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

**Stuart02** · 7th June 2016, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by MR LR

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** · 15th July 2016, 02:45 PM

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** · 15th July 2016, 02:54 PM

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** · 15th July 2016, 02:56 PM

Further out pic

Tombie · 15th July 2016, 02:58 PM

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** · 15th July 2016, 03:08 PM

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

**Stuart02** · 15th July 2016, 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by 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

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

**Stealthylandy** · 15th July 2016, 04:22 PM

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** · 15th July 2016, 07:30 PM

At least you will gain a few horsepower towing that loaded

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

Tombie · 15th July 2016, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by Stealthylandy

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.

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

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