Is the removable tow hitch on Disco 3 too dangerous? what replacements are there?

[Stealthylandy]

Hi Fellow Discovery Owners
To introduce myself: I bought my first land rover 4 years ago, a 2001 series 2 Discovery TD5 in dark red. It was a great little car, catered well for our growing family, towed the (matching) horse float, caravan, trailer etc and only had to have minor repairs.
Until I wrote it off at the beginning of May, on a wet morning with 4 kids in the car, slid of the road, went end over end through a fence and into a farmers paddock. No panel uncrushed except for the drivers door. I completely crumpled the left hand side and had to drag kids out of an upside down vehicle. We all walked away, with only minor injuries to the child in the 6th seat in the back.
This sadly necessitated a new vehicle, and with our budget it was a choice of disco 3 or Land Cruiser with 350000 odd on the clock. We chose the Discovery, and found a Gold TDV6 2005 Disco 3 .
This car has come with a removable towing hitch and electric brake controller, but no towball/tongue. When I googled to find a replacement, I opened a new can of worms. Apparently there have been lots of problems with these removable hitches spontaneously detaching, and losing the trailer completely. As I tow our precious horses regularly, this is a nightmare too terrifying to consider. I have had enough near death experiences to last a lifetime .
I have spoken to our local Land Rover dealership, and they checked the VIN and said as this vehicle has no recalls on it, there is no problem. As I understand it, there has been a major recall in the UK and Land Rover replaced the hitches with fixed ones.
So, where to from here? What are my options? Do I keep pushing for Land Rover to replace my hitch (my engineer husband assessed it, and said the locking pin was worn) or do we need to pay for a replacement out of our (very empty) pockets? If so, what do we buy? My float is 999kg tare weight, and with two horses on is about 1800kg We also tow a Jayco caravan of about 1400kg, and a box trailer loaded to its 750kg unbraked limit with firewood.
Do we get a Hayman Reese? Mitch hitch? The Recovery brand that's on eBay?
Please help us out!

[LRD414]

Welcome to D3 ownership and glad to hear you are all ok after what sounds like quite an extreme event.

Given your towing duties that seem to be varied & regular, my view would be definitely worth getting a Mitch Hitch. Couple of thread links below provide details and history. The so-called Recovery Hitch is a copy and some owners have reported negative features in comparison to the original Mitch Hitch.

For the removable tongue, with your range of towing duties, you may need a couple or an adjustable one in order to get the draw bar level for each trailer (unless they all have similar draw bar heights). The Mitch Hitch is quite high off the ground but a drop tongue will handle a lower draw bar.

In my opinion the Mitch Hitch is worth the money. Once fitted it is very easy to use compared to the factory unit and is virtually maintenance free. You do need to heed the installation instructions regarding proper bolt torquing procedure on fitting and then after initial towing duty but that's it.

Thread Links:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/213040-mitch-hitch.html
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/226668-mitch-hitch.html
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/212234-removable-hi-rise-hitch.html

Regards,
Scott

[LandyAndy]

Welcome Aboard.
The recalls will be UK market specific,Australia has a different hitch.We havent had many if any reports of failures here,more reports of off-road damage to them.
We dont like the hitches,due to the low ground clearance and they fiddly fit/remove.
The D3 hitch is a problem as when you get a flat tyre you cannot remove the spare with the trailer hitched up.You can get the D4 version which will allow the tyre changing with trailer hitched,plus it gives a bit better ground clearance.They are interchangeable and come up for sale by those who have fitted a Mitch Hitch.
Any "reece" style tounge will fit,you will need to run them "upside down" to keep the trailer drawbar level which is OK,buy the tounge that suits the height you need.
The Mitch hitch is used for off-road towing to give the clearance the factory hitches dont offer,the D3 factory hitch is known as a plough,the D4 is shorter.Beware there is a copy of the Mitch Hitch that is considered to be inferior to the real thing.The Mitch Hitch is a permanent fit,ie not easy to fit/remove each time you need it.
Andrew

[Tombie]

Welcome.

Just to clarify there aren't "lots" of instances of them detaching.

But go the Mitch Hitch - you'll appreciate it more.

[Narangga]

It is great that you are still with us to be able to post on the forum! I trust the children haven't been too worried foĺlowing the accident.

The Mitch Hitch is quite easy to fit and I would be surprised if it proved too difficult for your husband to do. It will prove to give you peace of mind when towing each of those three 'trailers' although the box trailer will find the height of the mitch hitch to be higher than the previous Discovery.

All in all it will be well worth the investment to upgrade to that over the standard factory unit.

[Graeme]

The D3 hitch is weak by design whereas the D4 is not. Safety chains can be attached to the towing eye if concerned about a D3/D4 hitch detaching. However new D4 hitches are expensive so people often ask a lot of money for used ones discarded when an off-road hitch is fitted which then sways the financial argument towards an off-road hitch even when the D4 hitch would be acceptable.

[Stealthylandy]

So do the Mitch Hitches ever come up second hand? I guess not. Hubby's Commodore engine just blew up last Sunday and it appears that its un-economical to replace it, so we are now looking for a replacement vehicle for him... this on top of our already "fine line" economics means that every penny needs turning twice before spending it!!
It also appears that the new Mitch Hitch doesn't include a tongue and ball either? So we would still need to purchase them? and buy the Mitch hitch for $740 as well as the fitting kit for $121?

[LRD414]

So do the Mitch Hitches ever come up second hand? I guess not. It also appears that the new Mitch Hitch doesn't include a tongue and ball either? So we would still need to purchase them? and buy the Mitch hitch for $740 as well as the fitting kit for $121?
I got mine 2nd hand from this forum and I have seen others here but perhaps not all that often. I think it was ~$500.
Correct, no tongue/ball supplied.
Fitting kit not required unless refitting a 2nd hand one. The new purchase includes the fitting bolts and bush.

Scott

[BMKal]

So do the Mitch Hitches ever come up second hand? I guess not. Hubby's Commodore engine just blew up last Sunday and it appears that its un-economical to replace it, so we are now looking for a replacement vehicle for him... this on top of our already "fine line" economics means that every penny needs turning twice before spending it!!
It also appears that the new Mitch Hitch doesn't include a tongue and ball either? So we would still need to purchase them? and buy the Mitch hitch for $740 as well as the fitting kit for $121?

There's a genuine second hand Mitch Hitch for sale in Canberra for $350 at the moment on Land Rover Owners Club facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LROCA/permalink/10156707467320467/'sale_post_id=10156707467320467

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/05/16.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

[Stuart02]

My experience is that the factory hitches become problematic when you want to take them off and put them back on regularly, when crud gets in. I'm certainly not going to argue with an engineer (!) but when they're in properly the fit is very neat and they simply don't budge. It would have to have been taken on and off a /lot/ of times for that pin at the back to be showing any sign of wear. If you're towing regularly I'd be getting it attached properly (you won't be able to lock it and remove the key if it's not completely seated) and just leave it there until you can afford a D4 hitch or Mitch Hitch. If the heaviest thing you tow is the loaded float at 2t you're /well/ within the limits of the hitch. And as mentioned there's the safety chain back up.

You can usually pick up a 3500kg rated Ark tongue and ball from BCF for around or less than $100 (no I don't have 100 bucks in my pocket right now either!) which will fit a D4 hitch as well. Get the shorter tongue so (if you get a D4 hitch) it doesn't interfere with your spare.

[90 Rangie]

I went to the D4 hitch on my D3. A lot better hitch than D3 and you can remove spare. The D4 has ratchet style lock on pin so that it can not come loose. Have towed 3 ton for at least 80000 km with D4 hitch. Suits my needs as I remove hitch if doing off road work. A lot of D3 hitchs came off because of use of sway bars which should not ever be used as it unloads the hitch allowing D3 one to come off.

[Stealthylandy]

[QUOTE=BMKal;2539907]There's a genuine second hand Mitch Hitch for sale in Canberra for $350 at the moment on Land Rover Owners Club facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LROCA/permalink/10156707467320467/'sale_post_id=10156707467320467

Thanks BMKal, I will enquire about that second hand one :-)

[BMKal]

[QUOTE=BMKal;2539907]There's a genuine second hand Mitch Hitch for sale in Canberra for $350 at the moment on Land Rover Owners Club facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LROCA/permalink/10156707467320467/'sale_post_id=10156707467320467

Thanks BMKal, I will enquire about that second hand one :-)

I see this morning that it has just been posted as "Sold". Hope you got it and weren't beaten to the draw. :D

[sheerluck]

There's one popped up on Gumtree today
Landrover discovery3/4 tow hitch | Other Parts & Accessories | Gumtree Australia Caloundra Area - Moffat Beach | 1114581150 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/moffat-beach/other-parts-accessories/landrover-discovery3-4-tow-hitch/1114581150)

[LRD414]

There's one popped up on Gumtree today
Landrover discovery3/4 tow hitch | Other Parts & Accessories | Gumtree Australia Caloundra Area - Moffat Beach | 1114581150 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/moffat-beach/other-parts-accessories/landrover-discovery3-4-tow-hitch/1114581150)
That's the copy. Note the additional stiffeners etc to the sides.

