Disco 3 tow hitch install, reversing sensors always on

[arejaybee]

Hoping the wonderful wealth of knowledge here can help me out.
I just installed a tow hitch to my D3, it's primarily just for towing a box trailer with some gear but in general being able to tow things is useful.

My car did not have any tow hook or anything present when I bought it, am I right in understanding they came factory with a tow hook like this?
Towing hook assembly | KNB500070 - Land Rover (https://www.lrdirect.com/Parts-by-Model/Discovery-3-Parts/Body/Towing-Gear/KNB500070-Towing-hook-assembly/)

Anyway, I went to a local store in Newcastle (All Four X 4) and bought this -
https://www.allfourx4.com.au/epages/shop.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/allfourx4/Products/LR007484RH

It was bit of a pain to install, mainly installing the centre pin that goes through the tow hook, but anyway sorted -
154600154601

Firstly, see the red square in the second photo, the hitch came with this bolt and nut that was showed inserted in to a hole on the bottom side of the receiver.
What is this for?

With the above installed the reversing sensors are constantly on, I'm assuming because they're picking up the hitch sticking out the rear?
Has anyone encountered this and is there any way to resolve the issue? Bit of a pain, the sensors are useful.

Finally, seems this tow solution is very much overkill for what I'm after, it's also pretty damn unattractive and generally an inconvenience when I'm not using it (which will be most of the time).
Considering the effort involved in install/uninstall I'm thinking it may be better for me to find a second hand factory tow hook from a wrecker, is there anything wrong with that idea?

Thanks in advance!

[101RRS]

There is plenty on this if you search the site.

You need to partially block the inner two parking sensors and not leave the hitch in the receiver when not being being used.

You need to go to Bunnings and buy clear plastic floor savers - the ones about the size of the parking sensors.



If you still want the sensors to work - cut them in the shape in the pic.

Garry

[Parso]

I'm using the factory receiver (green one) but with a generic tow ball as it didn't come with one from the last owner. I get the sensor issues to. I believe you can just put some tape on the middle back sensors or something to disable them. I tow so rarely I haven't tried

[Parso]

There is plenty on this if you search the site.

You need to partially block the inner two parking sensors and not leave the hitch in the receiver when not being being used.

You need to go to Bunnings and buy clear plastic floor savers - the ones about the size of the parking sensors.



If you still want the sensors to work - cut them in the shape in the pic.

Garry

Haha ignore my comment and see above. Clearly I took too long typing.

[John_D4]

Did you consider just buying one of these? I’m not a huge expert on d3’s but I have one of these on me d4. Super easy to install and unhook


LR040248 | REAR TOW HITCH RECEIVER - NORTH AMERICAN SPEC - DISCOVERY 3 & 4 - RANGE ROVER SPORT | Land Rover | | Britcar (UK) Ltd (https://www.brit-car.co.uk/product.php/195063/5497/rear_tow_hitch_receiver___north_american_spec___di scovery_3___4___range_rover_sport)

[Parso]

A guy on Facebook Marketplace in Sydney is selling an original receiver. You should be able to find easy enough second hand or wreckers as you said.

[John_D4]

Plus is the factory receiver is 3.5 ton rated and you don’t need to muck around with the sensors

[arejaybee]

Thanks for the quick replies and reversing sensor solution, will do that now.
Sounds like getting one of the slot in tow solutions is the go so I can easily remove when not using, will have a search around second hand.
Likely be selling this heavier duty one once I do find something.

[Tombie]

Plus is the factory receiver is 3.5 ton rated and you don’t need to muck around with the sensors

So is the one the OP has fitted.

[Parso]

Plus is the factory receiver is 3.5 ton rated and you don’t need to muck around with the sensors

I still get sensor issues with my factory receiver. Maybe I'm just special

[John_D4]

I still get sensor issues with my factory receiver. Maybe I'm just special

I remove mine between uses as it hits my driveway. No sensory issues when it’s in tho

[John_D4]

So is the one the OP has fitted.

Agreed. Just making another plus point for the factory hitch

[Parso]

I remove mine between uses as it hits my driveway. No sensory issues when it’s in tho

You're right sorry. Mine are when the Hayman Reese Trailer Hitch tongue is in the receiver. The receiver itself is fine.

