Help - D3 Removable Tow Hitch

[Mike&Loz]

Okay I need some help and advice please.

I've been trying to insert the removable hitch receiver into D3 and it just won't go in. The latch pin doesn't seem to retract far enough and stands proud by about 15mm.

What's the little pin for?

Is that right or should it retract fully into the housing?

Here's what I've tried.


I've tried turning the key in both directions with the handle pullede out, pushed in, not turned and turned. It doesn't turn at all so I am not sure whether it is locked or unlocked. I assume that because I can turn the handle that it is unlocked.
Pulled the handle out and rotated the handle until the latch pin retracts. As mentioned above it doesn't seem to retract far enough.
I've tried giving the latch pin a gentle tap with a calibrated hammer.
The handle positions on my receiver don't match the diagrams in the owners manual. The OM shows the handle in the horizontal when latched where is mine is vertical and rotates to the horizontal, anti-clockwise as you look at it.
I've oiled it and operated it to make sure everything is moving but without seeing a new one in action I am not sure whether it is working correctly.

Apart from buying a Mitchell brothers raised hitch is there anything else I need to do.

Frustratedly :mad:

Mike & Loz

[DanW]

I once had a similar problem with mine - I did similar to what you have done (lubricated and tapped it with a hammer etc) and eventually I could get the pin to retract.

It's a frustrating device at the best of times.

I'll go and have a look at mine now and see if i can give you any pointers.

[IvanR]

With the green handle facing you:
1. Insert key and turn clockwise.
2. Pull green handle out to expose the red circle under and on the inside of the handle.
3. Rotate the green handle anti-clockwise until the locking pin is fully in the tounge.
The little pin on top is to hold it in while you struggle to put the hitch in the receiver.
However it is best to do this as it sometimes will not release.
Best to put unit in the vise and try first.
Painful at the best of times.

IvanR

[Neil P]

The green plastic will twist with or without locking . It's just the last
part of the turn that retracts the locking pin and required the key
to enable that last 20 degrees or so. It's a tough twist , so you maybe
fooled into thinking it's locked . The pin DOESN'T need to locked-in , to
refit the rubbish . You can hold it retracted with a firm twist. Grease it
all with moly , and it maybe a little easier next time , since the pin
sort-of-fuses with the fitting hole sometimes. It's a total POS !

[Mike&Loz]

Thanks one and all for the help. The key is now cactus due to the constant jiggling back and forth in my ham fisted attempts to try and get the lock to rotate. I tried giving the tongue a tap with a calibrated knockometer while I was turning the handle but that was a total bust.

I'll give it another go tomorrow to see if it will go the extra bit but I think I'll look at getting a replacement. It really is a POS. :mad:

I'll look at the Mitchell Bros one.

Thanks again for the assist.

Mike

[Graeme]

Mine was pretty-much siezed after not having been removed for 18 months but drenching with WD40 daily for about a week eventually freed-up everything.

[Mike&Loz]

Mine was pretty-much siezed after not having been removed for 18 months but drenching with WD40 daily for about a week eventually freed-up everything.

Thanks Graeme. I've gave it a drench with the WD. I might grab a couple of litres of kero and drop it into that for few days and see how it goes.

Loz rolled her eyes and shook her head when I told her I'd "broken" the key.

Anyone got any idea how much a new hitch receiver is worth? If I can't get it working I may be up for a new one if the repair cost is more than 60% of replacement.

Mike

[gghaggis]

Anyone got any idea how much a new hitch receiver is worth? If I can't get it working I may be up for a new one if the repair cost is more than 60% of replacement.

Mike

Mike,

I'm in Perth and have a 2nd-hand D3 receiver. PM me if you want it. If you're going to buy new, get the D4 one - it's better and retro-fits the D3.

Cheers,

Gordon

[Graeme]

I think I've read somewhere that the lock can be removed with force and that a new barrel is available.

[sniegy]

D3 Hitch Receiver & Tow Tongue (RAA550) is no longer available as a spare part. Taken out of manufacture &/or circulation. Except what is left at various dealers.
The only option now is to purchase the D4 Hitch Receiver & Tow Tongue (RAA560).
Cheers

[Mike&Loz]

D3 Hitch Receiver & Tow Tongue (RAA550) is no longer available as a spare part. Taken out of manufacture &/or circulation. Except what is left at various dealers.
The only option now is to purchase the D4 Hitch Receiver & Tow Tongue (RAA560).
Cheers


Thanks Pete

[Mike&Loz]

Okay I've got it working. Couldn't budge the Allen screw so I had to drill it out. Turns out you don't have to touch it if the unit is not attached to the vehicle. There is a pin that holds the handle onto the shaft and once the handle is off you can access the guts of it.

The problem was the tongue was sticking out about 25mm and therefore wouldn't retract far enough to click into place.

Once I could access the guts and remove the red plate I put the handle back on and turned it far enough for it to come all the way back into the housing and click into its normal position. The tongue now protrudes about 10-15mm and the unit just pushes into the housing easily.Not sure whether I would trust it towing the van given that I am the one that pulled it apart and this ball bearing appeared magically out of nowhere. Still don't know where it is supposed to go.

Oh well if you haven;t got any parts left over then you aren't trying hard enough.

Still looking at the replacement.

Mike :cool: