Alternative to Mitch Hitch?

[LRD414]

I've been on a list waiting to buy a Mitch Hitch for my D4 for a couple of months and I'm starting to get worried!

None of the usual LR specialists are able to get stock either and say this type of thing has happened before. The supplier seems to have had a major quality control issue with a batch but there's no firm indication of when new ones will become available, which you'd think would be quite simple.

I'm wanting to tow an off-road camper trailer soon. The only option I can see is to use the OEM hitch combined with a 5" riser tongue to get the drawbar level (approx 550 above ground). This is an ugly option that is also very poor for ground clearance.

Any suggestions on another "Plan B"? Obviously I'll be getting a Mitch Hitch asap but I need a fall-back too.

Cheers,
Scott

[LandyAndy]

I will need one too for my camper trailer,it has a treg hitch,sitting level its close to level with the D4 bumper.I built the trailer to match my D2,I dont think the hitch is much higher than any off-road camper trailer on the market.
They do come up in the markets section here from time to time,so keep an eye open;);););););)
Andrew

[jonesy63]

Have you tried flipping the D4 tongue over? That will get you another ~120mm or more. Does help a little with clearance - the bottom of the towball thread was the lowest point before it is flipped over and that is no longer the issue.

I wasnt supplied one,do have a collection of suitable hitches.
The issue is how low the standard hitch mount is,an improvement over the D3,still an issue with the D4.
My boat and garden trailer should be OK with the D4 setup,the camper trailer is a problem.
Andrew

[Wheelan]

I've been on a list waiting to buy a Mitch Hitch for my D4 for a couple of months and I'm starting to get worried!

None of the usual LR specialists are able to get stock either and say this type of thing has happened before. The supplier seems to have had a major quality control issue with a batch but there's no firm indication of when new ones will become available, which you'd think would be quite simple.

I'm wanting to tow an off-road camper trailer soon. The only option I can see is to use the OEM hitch combined with a 5" riser tongue to get the drawbar level (approx 550 above ground). This is an ugly option that is also very poor for ground clearance.

Any suggestions on another "Plan B"? Obviously I'll be getting a Mitch Hitch asap but I need a fall-back too.

Cheers,
Scott
I did this with mine , used the standard hitch with a light weight riser found at a cheap import trailer parts place in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne, actually looks ok and has raised the height by 5 or 6 inches, if you want more info I can take a photo and send to you when its light, its rated and small compared to the usual risers.

[LandyAndy]

Sorry about that post Jonesy,I must have hit edit instead of quote.
Andrew

[101RRS]

Have you tried contacting Mitch Hitch themselves - they sell direct to the public.

[LandyAndy]

Have you tried contacting Mitch Hitch themselves - they sell direct to the public.

From the way I read his post Mitch Hitch have a production issue.
Andrew

[Ooops]

From the way I read his post Mitch Hitch have a production issue.
Andrew

Same thing for me. I placed and paid for mine in July and I'm still waiting.
I was also given the "quality control" explanation but I'm struggling with that as it I wouldn't have thought that it would take very long to make the corrections and make another run. All very disappointing as I need it for work :mad:

[Redback]

I've been on a list waiting to buy a Mitch Hitch for my D4 for a couple of months and I'm starting to get worried!

None of the usual LR specialists are able to get stock either and say this type of thing has happened before. The supplier seems to have had a major quality control issue with a batch but there's no firm indication of when new ones will become available, which you'd think would be quite simple.

I'm wanting to tow an off-road camper trailer soon. The only option I can see is to use the OEM hitch combined with a 5" riser tongue to get the drawbar level (approx 550 above ground). This is an ugly option that is also very poor for ground clearance.

Any suggestions on another "Plan B"? Obviously I'll be getting a Mitch Hitch asap but I need a fall-back too.

Cheers,
Scott

There's two for sale in the markets.


http://www.aulro.com/afvb/body-external-accessories-sale/211147-mitchell-bros-tow-hitch-d4-2010-onwards.html


http://www.aulro.com/afvb/body-external-accessories-sale/210680-mitch-hitch.html

Baz.

[Owen]

If you are not towing anything big, this may be an option for you.

Front Runner Tow Bar / Land Rover Discovery LR3 & LR4 (http://www.frontrunner.co.za/towing/front-runner-tow-bar-land-rover-discovery-lr3-lr4.html)

[gossamer]

1 on ebay atm
Mitch Hitch HI Rise TOW Hitch FOR Land Rover D3 D4 Range Rover Sport in Ferntree Gully, VIC | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mitch-Hitch-Hi-Rise-Tow-Hitch-for-Land-Rover-D3-D4-RANGE-ROVER-SPORT-/251756188257?pt=Caravan_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a9dd69261)

[LRD414]

Thanks for the tips re "For Sale" on this forum. Got one from a fellow member in Melbourne.