Scott

[MR LR]

Nothing wrong with the factory D4 receiver, and it doesn't look ugly AF and stick out 6 inches!

My main issue with the Mitch Hitch is that it pushes the tongue further rearward, anyone that knows anything about towing knows you want the ball as close to the rear axle as possible.

I'd be chasing a factory D4 receiver and tongue.

[sheerluck]

That's the copy. Note the additional stiffeners etc to the sides.

Scott

Bugger, so it is. I had man-read the description where it says "mitch type" to being "mitch hitch"

[ADMIRAL]

Nothing wrong with the factory D4 receiver, and it doesn't look ugly AF and stick out 6 inches!

My main issue with the Mitch Hitch is that it pushes the tongue further rearward, anyone that knows anything about towing knows you want the ball as close to the rear axle as possible.

I'd be chasing a factory D4 receiver and tongue.

Yes, but it's all relative. Compare the rear axle distance on a D3/4 ( or just about any wagon style 4WD ) to the tow ball, to any of the utes. Dependant of the weight being towed, and the ballweight, it may be of little consequence. If in doubt, visit to your local weighbridge and get a loaded weight on the rear axle.

[Fatso]

Nothing wrong with the factory D4 receiver, and it doesn't look ugly AF and stick out 6 inches!

My main issue with the Mitch Hitch is that it pushes the tongue further rearward, anyone that knows anything about towing knows you want the ball as close to the rear axle as possible.

I'd be chasing a factory D4 receiver and tongue.



Agree the d4 receiver is as good as any thing else , I went through this saga account of all the comments on the net about it being unsafe but IMHO came to the conclusion that miss use was the primary cause of problems .
Having said that I would not use the plough as it is just too low and to me looks like it could have weakness in the design imo.

[MR LR]

Yes, but it's all relative. Compare the rear axle distance on a D3/4 ( or just about any wagon style 4WD ) to the tow ball, to any of the utes. Dependant of the weight being towed, and the ballweight, it may be of little consequence. If in doubt, visit to your local weighbridge and get a loaded weight on the rear axle.

I think you'd be surprised, without measuring it, i doubt there'd be much difference in overhang, save for a Triton which is just ridiculous, but Discovery's and Range Rovers have the biggest arses in the 4WD world.

The difference is that the utes are all up around 120" wheelbase (or slightly more), with the Disco at 113". Whilst the Discovery weighs more, it seems silly to me to purposely make the ratio even worse.

The reason D2's are funny to tow big weight with is due to the massive overhang in relation to the wheelbase.

[winaje]

The reason D2's are funny to tow big weight with is due to the massive overhang in relation to the wheelbase.

So very true... Believe me this was fun...
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/06/913.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/23416/title/613/cat/1298)

[Stuart02]

I think you'd be surprised, without measuring it, i doubt there'd be much difference in overhang,

I think you'd be surprised actually. 2014 Amarok departure angle 23.6 deg, D4 at standard height (185 mm clearance cf 192 for Amarok) 26.7 deg

[MR LR]

I think you'd be surprised actually. 2014 Amarok departure angle 23.6 deg, D4 at standard height (185 mm clearance cf 192 for Amarok) 26.7 deg
Overhang =/= departure angle.

But i'm not sure what you're getting at?

There's a ratio between overhang and wheelbase, and it's not too crash hot on Land Rovers (save for a 90).

[Stealthylandy]

I did miss out on the Mitch hitch, it was already sold :-(
I saw the recovery hitch on gumtree, I did enquire about it, it was fitted 3 months ago to his disco 3 by British off road, now he's selling the vehicle.
So, are the differences enough between the Mitch hitch and recovery brand hitch to warrant waiting to find a Mitch hitch? Or will the Recovery do what I need it to? I understand there was controversy over intellectual property but I think when one is buying second hand, that's a bit irrelevant. I'm more interested in tin Tacks design and functionality... And safety!

[LRD414]

Feedback from two owners of the "Recovery Hitch", both positive and negative, in this thread:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/235160-recovery-brand-hi-lift-hitch-discovery-4-a.html

Regards,
Scott

[sheerluck]

I have the "Recovery Hitch" on my D3. I bought it last year, when the Mitchell Bros webshop had disappeared (and remained gone for some time).

I'm not a heavy duty tow driver, but it has done everything I've needed it to so far (most recently dragging a dead Ford F truck around). I noticed a small issue with fit when I attached it, but I've had no rattles or any other noise from it.

[Stuart02]

Overhang =/= departure angle.

But i'm not sure what you're getting at?

There's a ratio between overhang and wheelbase, and it's not too crash hot on Land Rovers (save for a 90).

It's all about distance past the rear axle. Not wheel base. Could do the trig for you but departure angle is typically defined by the tow point and is the most easily obtainable proxy for that distance.

If it were anything to do with wheel base, how is a ute (longer) better than a disco, but a 90 also better? The 90 is good cos the tow point is practically on the rear axle. A few inches in the wheel base is much less significant % wise than changes past the back axle.

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[MR LR]

It's all about distance past the rear axle. Not wheel base. Could do the trig for you but departure angle is typically defined by the tow point and is the most easily obtainable proxy for that distance.

If it were anything to do with wheel base, how is a ute (longer) better than a disco, but a 90 also better? The 90 is good cos the tow point is practically on the rear axle. A few inches in the wheel base is much less significant % wise than changes past the back axle.

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app
Nope, you still don't get it.

[Stuart02]

Nope, you still don't get it.

We're going to have to agree to disagree but your point about Discos and RRSs having the "biggest arses in the 4WD world" is simply false.

[MR LR]

We're going to have to agree to disagree but your point about Discos and RRSs having the "biggest arses in the 4WD world" is simply false.
I'm not going to agree to disagree, because you're wrong.

Overhang and wheelbase are directly related when it comes to towing. The longer the wheelbase and the shorter the overhang, the better, you can go as far as to determine a ratio between the two.

Departure angle can be altered by ride height, or even just the height of the rear bumper bar. Overhang is the horizontal distance from the centre of the rear axle to the rearmost extremity (usually the tow bar). Disco's and RR's have a much larger overhang than most other 4WD's, and historically a shorter wheelbase (although they are starting to catch up).

You're correct in saying that smaller overhang is better. But to neglect wheelbase is cutting out 3/4 of the picture. This is why a Defender 130 is a superior tow vehicle to a 110, even though they have the same rear overhang.

As far as I'm concerned, anything that increases overhang (the distance from the tow point to the rear axle) on these vehicles is bad design.

[Stuart02]

I'm not going to agree to disagree, because you're wrong.

As far as I'm concerned, anything that increases overhang (the distance from the tow point to the rear axle) on these vehicles is bad design.

Haha we never disagreed on that point - and it actually supports my argument that it's more important than wheelbase (the ratio is not 3/4!). What I questioned was your assertion that there's no real difference between overhangs of utes and D4s. Then you tried to bring wheel base into it, so I'll quote Robert Pepper July 2015

"If we look at the modern ute then we find they have very long overhangs, and their relatively long wheelbases don't entirely compensate. Utes that have the rear wheels close to the rear doors are great for turning circles, but hopeless for load carrying and towing. Most utes could be much better towers and load carriers if they had wheels about 200-300mm further back."

He also mentions that the 90, 110 and 130 all have different overhangs, incidentally.

Obviously departure angle changes with ride height which is why I quoted the angle at standard height (185mm) for the D4 which is /way/ less than most other 4WDs - and yet the departure angle /is still better than most mainstream wagons/. D4 = 26.7; Y62 Patrol = 25.9; LC200 Cruiser = 24; Prado = 25. Grand Cherokee 29.6, but then, by the time the D4 is at offroad height it's 31, so same same. Granted I don't know what role the actual towbar plays in those figures but they're all in the ball park. Wheelbase you say? Prado shorter. Even the LC200's wheelbase is 2850 compared to D4's 2885 mm (why is anyone buying a Land Cruiser??). Grand Cherokee is longer, interestingly, but hopefully you get my point.

Why you would suggest a ute is going to be as good or better at towing than a D4 I just don't know.

[Stealthylandy]

Well I bought a Disco 3 tongue, just so we could get towing, it arrived, I fitted it, and it was still about 100 mm too low for the float. I have been able to source a secondhand Mitch Hitch, so I am about to buy that, however, I would like to know how to correctly determine the height of the ball and tongue that I need to match the MH. I am buying the tongue/ball from triumph Rover spares, SA, they are also selling me the MH. One of the guys there told me I could use my disco three tongue, but I don't think I can, firstly it is too long for the MH? Also, it won't come low enough to tow the float level. I will try and attach the photos to show you

[Stealthylandy]

Hopefully this pic works... Car is running and suspension level, float is levelled up on the jockey wheel. Car had already towed float down the driveway to find this level spot

[Stealthylandy]

Further out pic

[Tombie]

Invert that tongue and you would be pretty close...

If you want to go all out and get a tongue that can do any height then look at this:

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/250736203069

Best thing I ever purchased for the vehicle.

[Stealthylandy]

Is that adjustable height approved for Aus standard? Can I see a pic of it on the back of your car?

[Stuart02]

Hopefully this pic works... Car is running and suspension level, float is levelled up on the jockey wheel. Car had already towed float down the driveway to find this level spot


Is the float loaded? And isn't just a tad of forward tilt preferable? 100mm is too much obviously

[Stealthylandy]

Float is not loaded, but with a correctly balanced float that doesn't make much of a difference. The weight should all be over the wheels. If anything, it would load the tow ball a tad more. With horse floats, it's more comfortable for the horses if the float tows a tad more front up than front down.

[LandyAndy]

At least you will gain a few horsepower towing that loaded:cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:
I use one of these hitches to level my camper trailer,paid under $90 for it from Martins Trailer Parts in WA.You should get a similar deal over east if you find somewhere to buy it direct.They are heavy so the "free postage" in this one is pushing the price up.A mate recently bought one over here from the same place I did,they have gone up a few dollars,less than $10.
GOODLUCK
Andrew

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)

[Tombie]

Is that adjustable height approved for Aus standard? Can I see a pic of it on the back of your car?



Yes it is approved. There is an AUS distributor but substantially more expensive than direct shipped.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/725.jpg

[LandyAndy]

Yes it is approved. There is an AUS distributor but substantially more expensive than direct shipped.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/725.jpg

You is needin some toe out there BFG:):):):):):):)
Andrew

[Babs]

Invert that tongue and you would be pretty close... If you want to go all out and get a tongue that can do any height then look at this: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/250736203069 Best thing I ever purchased for the vehicle.

Alloy :o 3.5t towball is it strong enough or is it on its limits?

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[Tombie]

You is needin some toe out there BFG:):):):):):):)

Andrew



You mean Camber of course! [emoji48]

[BMKal]

You is needin some toe out there BFG:):):):):):):)
Andrew

Nah ............... he's trying to get it set up as a "Camel Landy". ;)

He has this thing for Camel Toe. :wasntme:

[Babs]

Ahh now I understand the tow hitch dilemma.

Stuck the tow hitch on the new D4 this evening to move my trailer out of the carport and it was way too low and that was with me putting it in the highest suspension setting.

Almost couldn't get the trailer back off.

Can I turn the tow hitch upside down and refit the ball upside down, that should raise it up a bit but is it legal and safe to do so ❓

Also where can I buy the hitch Tombie sent the eBay link for. I don't want to wait for delivery want to be able to go buy one tomorrow or similar.

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[BMKal]

Ahh now I understand the tow hitch dilemma.

Stuck the tow hitch on the new D4 this evening to move my trailer out of the carport and it was way too low and that was with me putting it in the highest suspension setting.

Almost couldn't get the trailer back off.

Can I turn the tow hitch upside down and refit the ball upside down, that should raise it up a bit but is it legal and safe to do so ❓

Also where can I buy the hitch Tombie sent the eBay link for. I don't want to wait for delivery want to be able to go buy one tomorrow or similar.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

Common practice to turn the tow tongue upside down for extra height. Nothing illegal or unsafe about it. I have done it many times on different vehicles. ;)

[Babs]

Common practice to turn the tow tongue upside down for extra height. Nothing illegal or unsafe about it. I have done it many times on different vehicles. ;)

Cheers :)

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[Babs]

Bought this today 3.5 Tonne rating.

Bit steep though I paid around $400 :(



112037

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[Fatso]

Bought this today 3.5 Tonne rating.

Bit steep though I paid around $400 :(



112037

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner


I would very hesitant to put 3.5 Tonne on that , the distance the ball is from the receiver will create a fairly large moment .

[BMKal]

I would very hesitant to put 3.5 Tonne on that , the distance the ball is from the receiver will create a fairly large moment .

You and me both. ;)

If I needed my tow ball to be that high, then I would not consider anything other than a Mitch Hitch.

[LandyAndy]

Bought this today 3.5 Tonne rating.

Bit steep though I paid around $400 :(



112037

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

Can you return it????
You will be $300+ better off.
I have this for my camper trailer,less than $90 over the counter at Martins Trailer Parts WA.Even the Ebay one with free postage would be MUCH cheaper:(:(:(:(:(
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)

GOODLUCK
Andrew

[LandyAndy]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/1136.jpg (http://s113.photobucket.com/user/LandyAndy_2006/media/20151231_093056_zpsbgdixxds.jpg.html)
Andrew

[Babs]

Andrew

Andy yours looks just as high as mine if not higher, do you have any issues ❓

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[Babs]

At that setting unladen the front of the trailer sits 30mm higher, with a load over the tandem axels the front sits 60-65mm higher.

If I drove the ball a notch it will go down 60mm which means the front of the trailer will be 30mm lower unladen and just right with a load over axels.
This is not taking into consideration putting a load towards the front of the trailer forward of the front axel.

