Barry C-All
Member Since: 13 Nov 2008
Location: Essex
Posts: 169
  
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Over the years I have had a couple of vehicles with detachable towbars, ML270 and X5s, and when those bars are fitted they are absolutely rigid. I fitted my detachable to my DISCO3 and note the following:
When it is fitted and the key removed (indicating that it is locked) I can get hold of the green knob and rotate it against the spring anti-clockwise which withdraws the bolt and makes the towbar go loose, but the towbar does not come off as I cannot pull the green knob out, or rotate it further. Let go of green knob and spring tension takes over and the bar then goes tight again, however, I can still detect slight movement side to side, backwards and forwards, probably not more than half a thou in both directions.
My question is, should it be possible to partially release the towball by turning the green knob after it is locked? I've towed on it, and it appeared to be OK, but my previous experience with detachable bars (those that lock with 3 ball bearings up a tapered tube) is that the locking system is more positive. 
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 24th Apr 2009 7:48 am |
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Bodsy
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Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
Location: In the Clubhouse
Posts: 21361
 
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It's fine 
there is slight play in it when it's not under load, but put something on it and you should be rock solid, certainly nothing that would cause any issues. A few members tow heavy stuff aroiund on the removeable towbar with no problem Bodsys Brake Bible
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| 24th Apr 2009 10:24 am |
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Barry C-All
Member Since: 13 Nov 2008
Location: Essex
Posts: 169
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Thanks Bodsy. I thought it was safe, but I just needed confirmation. I would have thought that Land Rover would have had a better design than they have, considering their reputation for manufacturing towing vehicles and the fact that half the towing bracket is built integral into the chassis. Although it works, I am less than impresssed. 
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| 24th Apr 2009 9:49 pm |
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SJR
Member Since: 09 Aug 2006
Location: East Manchester
Posts: 4030
 
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Just take comfort in the fact that i am not aware (and have done a site search to check) that there has ever been a reported instance on this site of a LR D3 tow bar (quick release or fixed) failing in use I believe that every human has a finite number of heart-beats. I don't intend to waste any of mine running around doing exercises.
Buzz Aldrin (1930 -
Last edited by SJR on 24th Apr 2009 9:52 pm. Edited 1 time in total
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| 24th Apr 2009 9:52 pm |
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matt_tdv6
Member Since: 05 Feb 2009
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 937
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I needed a 14lb sledge hammer to get my towbar out of the car when i bought it
It definately had no play 
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| 24th Apr 2009 9:52 pm |
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Martin Krutli
Member Since: 17 Apr 2007
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 229
 
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There is a simple 3 step approach to the detachable tow hitch.
1. detach it
2. throw it as far as you possibly can
3. install Mitchell Bros hitch which will ensure you never get 'hung up' off raod again.
(no commercial or other link to Mitchell Bros - just a fan of a great product).
Cheers,
Martin MY08 TDV6 SE. White/Alpaca. BFG265/65/18 At's
Autologic, Trackside Dual Battery syst., Remote GME UHF, 4X4 Intelligence rear wheel carrier, Boab removable rear drawer system w National Luna fridge, Mitchell Bros hitch.
Rasta Plate. 110L LRA long-range fuel tank.
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| 26th Apr 2009 6:44 am |
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