Yet Another D3/D4/RRS Hitch Question

[NutoLR]

I have finally determined that I may be able to use a D4 hitch on my 09 RRS in lieu of the D3 hitch. But all the posts I have read have related to retrofitting the D4 hitch to a D3, and none that I can find, about fitting it to an RRS.

May be its obvious to knowleadge LR people, but I have just come over from the dark side (Twin turbo X5 BMW) and yet to learn much about LRs in general, discos, and RRS's in particular.

So I would be very interested to read about the experience of other RRS owners who have grappled with the D3/D4 hitch issue.

John ....

[101RRS]

In this aspect the RRS and the D3 are the same. If the hitch fits a D3 it will fit the equivalent RRS.

[MR LR]

I think it depends on whether it fouls on the spare tyre or not, i know the newer (D4 and up year models) fat RRS's have a narrower spare when they have a towpack fitted so the non-plow tow bar fits.

Cheers
Will

[MR LR]

In this aspect the RRS and the D3 are the same. If the hitch fits a D3 it will fit the equivalent RRS.
Wrong, look at my post, will fit.... without the spare, unless it is one of those plebby RRS' :p

[NutoLR]

I think it depends on whether it fouls on the spare tyre or not, i know the newer (D4 and up year models) fat RRS's have a narrower spare when they have a towpack fitted so the non-plow tow bar fits.

Cheers
Will

Will

My RRs has a 19" spare which definitely prevents lowering the spare with the D3 style hitch fitted. Looking at few photos it appears that D4 hitch overcomes this issue.

John ...

[MR LR]

G'day John

19inch spare is fine for the D4 hitch, yeah the plow has to come out though, real PITA. It's when in the stowed position that the D4 hitch won't fit with the 20's AFAIK. Don't know what you do when you change a wheel... or with the plow what if you have a trailer on?

Cheers
Will

[NutoLR]

Hi Will,

Thanks for that. Yes, I have 20" wheels on the Sport, but a 19" spare (something I just discovered very recently). You are saying that a 20" wheel wont fit in the space for the spare? If that is right then I am pleased you mentioned it, because at least I can plan for it.

Also, what does AFAIT denote please? May be a stupid question....

Cheers
John

[discotwinturbo]

AFAIK...is as far as I know.
Brett....

[MR LR]

John

Don't quote me on the 20 not fitting back in the hole with the towbar in, but they put a 19 in there for a reason... i've never personally tried it, so i'd say give it a go, good to familiaries yourself anyway. And if you're not towing you can slip the towbar out anyway.

I owned an 80 series Cruiser for about 3 weeks (drove it less than 100m, i had just bought my Disco) and had to change the tyre on that, took me an hour to work out how to wind the wheel down, and i'm used to changing Mack truck tyres on the farm... had to resort to the owners manual...

Cheers
Will

[NutoLR]

John

Don't quote me on the 20 not fitting back in the hole with the towbar in, but they put a 19 in there for a reason... i've never personally tried it, so i'd say give it a go, good to familiaries yourself anyway. And if you're not towing you can slip the towbar out anyway.

I owned an 80 series Cruiser for about 3 weeks (drove it less than 100m, i had just bought my Disco) and had to change the tyre on that, took me an hour to work out how to wind the wheel down, and i'm used to changing Mack truck tyres on the farm... had to resort to the owners manual...

Cheers
Will

Thanks Will,

Very good point - I'll get some practice in my garage rather out on the side the road on a dark wet night.

John ...

[NutoLR]

Brett, I've have decided to go with your D4 hitch. Despite the body of opinion to the contrary, I will take the risk that it will work for me. Knowing what the various concerns are I will closely monitor the hitch and its mounting.

Please PM or email your pick-up address details and confirm price. Also will you be able to pack well in a suitably heavy cardboard carton, preferably not larger than 30cm x 30cm x 20cm/30cm. I'll PM or email my address for delivery.

How do you want to receive payment? Direct credit to your bank account, or other such as Paypal.

