Thread: LR Disco '94 to Haul Dirtbike

I wouldn't think it would be any different to putting a trailer on weight wise.
It would load the same as a caravan with a simmilar ball load.
I'd like to know what others think too.

The few comments I can think of are..
A/ What will that weight(plus your fuel and gear) do to the rear of the Disco?
..You might be in need of springs for the weight.
B/ Will the bike fitt on with the spare wheel fitted on the back door?
..Look at where your tow ball is now compared to the rear of the tyre.
C/ What lights are being blocked from vision? And the number plate too.
..May have to make somthing up like the boaties do to hang off the back when in use.

A long time ago I used to drive a 1600cc Galant with a bike rack attached to the tow bar - it carried my Honda SL125 without too many problems but reached its limit with four guys onboard and a boot full of gear.

I used to travel between Melbourne and Sydney on the old Goat Track. So a Disco should have no issues.

Garry

thanks for replies.

did a quick measurement.

the width of vehicle - 1.75m
the width of my bike (front tire tip to rear tire tip) - 2.35m

so, lots of overhang on each side

should i even continue contemplating this idea with such a large overhang on both sides of vehicle?

is this even legal to have this much overhang?

byte

It's only a foot either side
Lots of vans of the same width on the road but...
You need to see whats happening behind you so miror extentions maybe.
Alot of width for the tracks your going in on too.

I think you'd just attract unwanted attention to yourself at that width.
Even if it was legal(I don't know about side overhang) you would have to prove it each time you get "lets have a chat" lights behind you

What did you have agaist a trailer?
I know of a few guys who have vans for their bikes now(Transit van ect.).
Tie the bike in the back and no security issues when at the shops.
When out chain the bike to a tree and sleep in the back.
Lots of room for amps and doof doof music too

thanks alien d2.

i am glad i spent the time posting this thread today - saved me alot of heartache and dollars in case i went ahead with this unit.

i will not pursue this unit any further.

actually, i do have a bike trailer - but was trying to find better alternatives.

Perhaps i should put new plate on it and rig the bike up properly, and use it afterall.....

Using a van would be ideal, but i don't think the rs would allow a third car in the family and i don't want to give up my trusty landy

byte

OK...


I walked my birtbike up to rear of the Landy and observed the overhang on each side is not as much as I thought.

I think it may be a goer.

I will contact the local Roads Dept on Wednesday and get clarity on what the law states about this overhang.

I am thinking of still proceeding with this choice now and will definitely use an external set of portable lights / number plate to hang on bike also.

My only query now is this - the tounge weight capacity of the Hayman Reece Towbar.

I know it can easily cope with towing, but how would it cope with a 105kg weight hanging off it with the weight force (with gravity) always downward.

Will the sub-frame of the towbar fatigue?

How would I know this sub-frame is strong enough?

Byte

I believe the smallest tow ball weight for a Hayman Reece on landie is the Disco 1 at about 120kg. Most are greater.

So as long as your bike and rack weigh less that the max tow ball weight you will be fine. You towbar plaque will list the ball weight.

thanks.

The plaque states 120kg max loading.

Damn it - Looks like I will be around 10kg over this limit when the total mass of both carrier and bike added together.

I know these things have safety factors built into them, so your thoughts on putting a 130kg mass on this towball which is rated at 120kg max??


Byte