wardh
4th August 2012, 11:59 AM
Hi Members
The project to modify the hitch on my D3 coiler is complete, the main purpose for the modification was to have some peace of mind from the fear of the receiver parting company with the vehicle as there has been reports of this happening.
I cannot take full credit for the idea as it was done by another member but I did alter the build slightly.
I elected to fabricate the box section out of 50mm wide x 6mm thick flat steel as I could not obtain box section in a suitable wall thickness. as it turned out it was also easier to shape the sides then inside fillet weld the pieces together. I also welded 2 square sections into the inside of the box section for added strength.
A local machine shop turned up the steel bush ($40.00) to fit in the recovery ring, the bush diameter is 42mm x 38mm with a 16.5mm dia hole for the lock pin.
With the box section brace attached via a 16mm pin to the bush in the recovery ring I let the brace angle down to sit on the chassis below the recovery ring (see thumb nail pic) by doing this the box section cannot drop down as it is supported by the ring and chassis.
The Hayman WDH was then slide into the D4 hitch and with the vehicle battery disconnected the WDH was tack welded to the fabricated box section.
The whole assembly was then checked for fit and ease of attachment before finally removing from the vehicle welding, cleaning and painting.
The hitch has been tested pulling the van, it fits very easy, there is no slack or rattle when in place so overall I am happy with the end result. For the people with air suspension wishing to use the Land Rover hitch this modification without the WDH part may be able to be incorporated into some of the adjustable tongues that they use.
Cheers
Howard
The project to modify the hitch on my D3 coiler is complete, the main purpose for the modification was to have some peace of mind from the fear of the receiver parting company with the vehicle as there has been reports of this happening.
I cannot take full credit for the idea as it was done by another member but I did alter the build slightly.
I elected to fabricate the box section out of 50mm wide x 6mm thick flat steel as I could not obtain box section in a suitable wall thickness. as it turned out it was also easier to shape the sides then inside fillet weld the pieces together. I also welded 2 square sections into the inside of the box section for added strength.
A local machine shop turned up the steel bush ($40.00) to fit in the recovery ring, the bush diameter is 42mm x 38mm with a 16.5mm dia hole for the lock pin.
With the box section brace attached via a 16mm pin to the bush in the recovery ring I let the brace angle down to sit on the chassis below the recovery ring (see thumb nail pic) by doing this the box section cannot drop down as it is supported by the ring and chassis.
The Hayman WDH was then slide into the D4 hitch and with the vehicle battery disconnected the WDH was tack welded to the fabricated box section.
The whole assembly was then checked for fit and ease of attachment before finally removing from the vehicle welding, cleaning and painting.
The hitch has been tested pulling the van, it fits very easy, there is no slack or rattle when in place so overall I am happy with the end result. For the people with air suspension wishing to use the Land Rover hitch this modification without the WDH part may be able to be incorporated into some of the adjustable tongues that they use.
Cheers
Howard