Regards
John

[Stuart02]

Brett, I've have decided to go with your D4 hitch. Despite the body of opinion to the contrary, I will take the risk that it will work for me. Knowing what the various concerns are I will closely monitor the hitch and its mounting.

Please PM or email your pick-up address details and confirm price. Also will you be able to pack well in a suitably heavy cardboard carton, preferably not larger than 30cm x 30cm x 20cm/30cm. I'll PM or email my address for delivery.

How do you want to receive payment? Direct credit to your bank account, or other such as Paypal.

Regards
John

Can you not just borrow one and try it out? Whereabouts are you? Cheers

[NutoLR]

Can you not just borrow one and try it out? Whereabouts are you? Cheers

Thanks. It might be a good idea, but I am pretty happy that it is a big improvement over the D3 hitch, and the 50mm increase in height of the receiver is an important gain - I'm in Adelaide.

Cheers
John ....

[PeterOZ]

anyone got some pics of what this mythical D4 hitch looks like?

The existing D3 one gives me the poohs as it sounds like an old frieght train clanging and banging when towing. Does the D4 hitch cure this?

[CaverD3]

D3 and D4:


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/07/687.jpg

[PeterOZ]

thanks mate, looks like it raises quite a bit.

Can these be purchased anywhere else except for the stealer?

[Ivan]

Got mine from the states off Fleabay. Much cheaper than the stealer. Cost was $480 delivered.

HTH

Ivan

[PeterOZ]

thanks mate for that info. Question though. My hitch (looks like a HR gooseneck), the bit that goes into the plough bit has a lot of slop when it is fitted.

Is that normal? I mean I can move it up and down about 1/4" each way which causes a lot a clanging and banging when towing.

Seems to me it should have some sort of sleeve on it so it is a snug fit.

Found several of the D4 hitches on US fleabay, landed price about what you quoted. Might have to get myself one of those. Be nice for the trailer to sit level instead of nose down.

[CaverD3]

Goosenecks don't meet ADRs, there has to be a toungue receiver. Are the US ones gooseneck or tongue receiver?
The UK ones are goosnecks and are the ones being questioned by VOSA.

[101RRS]

Goosenecks don't meet ADRs, there has to be a toungue receiver. Are the US ones gooseneck or tongue receiver?
The UK ones are goosnecks and are the ones being questioned by VOSA.

And I believe they have a lower ball rating and maybe tow capacity than ours.

Garry

[Dahai]

On the subject of hitches, I have the D4 2012 spec, and when the caravan of GTM 3500 is connected, using the Land Rover tow ball, tow bar, and hitch, the van is nose down.
Perhaps another problem or associated, on the drawbar (as on all caravans), there is a bolt that when the van is attached to the tow ball of the car, the head of this bolt touches the top of the tow ball. I have now had this bolt break just below the head.
My question is, should I purchase another hitch, such as a Hayman Reece or Mitchell Bros. or equivalent, that would go into the Land Rover hitch and raise the tow ball higher, thus making the van level when connected?

Best wishes
Bruce

[gghaggis]

Hi Bruce,

You should be able to purchase a tongue + ball that has a longer "drop" from Hayman Reece, which will sit your caravan closer to level (max is around 180mm). That would be cheaper than the Mitch Hitch, but if not sufficient then the Mitch Hitch would be the way to go.

Cheers,

Gordon

[Sadie]

I've just converted to the Mitch Hitch and now have a surplus Hayman Reece height adjustable tongue if you want to save some $$. PM me if you're interested...

[Dahai]

Thanks for the replies. I need to raise the tow ball (assembly), and my current thinking is to look at the Mitchell bros hitch. previous drawings I have seen, lead me to think this is the way to go to get the van level. They have said that it will fit the D4.
Best wishes
Bruce

[discotwinturbo]

Certainly does fit the D4. Just a bit of extra elbow grease to make it fit.

Brett.....