Would it be better to leave it or drop it a notch ❓

They said I could return it if the heights weren't right but I don't think they meant after I have bolted it all up and used it :( it will show signs of wear, and I was stuck I needed to tow the trailer for tonight's job (at work now).

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[LandyAndy]

Andy yours looks just as high as mine if not higher, do you have any issues ❓

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

No problems at all.Eventually I would get a Mitch Hitch I think.There is one in the markets section at the moment.
Andrew

[Babs]

I went and swapped that hitch over today for a shorter one.

From my last photo I have dropped down a notch which is 60mm and the trailer sits fine, what I didn't realise is the airbags adjust, I thought it was just on setting. Anyhow.

The new hitch sits lower and as mentioned the ball is adjusted to sit lower. It doesn't look so profound now. And got $20 back as the shorter one was cheaper :D

Out of curiosity what does the Mitch Hitch that everyone is talking about look like ❓

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[Narangga]

Here it is on their website

Mitchell Bros 4x4 - Creators of the world renowned "Mitch Hitch" – Mitchell Brothers 4x4 & More (http://www.mitchhitch.com.au/)

And insitu on this thread

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members-rides/225222-scotts-discovery-4-a.html#post2422147

[Babs]

Here it is on their website Mitchell Bros 4x4 - Creators of the world renowned "Mitch Hitch" – Mitchell Brothers 4x4 & More (http://www.mitchhitch.com.au/) And insitu on this thread http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members-rides/225222-scotts-discovery-4-a.html#post2422147

OMG why was I not informed of this. Ha ha ha :)
I just wasted my money :(

I wish I saw this before, there was all this talk of it but I didn't see any pics :( I want one ❗️

Now I'm going to have to go back with my tale between my legs and ask to return it :o

Unless someone wants a good hitch set up at a cheap price ❓

Have to get me one of these Mitchy Hitchys Fast, bit bloody steep though ❓

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[Babs]

DPL was telling me today that I need a voltage gauge set up with the TowPro Elite to monitor the battery on the breakaway, first I'm hearing of it.

Can anyone shed some light ❓

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[LandyAndy]

Here is the one in markets.
BEWARE THERE IS A COPY.May be McHitches or similar,others will warn.
This is about half the cost of a new one.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/body-external-accessories-sale/239118-mitchell-bros-tow-hitch-hollywell-gold-coast.html
Andrew

[Babs]

Here is the one in markets. BEWARE THERE IS A COPY.May be McHitches or similar,others will warn. This is about half the cost of a new one. http://www.aulro.com/afvb/body-external-accessories-sale/239118-mitchell-bros-tow-hitch-hollywell-gold-coast.html Andrew


Thanks Andy, that one looks well used. I will more than likely just buy it new, I can claim it through the business.

That photo does clear up one query I had though, on how it bolted up underneath, I see now there is a part that goes in place of the OEM hitch :)

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[Babs]

Ok. Got a refund on the tow hitch that I bought Monday and now have a new Mitch Hitch on its way :) Yippee

Thanks guys for that info, appreciated. :D

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[Babs]

Mitch Hitch arrived today, it took me about 30 mins to fit. Couldn't get bottom holes to line up.

And putting the bolt through the poly bush was a PITA.



112402

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[Tombie]

Ahh now I understand the tow hitch dilemma.

Stuck the tow hitch on the new D4 this evening to move my trailer out of the carport and it was way too low and that was with me putting it in the highest suspension setting.

Almost couldn't get the trailer back off.

Can I turn the tow hitch upside down and refit the ball upside down, that should raise it up a bit but is it legal and safe to do so [emoji780]

Also where can I buy the hitch Tombie sent the eBay link for. I don't want to wait for delivery want to be able to go buy one tomorrow or similar.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner



Yes the hitch can be turned upside down.. legally...

The hitch I posted is available at
https://www.titanbrakes.com.au/rapid_hitch.php

[Hugh Jars]

DPL was telling me today that I need a voltage gauge set up with the TowPro Elite to monitor the battery on the breakaway, first I'm hearing of it.

Can anyone shed some light ❓

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

Yes mate. In NSW you do. Not necessarily a voltmeter, but something to alert you of the battery's status.

[Babs]

When I fitted the Mitch Hitch the other day, I undid the 3 screws for one of the trailer plugs as per instructions.

I placed them on the rear bumper as you do, then after installing Mitch Hitch I forgot to put them back in the trailer plug as you do :o

I took off to work 3hr round trip and found two out of the three screws still on the rear bumper the next day :) I'll be damned if they would still be there if it was my Defender (ex).

Goes to show how smooth the ride is on the Discovery.



