Member Since: 20 Jun 2015
Location: Colchester
Posts: 129
Caravan newbie - Towing advice please...
Hi,
We’re looking at purchasing a Swift Basecamp soon with an MTPLM of 1400. When we purchased our MY16 D4 we didn’t spec with towing kit.
What sort of tow bar and any other equipment is required?
Suggestions please.
MacCommunication is the breakfast of champions...
1st Jul 2019 9:39 pm
rrhool
Member Since: 28 Aug 2014
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 4537
You could tow quite safely with a removable tow bar, although some people prefer a fixed tow bar. I bought the Tow Trust TL1, which I think looks better than the LR fixed tow bar.Richard
D3 SE 2007. Triumph 2.5Pi 1973. Ferguson TEA20 1948.
Discovery 2 4.0 ES 2001- Gone
Discovery 1 300Tdi ES '95 - Gone
Range Rover Classic '79 - Gone
1st Jul 2019 9:42 pm
Biffysun
Member Since: 09 Jul 2011
Location: Central
Posts: 1790
I prefer a fixed towbar, you'll need electrics wired up, new caravan go for 13 pin, and a decent set of towing mirrors.
Sometimes you can get the towbar/electrics on here but the electrics may need enabled
PS as above, I've had two of the TowTrust TLs and they are as he ^^^ says
1st Jul 2019 9:42 pm
galwaygreen
Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: plymouth
Posts: 6525
if you get detachable take if off when not in use...if not some b d will nick it..
1st Jul 2019 11:05 pm
mac4RS
Member Since: 20 Jun 2015
Location: Colchester
Posts: 129
Thanks for the reply’s.
Having had a wee look @ tow bars, will probably get the TowTrust as suggested.
Electrics? What has to done/enabled here. Our BaseCamp (BC) comes with a 13 pin socket. Again, any information would be much appreciated. Also suggestions for a pair of good towing mirrors...😀Communication is the breakfast of champions...
Your new caravan will have a 13 pin plug. The wiring for trailer sockets is almost all already in the Discovery, behind the left hand access panel in the load area. You will need two harnesses availabe from Land Rover parts. The first one is a standard extension harness that plugs into what is there already and reaches through the back of the tail light cluster.
The second harness is market specific as different trailer electric connectors are used in different parts of the world. There are two for the UK, one with the older double 7-pin sockets, and the one you want with the single 13-pin socket.
It is plug and go, provided you can work lying on your back to reach up behind the bumper. No need to remove the bumper if you fiddle about. The part numbers have been included in earlier threads, or just phone one of the parts people who advertise on this site.
Whether or not this fitment needs "enabling" is unclear. Mine isn't, and I dont get troubled by the reversing alarm when reversing, and I can adjust ride height when hitched up. Most useful when taking 22' of caravan onto a wee Highland ferry!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.
20th Jul 2019 10:59 am
NickJ
Member Since: 11 Oct 2010
Location: there's no f in point
Posts: 2137
If you have a fixed towbar, assuming the caravan has an Alko hitch, you'lll need to fit an Alko towball
20th Jul 2019 11:57 am
Robster
Member Since: 17 Oct 2008
Location: Deregistered
Posts: 269
Personally with a light caravan as you described the detachable tower is a no brainer.
I tow an almost 2T twin axle caravan with my detachable tower and it works a treat!
Robin
26th Jul 2019 8:05 am
MorganD379
Member Since: 29 Sep 2016
Location: SA62 3PP
Posts: 425
+1 as above tow with the removable, and have at 1700 kg twin axle... However I do fit a security plate on the removable towbar.
Last edited by MorganD379 on 26th Jul 2019 3:30 pm. Edited 1 time in total
26th Jul 2019 3:28 pm
MorganD379
Member Since: 29 Sep 2016
Location: SA62 3PP
Posts: 425
Picked up a 13 pin kit from pf Jones, plug n play without issues... Oh and I don't have the pleasures of the alko caravan traction control gaget
26th Jul 2019 3:29 pm
mac4RS
Member Since: 20 Jun 2015
Location: Colchester
Posts: 129
After seeing the comments on here & further deliberation, I decided to have the detachable tow bar.
Booked in with LR @ a fair price, but they rang yesterday to say unfortunately the part is out of stock (been so for the last couple of months) and is on back order.
Have tried other resources to get an OEM one but with no avail...😤Communication is the breakfast of champions...
1st Aug 2019 4:19 pm
Rozzy1970
Member Since: 15 Aug 2013
Location: Warwickshire
Posts: 97
There's plenty of 2nd hand removable tow hitches on fleabay, probably cheaper than the dealer, my dealer wanted just short of £500 just to supply and fit the electrics not including tow hitch.
I tow a twin axle with a detachable, I think most are already made to take an Alko hitch.
I'm also looking for a 13 pin wiring harness for my D4 if anyone knows where I can get one.2011 Discovery 4 XS in Fuji White
2008 Discovery 3 GS in Santorini
Lunar Delta TI Twin Axle
13th Aug 2019 4:26 pm
philm
Member Since: 02 Oct 2016
Location: Manchester
Posts: 732
mac4RS wrote:
After seeing the comments on here & further deliberation, I decided to have the detachable tow bar.
Booked in with LR @ a fair price, but they rang yesterday to say unfortunately the part is out of stock (been so for the last couple of months) and is on back order.
Have tried other resources to get an OEM one but with no avail...😤
Detachable!!!!
L633 Defender
Range Rover Velar-gone
Discovery 4 Landmark-gone
Gap IID Tool
13th Aug 2019 5:03 pm
Peakwayfarer
Member Since: 25 Apr 2016
Location: Uk
Posts: 434
mac4RS wrote:
After seeing the comments on here & further deliberation, I decided to have the detachable tow bar.
Booked in with LR @ a fair price, but they rang yesterday to say unfortunately the part is out of stock (been so for the last couple of months) and is on back order.
Have tried other resources to get an OEM one but with no avail...😤
Try Dan at Duckworths (site sponsor), he will be able to source a suita5one for you, then find a competent garage to fit, not difficult.
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d will nick it..