[mowog]

I have just gone down the Mitch Hitch path as well. Prior to that I used a Rapid Hitch from Titan Trailer Brakes I still use this now even with the Mitch Hitch.

Now to confuse things even more have a look at the McHitch Trailer coupling this is simply an awesome piece of kit.

[Dahai]

TJM have, for $145, what appears to be exactly what I need. They opened a box and I tried it, all fits well. Will go back his afternoon and purchase it.
Best wishes
Bruce

[Ean Austral]

Gday All,

Just fitted the Mitch Hitch, and now the rear park senser go constant when reverse is selected. Anyone else had this ? So other than remove the senser any other suggestions.

Thanks and Cheers Ean

[101RRS]

It is the inner two sensors - go to Bunnings and buy the little clear soft stick-on plastic cushions (come in a pack of 6 and each is about the size of a 10c piece- used to cushion something that rests on something else - in the same section as furniture carpet savers.

They are the same size as the sensor and if you stick them on the sensor they block it completely - however if you cut about 1/3 as per the attached poor pic the the sensor still works but does not pick up the hitch. The hitch is to the left of the sensor in the pic.

It is important that these sensors are not blocked as the inner ones have a range of about 6ft where the outers are only a couple of feet.

[CaverD3]

Turn the inside sensors outwards by about 20 degrees. You need to pull the bumper skin out and cut another notch.

[Dahai]

I went to purchase the TJM hitch, (refer my earlier post), only to find it was rated at 2500 kg. Bugger! Back to square one and the Mitchell Hitch I think.
Interesting to read about the problem with the sensors. I will need to test that before I purchase. Is it related to the D4, or just D3?
Anyone know of any alternates to the Mitchell Bros hitch?
Just out of curiosity I priced the Hayman Reece WDH and hitch etc, $750. Wow!
Best wishes
Bruce

[Redback]

I went to purchase the TJM hitch, (refer my earlier post), only to find it was rated at 2500 kg. Bugger! Back to square one and the Mitchell Hitch I think.
Interesting to read about the problem with the sensors. I will need to test that before I purchase. Is it related to the D4, or just D3?
Anyone know of any alternates to the Mitchell Bros hitch?
Just out of curiosity I priced the Hayman Reece WDH and hitch etc, $750. Wow!
Best wishes
Bruce

No, the Mitch Hitch is the best for towing if clearance is what you want, you can't use a WDH in a D3/D4 with air suspension.

Baz.

[DavyRRS]

I've fitted the HR/ARB height adjustable towbar fitting which gives the correct height for me to tow with. That is I've adjusted it up about 50mm higher than the supplied landrover one. I've travelled half of Australia on dirt roads with a almost 2 tonne off road caravan and there has been no problems thus far- I had the tow bar hitch modified so as it wouldn't hit the spare wheel.

So is my solution OK or not?

[Dahai]

I just rechecked the web site, and it appears the rapid hitch might not be manufactured by Mitchell Bros. However, it appears to be exactly what I,and maybe others require. Refer Titan Trailer Brakes - Rapid Hitch (http://www.titanbrakes.com.au/rapid_hitch.php).

Best wishes
Bruce

[101RRS]

I just rechecked the web site, and it appears the rapid hitch might not be manufactured by Mitchell Bros. However, it appears to be exactly what I,and maybe others require. Refer Titan Trailer Brakes - Rapid Hitch (http://www.titanbrakes.com.au/rapid_hitch.php).

Best wishes
Bruce

Rapid hitch has nothing to do with Mitchell Bros (Mitch Hitch) - the Mitch Hitch is a tow bar that can take various hitches where hitches like the Rapid Hitch need some sort of tow bar such as the OEM and Mitch Hitch tow bar to already be fitted.

Garry

[Dahai]

I just rechecked the web site, and it appears the rapid hitch might not be manufactured by Mitchell Bros. However, it appears to be exactly what I,and maybe others require. Refer Titan Trailer Brakes - Rapid Hitch (http://www.titanbrakes.com.au/rapid_hitch.php).

