daftlad wrote:

I contacted customer relations through the forum to check all outstanding recalls are done
apparently they are
then quized them in regard to occasionally towing with the detachable ball, not heard back
lol

Ocsid wrote:

With our 07 MY Disco 3 the hitch all but lived in the socket and I towed about 25 k miles, a 1900 kg caravan. This vehicle covered 51K miles in total. It rattled towing for over half its life which was dismissed "as they all do" until the "recall" when it was found worn, just within being suitable for the fixed towball to be fitted.

On buying my new D4 16.5 MY I had either to accept the factory detachable or make a big contribution to changing to the fixed. As I could accept the detachable and if it started to rattle still buy a fixed for no more than the dealer changing it pre delivery I opted to use the detachable. The claim is it was leaving it in that caused the wear, I struggle with that, but as soon as, and if I hear the very evident knocking it will be changed long before being critical. Towed some 1.2 k miles so far without a hint, and as soon as it is not needed it is stowed away so zero miles done with it fitted running solo.

Watch this space; the experts hopefully know what they are talking about.

If my D4 was not factory supplied I would have DIY fitted a fixed bar, but that was not an option without costing me.

Bergen wrote:

Result - I tried Land Rover directly but they didn't recognise the VIN (told me that the vehicle didn't exist) and I couldn't make any sense of the person on the end of the phone so I called my local main deaer and not only did they recognise the VIN immediately but they have made all the arrangements to have the job done at zero cost.
It's in there today being sorted and the dealer also managed to persuade LR to supply a new detachable swan neck rather than the ugly fixed plate.
I only use the truck for occasional family transport duties and to tow our 20 ft speedboat and the family caravan for approx 2500 miles per annum and, because we live in the Lakes we need to take the swan neck off to enable us to get to visit at least three firends whose properties have challenging driveways.
The only caveat is that I have had to sign a disclaimer to exonerate LR as their advice is that the replacement be a fixed plate and not the removable hitch.
That begs the question of why they fit this detachable version to current vehicles knowing what the towing capabilities are and the likely use to which these very capable vehicles will be put by many of their owners. Thin ice maybe........?