The Wild Rover
Member Since: 07 Apr 2012
Location: Germany
Posts: 34
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Hi there,
I wanted to take my tow bar off today to grease it as I normally do once a year. However, I must have neglected it the last time and it was pretty seized. Managed to get it out but it's acting up now. Found a great video on YT for a service and will do that over the hols. My question is this. I have an early tow bar with the smaller diameter lever without a ratchet system. Since this has always been annoying me because due to the lack of the ratchet it's prone to shaking itself loose, I was wondering whether I can swap over to the later knob with the ratchet. Does anybody know if this bigger diameter handle will fit the earlier tow bar as well if I buy the new ratchet disc and the handle? Has anyone ever done that swap?
Cheers.
Ralph
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 20th Dec 2021 7:29 pm |
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nigethecat
Member Since: 11 Sep 2016
Location: Marnoch
Posts: 4145
  
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what about buying the security plate and fixing that in place ?
https://www.landroverdefendersecurity.com/...2998833313
Or better yet buy a fixed one ! I want to see the sweets before I get into your windowless van... I'm not stupid!
Corris Grey D4 Commercial SE 2016
Zermatt Sliver 2007 D3 SE manual (gone)
Indus Silver D4 HSE 2015 (gone)
Bonatti Grey D3 HSE 2006 (gone)
White D3 S (LHD) 2007 (gone)
Firenze Red D4 HSE 2014 (gone)
Black RRS 3.6TDV8 2008 (gone)
Rusty Green Defender 110 1997 (gone)
Black FL2 HSE 2013 (gone)
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| 20th Dec 2021 8:55 pm |
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Admirable
Member Since: 19 Jul 2015
Location: Fife
Posts: 1011
 
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Was there not a recall on these towbars?
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| 20th Dec 2021 11:48 pm |
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galwaygreen
Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: plymouth
Posts: 6525
 
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think the recall was more to do with rear cross member...should be plenty on here if you search
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| 21st Dec 2021 1:26 am |
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James W
Member Since: 27 Mar 2008
Location: Wirral, UK
Posts: 3067
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The problem is they are not designed to be left in, even if greased once a year. You will get corrosion between the towball and the receiver in the chassis which can end up being dangerous (i.e. it will develop play or at worst, will fall out). It should be removed, cleaned and stowed between uses. If you're using it too regularly to do that, get a fixed one. I'd recommend a Tow Trust one. The second hand cost of a decent removable tow ball with normally cover most of the cost of a fixed one, especially if you can find a used one. D4 XS, gone, much loved, never forgotten
2018 FFRR SDV8 Autobiography - Gone to someone with less sense and more time to enjoy it 
2016 Toyota Hilux Invincible - Liberating experience
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| 21st Dec 2021 10:51 am |
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Devon Z
Member Since: 14 Nov 2019
Location: Brixham Devon
Posts: 238
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Just don’t buy a fixed one that still uses the chassis receiver else I would assume you’ll have the same issues. Steve
*2005 RR Sport 2.7tdv6 HSE. Current project.
*98 Volvo V70R FWD, owned 14 years, future project.
*99 BMW Z3 30k miles owned from new.
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| 21st Dec 2021 6:06 pm |
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nigethecat
Member Since: 11 Sep 2016
Location: Marnoch
Posts: 4145
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As James says the TL1 is the way to go if using a fixed... I bought my last one from Towbarsdirect.co.uk and it worked out cheaper than the detachable ones are currently selling for... go figure ! 
Personally I'd much rather have something bolted to the chassis in three places than sat wobbling in a receiver held in by a single pin... but that's just me  I want to see the sweets before I get into your windowless van... I'm not stupid!
Corris Grey D4 Commercial SE 2016
Zermatt Sliver 2007 D3 SE manual (gone)
Indus Silver D4 HSE 2015 (gone)
Bonatti Grey D3 HSE 2006 (gone)
White D3 S (LHD) 2007 (gone)
Firenze Red D4 HSE 2014 (gone)
Black RRS 3.6TDV8 2008 (gone)
Rusty Green Defender 110 1997 (gone)
Black FL2 HSE 2013 (gone)
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| 21st Dec 2021 6:17 pm |
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