Series/County Tow Bars

[djam1]

Guys
I have a Series with the standard 2 bolt tow bar I need to move it down few inches but I have a couple of questions.
Has anyone ever broken one of the standard tow bars (eg bolts) when towing?
As the County and Series had a factory ball weight maximum of 75kg I am concerned that a Camper Trailer that I will be using has a 85 kg weight.

Thanks in advance

Duane

[Davo]

Hi Duane. I didn't see this question before or I would have answered sooner!

I take it you mean the olden dayes hitch that Series vehicles had. Is it: basically a really thick bit of steel bar folded into a U shape, with a separate heavy crosspiece welded on. The crosspiece takes the two 5/8" (I think) bolts that go onto a drop plate that's shaped like a wide, shallow channel, and that part bolts to the rear crossmember.

If that's it, you won't be breaking those bolts too easily.

If you want to lower it, that's fine but because of the leverage involved you should have two support struts from the bottom of the plate to the chassis. Yes, more work, but very important.

The 75kg limit is, I think, more to do with the suspension and I don't see why you wouldn't be fine.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Guys
I have a Series with the standard 2 bolt tow bar I need to move it down few inches but I have a couple of questions.
Has anyone ever broken one of the standard tow bars (eg bolts) when towing?
As the County and Series had a factory ball weight maximum of 75kg I am concerned that a Camper Trailer that I will be using has a 85 kg weight.

Thanks in advance

Duane
Duane

Are you using the standard "U" bracket that lowers the 2 bolt tow jaws about 50 mm below the Series LR chassis (100mm below the County chassis)? These were a standard fitting on Series Land Rovers and fixed with 4 bolts (2 large and 2 small). I have never seen one broken or even bent, although I have seen them bend the chassis.

Where did you get the 75Kg ball weight of the Series Land Rover? The Discovery Series 1 and 2 had a 75Kg ball weight and required a towing kit, but I have never heard that specification for a leaf sprung Series Land Rover! :confused:

Diana

[JDNSW]

Duane

.......
Where did you get the 75Kg ball weight of the Series Land Rover? The Discovery Series 1 and 2 had a 75Kg ball weight and required a towing kit, but I have never heard that specification for a leaf sprung Series Land Rover! :confused:

Diana

Same here - none of the owners manuals I have mention ball weight - I don't think anyone had thought about it until the nineties.

I have seen the tongues on the Series hitch bent but never known one to fail, and certainly never heard of a drop plate bending or breaking. Also never seen one bend a chassis, but I suppose it could happen, particularly if it was a bit rusty.

John

[djam1]

The specs of 75 kg is in the owners manual I wasnt concerned about bending the plate but wondered about the bolts.
I could just imagine the insurance company having a hissy fit if the trailer broke loose if it was over 75 kg I couldnt imagine even the biggest ***** of a copper wouldnt pick that (maybe Im wrong)

Duane

[JDNSW]

Provided the bolts are original, and in good condition, I doubt there is anything to worry about with the difference between 75 and 85kg - the down load will impose a lot less load on the bolts than will the push - pull of perhaps a couple of tonnes of trailer, especially when you go from braking to pulling with an override brake!

My understanding is that the download limit is to avoid possible handling problems due to the transfer of weight off the front wheels. And even with this in mind, I rather doubt that the difference between 75 and 85kg will make a perceptible difference with the stiff leaf springs on the Series.

John

[Lotz-A-Landies]

...I have seen the tongues on the Series hitch bent but never known one to fail, and certainly never heard of a drop plate bending or breaking. Also never seen one bend a chassis, but I suppose it could happen, particularly if it was a bit rusty.

John
John

I think the particular vehicle was chained to the proverbial immovable object then they took off at speed. When the slack of the chain was taken up there was nothing left to bend.

You're correct about the tow ball down weight - none of my workshop or owners manuals list it as a spec.

Diana