Tow hitch questions

[Ranga]

As previously mentioned, I'm a Defender owner and know 3/5 of bugger all about Discos :)

My father has recently bought a Disco 3, and came around to get me to help him remove the original tow hitch lock as it didn't come with a key. So I removed it via the usual method regarding the pin, only to find out the replacement supplied does not match the original. This had us looking around for solutions and instructions.

Then we noticed the Ritter conversion kit to move the OEM hitch up higher and away from the spare. This seemed like a better option. So, what's the go - stick with the original, or replace it with a conversion model? Also, do you need to remove the original to remove the spare?

[LandyAndy]

If he isn't doing any serious towing off-road simply get a D4 version.You can remove the spare and they swap.
Andrew

[Ranga]

If he isn't doing any serious towing off-road simply get a D4 version.You can remove the spare and they swap.
Andrew
Thanks Andy - how does the D4 version differ?

[LandyAndy]

Different angle,doesnt sit as low.The D3 version is known as the plough.Its a direct fit on the D3.
Andrew

[l00kin4]

D4 top, D3 bottom

119828
David

[Ranga]

Thanks again - where's the best place to sort a D4 version, and how much are they?

[DiscoJeffster]

You can wait until one shows up on eBay, else many LR secondhand showrooms have them kicking around.

[LandyAndy]

Put a wanted add up.
Plenty of the D4 mob use a Mitch hitch wich renders the factory hitch of no use.They do pop up in the markets area,D3 blokes look for them.
Andrew

[PeterJ]

D4 top, D3 bottom

119828
David

So if we used the centre of the key hole as a reference point, or the locking pin if the D3 version has the same as the D4, how much higher is the D4 towball ?

Thanks....................Peter

[ATH]

Looks about 50mm higher to me Peter. I'm going through the same exercise with our D4 but baulk at the cost of a Mitch Hitch.......ridiculously expensive as far as I'm concerned.
I think I'll buy what LandyAndy has suggested which is an adjustable hitch after turning my present thing upside down and checking the ride height of the van. Vehicle and van are dead flat behind the Defender but I have to check it behind the D4 yet.
Cheers.
AlanH.

[Ranga]

The other attraction is the D4 version doesn't sit under the spare. I assume you can't remove the spare with the D3 hitch on - is this correct?

[LandyAndy]

Yes
Andrew