[rufusking]

From memory it's recommended to replace the tow eye bush, bolt and locknut when refitting a hitch.

[Owl]

Or there's this alternative:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/207538-ritter-towbar.html

[Redback]

Or there's this alternative:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/207538-ritter-towbar.html

That is a very good option if you have a D3, but it's about the same height as the standard D4 hitch, there are a lot of D3 owners now going to the D4 hitch instead of getting the Mitch Hitch and similar as they become more available.

Baz.

[DIS4]

I did this with mine , used the standard hitch with a light weight riser found at a cheap import trailer parts place in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne, actually looks ok and has raised the height by 5 or 6 inches, if you want more info I can take a photo and send to you when its light, its rated and small compared to the usual risers.

Can you please let me know which supplier in Melbourne selling the hitch riser. How much it rate since my camper trailer will be 1600kg plus gear?

Cheers,

Gary

[Narangga]

Can you please let me know which supplier in Melbourne selling the hitch riser. How much it rate since my camper trailer will be 1600kg plus gear?

Cheers,

Gary

I don't know which one he used but this has been used by others.

Rapid Hitch Adjustable Aluminum Hitch 6" w/ 50mm ball | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/250736203069)

[ATH]

I've been looking at something like this after reading about the necessity of raising the hitch, but couldn't believe it when in the fitting instructions it says "Check for casting imperfections and dags etc etc....."!
Are they kidding? 700 plus bucks and they want the consumer to do what should be a quality control check done by them!
Unbelievable and I won't be sending them my 700 bucks, I'll get something "inferior" where the manufacturer has done his job and made sure it's right and fit for purpose.
AlanH.

[MR LR]

I've been looking at something like this after reading about the necessity of raising the hitch, but couldn't believe it when in the fitting instructions it says "Check for casting imperfections and dags etc etc....."!
Are they kidding? 700 plus bucks and they want the consumer to do what should be a quality control check done by them!
Unbelievable and I won't be sending them my 700 bucks, I'll get something "inferior" where the manufacturer has done his job and made sure it's right and fit for purpose.
AlanH.
Seeings as though the mitch hitch is fabricated, have you considered that the casting imperfections could be on the cast parts of the car you are bolting it to?

[LandyAndy]

Alan.
If you are not doing serious off road towing,Martins Trailer Parts are your friend.
I bought and adjustable hitch from them,MUCH CHEAPER,than this one on EBAY,same item.
HEAVY DUTY 4000KG 5 HOLE ADJUSTABLE TOW BALL MOUNT - TOWBAR TONGUE HITCH 4T | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HEAVY-DUTY-4000KG-5-HOLE-ADJUSTABLE-TOW-BALL-MOUNT-TOWBAR-TONGUE-HITCH-4T-/261188302788?hash=item3cd00937c4:g:htYAAOSwPhdU5AH j)
It is quality gear,I paid less than $90 this time last year.Perfect for levelling my camper trailer.I built it to match my D2 which had 235/85 tyres and a 2" lift so the factory hitch,even with an inverted reciver was way too low on the D4.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/549.jpg (http://s113.photobucket.com/user/LandyAndy_2006/media/20151228_114434_zpsazxnj3a0.jpg.html)
Andrew

[101RRS]

Seeings as though the mitch hitch is fabricated, have you considered that the casting imperfections could be on the cast parts of the car you are bolting it to?

ATH is cutting off his nose to spite his face.

Mr LR is spot on - the main support that the Mitch Hitch bolts to is the tow point which is a rough cast and has dags and other bits that need a bit of trimming to smooth them off - particularly inside the ring where the plastic bushes go in - nothing to do with the Mitch Hitch itself.

Garry

[ATH]

I've just checked the instructions again and nowhere do they say to check the vehicles receiver for dags etc.
Of course I can see the mitch is fabricated but that doesn't mean it wouldn't have welding splatter or other manu crap on it.
As far as I'm concerned me nose will stay on me face.......:D
AlanH.

PS. Thnx. Andrew, looks like a good alternative to (caustic comment deleted as I would never want to cause agro.......) :D

[LandyAndy]

You don't want to cut your nose off Alan,think about all the pleasure lost picking,rolling and flicking boogers:):):):)
Andrew

[ATH]

No nose would spoil my handsome good looks Andrew. Wouldn't go at all well with a new Disco. :D
AlanH.