Member Since: 25 Jun 2011
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 454
The detachable tow bar is fine for small and medium trailers and for average sized caravans. Anything more than that, really you should think about a permanent one. A ton, I would say is a good maximum for the detachable one.
If you buy the car and it doesn't have the detachable tow bar, (often, even if it did have one, the previous owner will keep it for their next car, rather than buy one again) then you can by all means ask for one at your local main dealer. When you pick yourself up, then look in the usual places to get one second hand. Somewhere from £100 plus seems to be the going rate on Ebay, less if you're lucky. The problem of course would be postage because of the weight, so go local.
There was a recall to check the fitting for the detachable bars, so check that has been done. As has been said, the electrical sockets may well be there, I think they are on most D4's but to check, just remove the plastic cover in the middle of the bumper to see. You can use a small coin to do that.
24th Jan 2018 12:48 am
Mogwyth
Member Since: 03 Oct 2014
Location: Pwllheli
Posts: 3976
There was not a recall on the tow bar, VOSA accepted there were no inherent defects in the towbar that would cause a safety issue but advised LR to run a Customer Satisfaction programme because of "misuse" by owners. I.e. It's a removable towbar and wasn't designed to left in etc.==================================
05 D3 HSE V8 4.4
04 MG TF 135
03 MG TF 115 Cool Blue Edition
02 MG TF 160
00 Hymer B564 Lionheart
1971 Series III 109
24th Jan 2018 7:02 am
Pedros
Member Since: 25 Jun 2011
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 454
When is a recall not a recall? Yes, you are, of course right.
If light and occasionally then a swan neck will do, but if you intend towing anything over a ton ( well according to landrover 750 kg) on a regular basis then a fixed tow bar would be recommended
Are you able to point me to this advice from Land Rover? (Genuine request, not a challenge) as I am towing a heavy twin axle van with a detachable towbar and was unaware of this official advice)
Must have an incorrect Handbook with mine and Topix is incorrect, is clearly states on my MY16 that the detachable Towbar is rated for 150kgs Noseweight and 3500kgs towing, same as the fixed bar except the fixed bar allows you 250kgs on the nose.
24th Jan 2018 6:56 pm
Mogwyth
Member Since: 03 Oct 2014
Location: Pwllheli
Posts: 3976
I must admit I didn't say anything but I thought it was only the nose weight reduced, not to be left in and occasional use as a opposed to a restriction in towing weight but I stand to be corrected.==================================
05 D3 HSE V8 4.4
04 MG TF 135
03 MG TF 115 Cool Blue Edition
02 MG TF 160
00 Hymer B564 Lionheart
1971 Series III 109
24th Jan 2018 7:17 pm
discoteca
Member Since: 08 Mar 2010
Location: Warwickshire
Posts: 1477
Never seen any official word from LR that relates to only towing 750kg with the removable. All the silliness about 'occasional' yes, a definitive statement about 750kg - no.
Tow a 2000kg caravan with the detachable about 8 times per year. I maintain it meticulously and never leave it in the receptacle for more than a day if I'm not towing. Very happy with it and because I maintain it, fit it and remove it according to the instructions and don't do tens of thousands of miles of towing per year I'm also very sure that it won't fall out.
24th Jan 2018 7:37 pm
Mogwyth
Member Since: 03 Oct 2014
Location: Pwllheli
Posts: 3976
And I think you are probably right ==================================
05 D3 HSE V8 4.4
04 MG TF 135
03 MG TF 115 Cool Blue Edition
02 MG TF 160
00 Hymer B564 Lionheart
1971 Series III 109
24th Jan 2018 7:41 pm
charlietortoise
Member Since: 29 Oct 2011
Location: Staffordshire
Posts: 502
Tow bar fitting
Hi all, I bought a 'Occasional use' tow bar of e bay.it had its keys and came from a chap who run a garage so I am confident that its not stolen.
Anyway I have fitted it and everything works, there is however a slight wobble if I really tug from side to side. A fraction at best, given the threads about falling off and recalls I was wondering what I should expect to see/feel when fitted.
Also an anyone explain the science of how it works. My impression is that the weight of the load leveraging on the tow bar causes it to jam into the receiver, and that the little silver 'pin' that engages into the hole at the back is simply to stop the tow bar falling off when it is not in use.
thanksDiscovery 4 3.0 HSE 2010 year. I like it a lot. Now with winch 😂
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