swan neck tow bar

[blindin]

Hi, been having a bit of a search but can't seem to find any thing.
I've got the swan neck tow ball on my p38, and been looking for a recovery point.
From what I can see, the tow bar should be as good as any other hayman reese style, and the actual tow ball unit is a solid bit of steel, just like what a recovery hitch is. It is obviously designed with strength in mind as it is for towing.
Now I'm not stupid, and would never use a tow ball for recovering, but the swan neck is a solid bit of steel. can any one offer any thoughts about cutting it down, and making it into a similar unit as a recovery hitch. ( same type of size ) reason for cutting is to make it shorter, less flex, strongher, you get the idea.
Any thoughts?
I personally think that it will be no different to buying a recovery hitch to stick into a hayman reece bar, as the steel is probably strongher any way.
Any other thoughts on rear and front recovery points?

[Scouse]

If you want to use your existing tow bar, I'd be unbolting the swan neck section & seeing if a square receiver can bolt in it's place. I have one here & it looks like it might be an option, then you could use that as a recovery point.


The swan neck towbars aren't legal out here & all early cars that had them fitted should have had them removed prior/shortly after sale.
Same goes for the odd D3 that you see with the similar set up.


Personally, I'd be getting a Hayman Reece towbar from a wrecker.

[daf11e]

Spouse, I have the swan neck tow bar on mine and have used it towing over the last 6 years or so.......is it illegal ?.......didn't know!

[daf11e]

Sorry scouse.....auto dic.

[mtb_gary]

Simon

I found this option on another site

84066

Rear recovery point on a P38 ? (http://landytown.myfastforum.org/archive/rear-recovery-point-on-a-p38-__o_t__t_4284.html)

Concept only as I think a rated recovery shackle in place of the one pictured may be a bit safer though!

Gary

[blindin]

I saw that too, looks like a jate ring, not sure I'd be gaining any thing more than just using the original bolt.
Unfortunately the Reece style is slightly wider, I have already tried that.
I will double check the legal side of those swan necks, it looks like it is actually rated to 4950kg.
I'm happy to use the bar it's self for recovery, but it'd be good to also tow if I need to.

[Scouse]

Spouse, I have the swan neck tow bar on mine and have used it towing over the last 6 years or so.......is it illegal ?.......didn't know!I'm not sure of the technicalities but there's no compliance plate on those bars & I know when the cars first came out in 1995, any that appeared with that towbar had to have it removed.

[daf11e]

Maybe ok for the newer models as mine is 2000....I'll do some research!
Ps ( it certainly tows OK)

[Scouse]

Maybe ok for the newer models as mine is 2000....I'll do some research!
Ps ( it certainly tows OK)No, it shouldn't have left the dealership when new with it fitted.
It could have been fitted by someone after the original sale as I've seen a few on eBay over the years.

[daf11e]

Thanks I'll contact the original dealer on Sydney's north shore as they sold it to the original owner a lady it appears ......I have all the original paperwork...

[blindin]

Let me know how it goes, mine is a uk import, so not really sure where to start

[daf11e]

I'll definitely get back to you tomorrow .

[wayneg]

Let me know how it goes, mine is a uk import, so not really sure where to start

Just buy a second hand Reece bar and be done with it. You can then use the receiver as a recovery point with the readily available attachments.
Hayman Reese TOW BAR Just Removed From P38 Range Rover in Ocean Grove, VIC | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Hayman-Reese-Tow-bar-Just-Removed-From-P38-Range-Rover-/221549492289?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item339560f841)

TOW BAR Recovery Hitch 4WD 4x4 OFF Road Without Shackle | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TOW-BAR-RECOVERY-HITCH-4wd-4x4-Off-Road-WITHOUT-SHACKLE-/121293015233?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c3da088c1)

[Scouse]

Thanks I'll contact the original dealer on Sydney's north shore as they sold it to the original owner a lady it appears ......I have all the original paperwork...I'd be interested to hear what you find out. I'll ask my old dealership contact next time I see him too.

[daf11e]

Still waiting for them to get back to me......

[blindin]

Just an update on this, I do have stickers on mine, so for now it's staying on.
Maybe one day I'll change it over and get a double hitch either side to accommodate a rear wheel carrier.

[daf11e]

Sorry I haven't got back sooner but I can't seem to get anywhere with LR. As has been said they were removed when new but for what reason? Mine also has all the numbers and has just past rego where they said all ok, also they told me they are still selling swan neck versions new on bmw and some mercs.......blindin like you I will leave mine for now

[Scouse]

I've been told it was to do with a lack of safety chain securing points but the towbar I removed has them in place.


I wonder if there's a regulation specifying the distance these need to be from the towball though - they might too far away.

[daf11e]

Really don't know scouse....mine has the safety chain in the right spot, the only thing I can think of would be the size of the actual neck sticking out so far, the newer ones seem to tuck in better.

[Rabzy]

i had a swan neck on my rangie and all i did was take the tow ball off the hitch, put the original bolt back in place and put a rated shackle around the bolt. never had a drama with it,iv pulled plenty of stuck 4x4s out wit this setup and yes i had to be recoverd aswell but only because i was the first one in lol. iv since got rid of the swan neck only because i got a rear bar and it would only fit with a HR unit