Best wishes
Bruce

[33chinacars]

Titan Trailer Brakes - Rapid Hitch (http://www.titanbrakes.com.au/rapid_hitch.php).


Just check that the shank is long enough for your needs
. ie sticks out far enough from car
Gary

[mowog]

I have a Rapid Hitch and a Mitch Hitch plus McHitch Combo all working well.

You will need to grind a bit off the front end of the Rapid Hitch so you can engage the last hole of the Rapid Hitch.

[Hendo26]

It appears that the Mitch Hitch is the only answer for disco 4. I have been searching for alternatives for some time however if the Van coupling is 550mm off level ground its the answer.
I have been asked to lend my vehicle to a tow bar manufacturer in SA who wants to develop a suitable hitch as he has had several requests lately. Met him at the recent Caravan show in Adelaide. He is amazed that the Mitch hitch cost as much as it does.
Will keep you posted as things progress.

[Lobster]

Hi Hendo26, I live close to Adelaide and would be pleased to have my Range Rover Sport towbar measurements checked for compatibility too.

Steve

[Dahai]

I have located a "Drop Receiver Mount" manufactured by Couplemate Trailer Parts, Part Number CM252 and rated at 3500 kg. It comes complete with towball.

As I wanted to raise the towball, I verified with Couplemate that the receiver mount could be installed raised and not dropped down. Confirmed that it was all OK. Tow ball now sits higher and caravan is level.

Cost for this mount was $60.

Best wishes
Bruce

[DoctorJ]

Just bought a D3 but it didn't have the tongue for the hitch as everyone wants to convert to a different setup does anyone have one they want to part with for $$$, I hardly do any towing so the setup for me is irrelevant. Feel free to reply or PM me

Cheers
Julian

[oldsalt]

I've got one that you can have for free, I don't want it so it may as well go to someone who can put it to good use.
http://files.myopera.com/veedub5/albums/1286821/IMG_1906.JPG
I'm in the northern suburbs so if you are willing to drive up here it's all yours. I'll even give it a bit of a clean up for you ... currently used as a door stop.
Send me a PM and we'll set up a date to suit....
cheers :)

[Lobster]

I saw this hanging of the back of a LR3 today at Yellowstone NP, and I had the urge to share it here.

It had a bit of a droop. It was holding a large poly trunk, 2 eskys topped off with a large tent.

They are hanging off the back of vehicles that are already fully loaded up inside:eek:

[discotwinturbo]

I came across a jeep owner on the GCR with something similar. He had 4 jerries and other gear mounted on it. Totally illegal of course.

Brett....

[rufusking]

Is it he angle of the pick or is the spare missing? Do the US give them a space saver?

[Graeme]

I have located a "Drop Receiver Mount" manufactured by Couplemate Trailer Parts, Part Number CM252 and rated at 3500 kg. It comes complete with towball.
How much higher than standard D4 is your ball with the CM522 mount?

Edit: I've learnt that its 2" higher than the D4 but I'm looking for 3"-4".

[Dahai]

Graeme I am starting to go away from the Couplemate in my thinking that I had solved my problem of the van being slightly nose down. Yes it does raise the van approximately 2 or 3 inches, I can not give you the exact amount at the moment. However, I have found that the Couplemate is not a good fit into the Land Rover part attached to the vehicle. There is a little play and a little movement. I have placed a thin piece of leather between the two mating parts (Couplenmate and the vehicle receptacle). This has taken the play out. I will look for a piece of rubber which I think will be better between the Couplemate and the vehicle.
I would look for a hitch that fits better than the Couplemate if I were you. It is however reasonably priced at around $60 from memory.
Best wishes

[Graeme]

There's plenty of play between the LR coupling and the receiver too! I made a clamp to stop the rattle but it can work a little loose with use so not entirely successful.

I currently need 3"-4" but that may come back to around 2" if I proceed with stage 2 of my van's suspension conversion so might settle for 2" if I cannot find a cheap 4".