112484

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[gandalf]

Hi Babs
Its a requirement that has been around for quite some time, but its not until you get an anal
mechanic to do your rego inspection ( yes i USED to know one ) that you find out.
Its called a monitor, which does just that. When you touch the foot brake, if the breakaway battery
is charged it shows a red light, if the battery is not charged you will get a warning.

Les

[scarry]

When I fitted the Mitch Hitch the other day, I undid the 3 screws for one of the trailer plugs as per instructions.

I placed them on the rear bumper as you do, then after installing Mitch Hitch I forgot to put them back in the trailer plug as you do :o

I took off to work 3hr round trip and found two out of the three screws still on the rear bumper the next day :) I'll be damned if they would still be there if it was my Defender (ex).

Goes to show how smooth the ride is on the Discovery.






Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

I left a glass half full of water on the bumper of the D4 once,we drove to the coast and back,and it was still there when we got home:eek:

[Babs]

I left a glass half full of water on the bumper of the D4 once,we drove to the coast and back,and it was still there when we got home:eek:

That takes the icing on the cake :)

Do you drive like Grandpa or is the D4 that smoooooth he he he :D

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[scarry]

That takes the icing on the cake :)

Do you drive like Grandpa or is the D4 that smoooooth he he he :D

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

Both,and also we have super smooth roads here in Qld;)

I wish:(

And for the Defender drivers,my son left a camp chair on the rack,not tied on,I didn't even get to the local shops before it departed company:mad:

[Babs]

Both,and also we have super smooth roads here in Qld;) I wish:( And for the Defender drivers,my son left a camp chair on the rack,not tied on,I didn't even get to the local shops before it departed company:mad:

Ha ha ha :) I had to keep tightening the bolts on the Defender roof rack otherwise the whole rack would fall off :D

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[sheerluck]

I drove my D3 the few hundred metres round to the workshop with a travel mug of tea sitting on the bullbar recently. :D

[Narangga]

When I cleaned the MAF sensor recently the can of cleaner made it 2 km down the road. I then turned a corner. :eek:

[Grentarc]

I drove my D3 the few hundred metres round to the workshop with a travel mug of tea sitting on the bullbar recently. :D

I cleaned the filter on the heater in our bedroom a few weeks ago, then put it down somewhere and couldn't find it again. About a week later I was walking back to the D4 at the shops, and spotted it sitting on the bull bar in front of the grille. Decided to not push my luck and put it in the car. It spent probably 6 or 7 days on the bull bar, driving probably a couple hundred kms in that time.

[LRD414]

..... and spotted it sitting on the bull bar in front of the grille.......
Filtering out the bugs for the radiator. You may be able to market this with ARB....

Cheers,
Scott

[Babs]

After seeing someone else's on here done the same way, I modified the back cover to sit around the Mitch Hitch.

Looks a lot neater now, I only have to remove the right side when towing to access trailer and Anderson plugs.



112895

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[Babs]

Is anyone else's reverse sensors constantly beeping with their Mitch Hitch fitted ❓

It's obviously picking up the Hitch without the towball insert fitted. :(

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[Narangga]

Is anyone else's reverse sensors constantly beeping with their Mitch Hitch fitted ❓

It's obviously picking up the Hitch without the towball insert fitted. :(

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

Some half round bits of plastic and some super glue work a treat. Some used floor pads from a hardware store. I cut up an ice cream container lid.

[scarry]

Is anyone else's reverse sensors constantly beeping with their Mitch Hitch fitted ❓

It's obviously picking up the Hitch without the towball insert fitted. :(

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

i read somewhere the sensors can be turned around,but can't fully remember.

Someone with a better memory may chime in,or maybe the Mitch hitch guys will know.

[LRD414]

i read somewhere the sensors can be turned around,but can't fully remember.
I think that was a fix for the older style sensors only.
It's strange because my sensors are fine (MY14) but have noted a couple of people with MY15/16 having issues same as Babs.

Scott

[Nod]

No issues with Mitch Hitch being seen on my MY15.

I don't have an IIDtool (yet) but wonder what the configure for parking sensors will do/allow?

[Tombie]

No issues with Mitch Hitch being seen on my MY15.



I don't have an IIDtool (yet) but wonder what the configure for parking sensors will do/allow?



On and off... [emoji41]

[Babs]

There shouldn't be a problem seeing the Towbar/ball it's the sensors picking it up and constantly beeping when reversing.

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[Stuart02]

There shouldn't be a problem seeing the Towbar/ball it's the sensors picking it up and constantly beeping when reversing.

