Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72799
Removeable Tow Hitch as a rear recovery point???
Have had a look at a few galleries re rear recovery points on D3s. Most seem to just used the point under the plastic cover, I've also seen the removeable tow hitch used for off roading. I've got the twin electrics under that cover and was a little concerned re mud getting in there.
Is the removable tow hitch a good alternative? It does not look like it will dig in, however there is nothing but tension to keep the rope on the hitch where the fixed look would be used via a shackle.
Any thoughts??
Derek
15th Aug 2006 12:12 pm
10forcash
Member Since: 09 Jun 2005
Location: Ubique
Posts: 16534
If you're recovering a vehicle, always use the recovery point (as the name suggests ) generally, where you see the towing point fitted, it's as a first line of defence to prevent possible rear bumper damage.
If the tow point is used for recovery, theres a real risk of the strap or rope slipping off, with the potential for damage to vehicles or people.
the removable tow ball doesn't seem to impede progress through mud etc. but the fixed one's can be a bit anchor-like...
Or you could get the 2" receiver hitch and a shackle block to fit it like this
Yes I know there's no shackle in the block in the photo The End
15th Aug 2006 12:42 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72799
Slimer, is this the receiver hitch?? TFC, agreed re tow hitch, would be very worried re rope slipping off. I'm just after a way of not having the towing electrics exposed when offroading. Might not be practical, will use the "proper" point instaed.
Last edited by DSL on 15th Aug 2006 1:58 pm. Edited 2 times in total
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72799
Thanks slimer. How have you gotten on with this arrangement??? I'm assuming that it is strong enough to act as a means of recovery as it is part of the Ausie tow system??
Exactly my thinking. I've not need to use it for anything really heavy duty but it should be up to the job. Could always do a double pull using that and the standard recovery point if necessaryThe End
15th Aug 2006 3:00 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72799
Hitch on order with Nick, will try & pick up a shackle bracket & pin at the LRO show next again weekend.
Last edited by DSL on 15th Aug 2006 3:17 pm. Edited 1 time in total
15th Aug 2006 3:13 pm
10forcash
Member Since: 09 Jun 2005
Location: Ubique
Posts: 16534
Derek, you're not going to get any 'thick' mud in them because of the covers - as long as the cover springs are in good condition, muddy water will get in regardless of whether the outer trim is on or not...
FWIW, mine have been submerged a few times and don't have any mud inside them at all.
If you're worried about it, a squirt of petroleum or silicone jelly ( the non- setting stuff) in each receptacle will keep water and slurry out
15th Aug 2006 3:13 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72799
Thanks TFC, just don't tell my wife that her car is going to get a bit muddy. Will see how the receiver hitch plays out with the cover in place, will look at petrolium jelly as well.
Member Since: 08 Jul 2006
Location: coventry
Posts: 200
who is this "nick" in yeovil that i keep on hearing of, and where is he based???
i live in yeovil and have not ever seen / heard of such a seemingly useful source for all things D3 in yeovilD3 TDV8 HSE on order, Should Arrive 2017. If i'm lucky.
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) generally, where you see the towing point fitted, it's as a first line of defence to prevent possible rear bumper damage.