[John_D4]

While we’re talking about receivers. Where do u store the tongue when it’s not in use? I’ve worked out where the green bit goes just not the tongue

[Tombie]

While we’re talking about receivers. Where do u store the tongue when it’s not in use? I’ve worked out where the green bit goes just not the tongue

Should be a bag for the tongue. With a clip to attach it to one of the 4 tie down points in the back.

[loanrangie]

I strap my tongue onto the foam hitch block behind the left rear panel.

[101RRS]

Thanks for the quick replies and reversing sensor solution, will do that now.
Sounds like getting one of the slot in tow solutions is the go so I can easily remove when not using, will have a search around second hand.
Likely be selling this heavier duty one once I do find something.

No, No, No

Stay with what you have now got - I have the Mitchell Bros Hitch which is similar to what you have - what you have now is the best option.

If you go an original D3 hitch you will have issues anywhere offroad with it hanging down so low - it is called the plough for a reason. The D4 hitch is better but still hangs down and is hard to find second hand and generally expensive. Oh and by the way this item:
"My car did not have any tow hook or anything present when I bought it, am I right in understanding they came factory with a tow hook like this?
Towing hook assembly | KNB500070 - Land Rover (https://www.lrdirect.com/Parts-by-Model/Discovery-3-Parts/Body/Towing-Gear/KNB500070-Towing-hook-assembly/)

Is not Australian spec and is not legal - you need an Aussie spec version which is 2 piece and complianced.

This is mine - no reversing sensor alarms with the covers like I listed above - the inner sensor still work OK when shielded.

154619154620

[arejaybee]

No, No, No

Stay with what you have now got - I have the Mitchell Bros Hitch which is similar to what you have - what you have now is the best option.

If you go an original D3 hitch you will have issues anywhere offroad with it hanging down so low - it is called the plough for a reason. The D4 hitch is better but still hangs down and is hard to find second hand and generally expensive. Oh and by the way this item:
"My car did not have any tow hook or anything present when I bought it, am I right in understanding they came factory with a tow hook like this?
Towing hook assembly | KNB500070 - Land Rover (https://www.lrdirect.com/Parts-by-Model/Discovery-3-Parts/Body/Towing-Gear/KNB500070-Towing-hook-assembly/)

Is not Australian spec and is not legal - you need an Aussie spec version which is 2 piece and complianced.

This is mine - no reversing sensor alarms with the covers like I listed above - the inner sensor still work OK when shielded.

154619154620

Thanks for that 101RRS. I have already added the clear covers for the sensors, I think I might try cutting a little more off as the sensors do work, but I have to be a lot closer to an object before they start beeping now, not as useful.

Hm 🤔

Did you cut the factory cover in to two pieces so that you could hide the plugs and cavity? Looks tidy.

I just so rarely ever tow that the removable one is a lot more attractive to me.

[Tombie]

Thanks for that 101RRS. I have already added the clear covers for the sensors, I think I might try cutting a little more off as the sensors do work, but I have to be a lot closer to an object before they start beeping now, not as useful.

Hm [emoji848]

Did you cut the factory cover in to two pieces so that you could hide the plugs and cavity? Looks tidy.

I just so rarely ever tow that the removable one is a lot more attractive to me.

You’ll stop noticing it in a week or 2 [emoji41]

[101RRS]

I just so rarely ever tow that the removable one is a lot more attractive to me.

Maybe you should have researched the issue more thoroughly first and determined what tow arrangement the vehicles came with as standard and its pros and cons.[thumbsupbig]

You need to find a D4 hitch (receiver) and the associated Haymen Reece style hitch that goes with it - not cheap if you can find one.

[John_D4]

Here u go


Genuine Land Rover Discovery 4 RRS Tow Hitch Receiver Part LR0402 | Auto Body parts | Gumtree Australia Donnybrook Area - Argyle | 1220742808 (https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/argyle/auto-body-parts/genuine-land-rover-discovery-4-rrs-tow-hitch-receiver-part-lr0402/1220742808?utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ios_social)

[Roger ss]

bolt is to stop the bar from rattling when tightened onto the bar.

Roger

[NavyDiver]

I have removed my original LD tow hitch and installed one like yours. My original is sitting in the garage. Will add it to for sale items if I get around to it. [biggrin]
Listed https://www.aulro.com/afvb/body-and-external-accessories-for-sale/274511-d3-4-ld-tow-hitch.html#post2942456

[John_D4]

I have removed my original LD tow hitch and installed one like yours. My original is sitting in the garage. Will add it to for sale items if I get around to it. [biggrin]
Listed https://www.aulro.com/afvb/body-and-external-accessories-for-sale/274511-d3-4-ld-tow-hitch.html#post2942456

Curious, why the change?