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

good reminder to take out the tongue and ball when not using them? :)

[sheerluck]

On and off... [emoji41]

On, rear only, both front and rear, or off. ;)

[Babs]

good reminder to take out the tongue and ball when not using them? :)

That's my point, even with the tongue and ball out the sensors still pick up the Mitch Hitch and it has a constant beep when reversing :(

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[letherm]

That's my point, even with the tongue and ball out the sensors still pick up the Mitch Hitch and it has a constant beep when reversing :(

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner
On my dash there is a button you can press to turn off the sound. Maybe you have one too.

Martin

[sheerluck]

That's my point, even with the tongue and ball out the sensors still pick up the Mitch Hitch and it has a constant beep when reversing :(

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

There's a few that have cut in half those round protectors you put on furniture legs, and stuck them over the inner half of the two inner sensors.

[scarry]

On my dash there is a button you can press to turn off the sound. Maybe you have one too.

Martin


I miss that button,not on my model D4:(,was on the D2 and was handy.

[letherm]

I miss that button,not on my model D4:(,was on the D2 and was handy.
Mine's a MY13 model. Sure glad it's there as the front sensors in the bullbar go off when the car has been left in the rain.

Martin

[Babs]

The button on the dash is for front sensor only.

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[letherm]

The button on the dash is for front sensor only.

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

Didn't know that. I wonder why?

Martin

[LRD414]

The button on the dash is for front sensor only.
Are you sure? That's odd and changed from earlier years if so.
Dash button in MY14 turns off sound for front & rear parking sensors.

Scott

[Babs]

Are you sure? That's odd and changed from earlier years if so. Dash button in MY14 turns off sound for front & rear parking sensors. Scott

To be honest I haven't checked if it works for the rear, I'm going by what the salesman told me on delivery. But in saying that the button has only lit up when front sensors are activated. I haven't noticed that dash switch light up when reversing. So sounds about right.

I will check and report back :)

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[Narangga]

There's a few that have cut in half those round protectors you put on furniture legs, and stuck them over the inner half of the two inner sensors.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-4/236517-removable-tow-hitch-disco-3-too-dangerous-what-replacements-there-8.html#post2576367 :angel: :angel: :angel:

[SBD4]

You only get the button if you have front sensors installed. It turns on/off both front and back. If turned off, the sensors are turned back on the next time the car is started or reverse is selected.

[LandyAndy]

Babs.
Try turning the juke box volume knob down when the sensors are screaming,see what that does;););););););););)
Andrew

[Babs]

Babs. Try turning the juke box volume knob down when the sensors are screaming,see what that does;););););););););) Andrew

Ha ha ha :) Yes Andy that will work too.

It's a bit like the analogy of "getting up looking for the remote for tv all over the lounge room but won't walk over to the tv to change it" remember the old days we had a rotational dial on the tv to change it. :)

Getting spoiled with all these electronics and too lazy to turn a volume dial :D

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[LandyAndy]

If its too hard to reach over to the far left to turn that knob,you could use the steering wheel control.
BLOODY DEFENDER DRIVERS:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p
ENJOY
Andrew

[Babs]

If its too hard to reach over to the far left to turn that knob,you could use the steering wheel control. BLOODY DEFENDER DRIVERS:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p ENJOY Andrew

This blooming spell check is driving me nuts. I'll try again

[Babs]

If its too hard to reach over to the far left to turn that knob,you could use the steering wheel control. BLOODY DEFENDER DRIVERS:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p ENJOY Andrew Ha ha ha :) Touch? Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner For god sake I'm trying to say T O U C H ? And when I hit send it corrects to touch. Bloody technology. Insert Mad psycho face here.

This is ridiculous it won't let me spell



113025

[Babs]

Report back.

The parking sensor button on the dash does turn of the reverse beep as well as the front. :O

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[letherm]

Ha ha ha :) Touch? Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner For god sake I'm trying to say T O U C H ? And when I hit send it corrects to touch. Bloody technology. Insert Mad psycho face here.

This is ridiculous it won't let me spell



113025
I gather you're trying to say 2 shay :p

The accent above the E in touche would be a superscript and I don't think that the editing tools here are advanced enough to cope with it.

I'd quit while you still have your sanity intact.:)

Martin

[Babs]

I gather you're trying to say 2 shay :p The accent above the E in touche would be a superscript and I don't think that the editing tools here are advanced enough to cope with it. I'd quit while you still have your sanity intact.:) Martin

Ha ha ha :) cheers Martin

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[BMKal]

I gather you're trying to say 2 shay :p

The accent above the E in touche would be a superscript and I don't think that the editing tools here are advanced enough to cope with it.

I'd quit while you still have your sanity intact.:)

Martin

I can get it to work in "Preview Post" - but when you post it, the accented "e" disappears.

[Tombie]

Seems the forum can't handle accents. [emoji41]