That towbar (leisure use or not) was not fitted correctly.
When in place there is a stainless steel pin about the size of my index finger that engages by about half an inch into the reciever casting. If that has engaged it is not going to "fall out". All the issues of play and rattling relate to the taper part of the towball fitting loosely into that casting - it's not that fit that stops it falling out, but the steel pin.
So either the pin is not engaging, or there is a big lump out of the reciever casting. My feeling is the pin did not engage, which "should" stop the green handle turning far enough to remove the key. Perhaps the key is broken in the lock, or someone has been fiddling about with the lock? Anyway, please get someone who knows how it should work to have a look at it - and by that I don't nescessarily mean a dealer! Whatever is happening here could occur again with much more disasterous results.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.
16th Sep 2012 8:22 pm
newman224
Member Since: 16 Sep 2012
Location: halstead essex
Posts: 7
thanks for your comments
I engaged the hook the same way I always have and I also stand on it to check its engaged, the lock turned and the key came out, so i assumed that it locked, why would it take 200 miles for it to drop out?
16th Sep 2012 8:30 pm
B16 KJR
Member Since: 10 Jul 2006
Location: Rosyth, Fife
Posts: 3005
Certainly sounds weird, but as navigator says its better to get it looked at, as the consequences could have been catastrophic.
16th Sep 2012 8:47 pm
newman224
Member Since: 16 Sep 2012
Location: halstead essex
Posts: 7
As it looks like the caravan could be written off , I'm hoping that blame is not attached to me for neglete
16th Sep 2012 8:57 pm
Russell
Member Since: 24 Aug 2007
Location: Kent
Posts: 10564
Can you post some pictures of the tow hook, the steel pin and the receiver it locates into.MY17 D5 1st Edition Namib Orange
MY15 D4 HSE Kaikoura Stone
MY12 D4 HSE Nara Bronze Sold and gone
MY11 D4 HSE Stornaway Grey Sold and gone
D3 S spec Silver Sold and gone
Tow bar, full length roof bars, side steps, tow bar storage unit, surround camers.
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16th Sep 2012 9:00 pm
newman224
Member Since: 16 Sep 2012
Location: halstead essex
Posts: 7
That seems to be the optimal distance for mechanical things to work loose if they are going to. Hence, check wheel nuts after 200 miles, etc.
I will be looking out for your photographs tomorrow.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.
16th Sep 2012 9:51 pm
character
Member Since: 01 Jan 2008
Location: wiltshire
Posts: 5779
ohh err, new series of watchdog on telly.......
have mine checked now as part of EVERY SERVICE along with removal of the side supports and a real yank left and right whilst in the air... BTW fixed tow bar (new) along with completely new cross member
16th Sep 2012 10:34 pm
B16 KJR
Member Since: 10 Jul 2006
Location: Rosyth, Fife
Posts: 3005
Quote:
As it looks like the caravan could be written off , I'm hoping that blame is not attached to me for neglete
Sorry to hear that, hopefully there will not be any blame attached to you.
17th Sep 2012 1:42 pm
cantium
Member Since: 05 Mar 2011
Location: Meikle Wartle
Posts: 7
Stuck tow hook
My problem is the opposite.
Recent MOT had an advisory of too much rattle in tow hook. To me it didn't seem much different to my previous D3 but thought it wise to have a look. The tow hook had not been removed in my two year ownership, and maybe never. Lock stuck and one of the keys supplied was broken so indicative of previous owner failure to remove. Copius WD40 managed to eventually get the key to turn the full 180 degrees but though I could pull the green handle out I could not turn it to retract the pin. Any suggestions for retracting the pin before I have to resort to the LR dealer. I did notice that there is a cover opposite the lock but could not loosen the screw and did not want to totally destroy the screwhead. Is this an access point for a drift to shift a stuck pin?
27th Sep 2012 10:18 pm
dubbs
Member Since: 18 Apr 2012
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 3626
If this is going to insurance be careful to not post anything up that may jeopardise your case later. Insurance companies use forums too......
27th Sep 2012 10:57 pm
cantium
Member Since: 05 Mar 2011
Location: Meikle Wartle
Posts: 7
Thanks Dubbs,
Not an insurance issue yet (or ever I hope as it's only an advisory yet and not a fail) but I get your point.
28th Sep 2012 4:47 pm
cantium
Member Since: 05 Mar 2011
Location: Meikle Wartle
Posts: 7
Update on tow hook removal. Land Rover dealer removed it for free whilst doing some other work. <EDIT> Shock horror on the price. But why is an adjustable tow hook kit, which consists of several extra parts, and fits into the same socket, so much cheaper than just the non adjustable tow hook?
This post has been edited by the site administration team
Removal method deleted
28th Dec 2012 12:37 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
Back in the day the removable tow bar was about £130. After a couple of years LR got greedy and up went the price.
Not wise to suggest how the bar can be removed.Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 05 Mar 2011
Location: Meikle Wartle
Posts: 7
Fair enough on removal, it was just a guess based on damage marks. If anyone has a full workshop manual there must be an official method. Although maybe it just says 'take it to your dealer'
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