[DazzaTD5]

I would also recommend to the OP to stay with the hitch they have or anything like a Mitchell Bros Hitch. They are built solid and personally I would not risk using a Land Rover branded "quick release" tow hitch.

Just search here AULRO or google, the Land Rover hitch has been known to fall out. This was highlighted here a few years ago.

[NavyDiver]

Curious, why the change?

4WDing with the LD hitch is well known as the biggest bump with exit ramp over significantly compromised. I bottomed out with a camper trailer on more than enough to change. I have a Mitch hitch. It does make people stay a little further off my butt which I do not mind at all as I never like tailgaters[thumbsupbig] It depends a little which hitch I use to how far back people stay. A longer straight one seems to move people back a longer way. If they hit it I assume good bye to the radiator on almost any car.

LD hitch is a lot like

154710

[Tombie]

Should have hung one off the front of your bike [emoji41]

How’s the rehab?

[NavyDiver]

Should have hung one off the front of your bike [emoji41]

How’s the rehab?
Walking like a Duck and loving doing so [biggrin]

[John_D4]

So as new D4 owner I was in love with the standard D4 hitch. I quite like the idea of being able to remove it. So after hearing about all the bad things that have happened I decided to examine mine better. I dropped the spare (which incidentally doesn’t rub) and noticed that the pin isn’t going into the securing hole properly (only partially entering the hole)

I’m no longer comfortable towing our 2 ton camper and are now in the market for an aftermarket hitch. We’ve had a wheel come of our camper previously so I’m a bit more safety conscious now.

Thanks everyone for making me aware of this problem.

From what I’ve read, the Mitch hitch seems like the one to buy? I do like the rhino ox but it doesn’t seem to be available in Australia

[101RRS]

Beware of buying anything from overseas as most (all) will not be certified for Australian use. Modern towbars/hitches need the Aust compliance sticker/plate attached to them - not sure whether the genuine D4/D3 has it though.

[John_D4]

Beware of buying anything from overseas as most (all) will not be certified for Australian use. Modern towbars/hitches need the Aust compliance sticker/plate attached to them - not sure whether the genuine D4/D3 has it though.

Yes, I’m aware. I know the insurance companies will be keen to refuse a payment on the grounds of using a non Australian design standard product

[John_D4]

The Mitch Hitch is about $200 m ore than the recovery brand. Is the Mitch hitch $200 better? They’re both rated to the same 3.5t 350kg

[101RRS]

The Mitch Hitch is about $200 m ore than the recovery brand. Is the Mitch hitch $200 better? They’re both rated to the same 3.5t 350kg

What is a Recovery Brand? I googled that and nothing comes up.

Did see this Mitch Hitch though MITCH HITCH - Triumph Rover Spares (https://triumphroverspares.com.au/product/mitch-hitch/)

[arejaybee]

What is a Recovery Brand? I googled that and nothing comes up.

Did see this Mitch Hitch though MITCH HITCH - Triumph Rover Spares (https://triumphroverspares.com.au/product/mitch-hitch/)

Here's the Recovery one for sale through All Four x 4 where I purchased mine.
https://www.allfourx4.com.au/Tow-Hitch-Tow-Ball-35t-for-Discovery-3-Discovery-4-Range-Rover-Sport

Note the reviews state some of the installation pains.

[John_D4]

What is a Recovery Brand? I googled that and nothing comes up.

Did see this Mitch Hitch though MITCH HITCH - Triumph Rover Spares (https://triumphroverspares.com.au/product/mitch-hitch/)

No, I didn’t think of TRS actually. Thanks


Mitch Hitch

Mitchell Bros Hi-Rise Tow Hitch – Mitchell Bros 4x4 - Mitch Hitch (https://www.mitchhitch.com.au/products/mitch-hitch)

Recovery

https://www.allfourx4.com.au/Tow-Hitch-Tow-Ball-35t-for-Discovery-3-Discovery-4-Range-Rover-Sport

[101RRS]

Ok - that is a British Motor Imports (Windsor) hitch (see the compliance sticker).

So is made overseas but is correctly complianced in Australia by BMI (BMI is a LR part wholesaler/retailer and is the major importer of LR parts in Eastern Aust - supply many of the independents).

I guess it comes down to preference - local made or the imported knockoff.

Garry