Grunders
Member Since: 30 Apr 2011
Location: Manchester
Posts: 2302
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No it shouldn't do that, once in it's quite rigid, one thing to check is when it is in make sure the steel shoot pin at the back has fully engaged, you will have to get under the car and view the bar and holder from behind... If it ain't broke... Take it apart anyway, how else you gonna find out how it works
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| 17th Jun 2011 12:03 pm |
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maplecottage
Member Since: 01 Feb 2011
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 3171
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2 cm 
.2mm would be more like it 
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| 17th Jun 2011 12:08 pm |
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Goofy
Member Since: 07 Jun 2011
Location: Sunny Cheshire
Posts: 100
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Must admit, my Disco is a 57 reg and although is done 93K its never towed before (judging by the fact I had to put the towing electrics in the other week.
I bought a tow bar off've ebay and fitted it as above (I even stand on it to make sure its in correctly and at 118kg, I think I give it a good test).
I've not noticed any movement in it and have fitted the bar 3 times in the last 10 days. However, I will be keeping an eye on it in the future as the bar although painted black was I'm sure 2nd hand.
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| 17th Jun 2011 5:38 pm |
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pierre916
Member Since: 23 Oct 2010
Location: Mayo
Posts: 5
 
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Well I'm looking for some advice for the oposite, never got a key for my tow bar and would like to take it off.
I belive some of you guys know how to do this without a key please PM me with the solution. Am going on an offroad trip in Ireland in a couple of weeks and it does look like it will make a good plough!
Many thanks
Pete
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| 17th Jun 2011 6:35 pm |
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pierre916
Member Since: 23 Oct 2010
Location: Mayo
Posts: 5
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Many thanks Zak got the answer 
Pete
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| 17th Jun 2011 8:46 pm |
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ad15
Member Since: 14 Dec 2008
Location: up that tree
Posts: 4866
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Goofy wrote:Thanks for the tips Guys.
I got a new set of Electrics Bodsy. Hopefully I'll be fitting them tonight if the rain stays off. Then its off to my local Landy Dealer to blag an ECU reprogram for free so my D3 knows when its towing.
why does the ECU need re doing? mine knew it was towing,, fitted the electrics myself, so it had never towed before,,, save yourself a few bob and just try plugging the electrics in,,, one wife.......livid
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| 17th Jun 2011 8:49 pm |
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