Thread: Can't seem to remove the tow bar holder

Originally Posted by speleomike

I don't have a key for the hitch either.

If had been previously locked then you will need a key to get it off.

Maybe contact dealer with your VIN to get a new one.

if you look carefully on the key barrel, there will be a short number, ie, 1D42.
can order a new key from below with this number


Land Rover Tow Bar Keys - Towbar Keys - Vehicle Keys - Replacement Keys



once you have it unlocked, use wd40 and a hammer to tap it out

If it was locked you wouldn't be able to turn the green bit at all. Gently tap it with a hammer, while having that green bit fully turned.

Ron

I remove mine after every trip but it still is reluctant sometimes. As I've no spare wheel in the way I pop under with a small hammer and a bit of round bar and give it a tap or two on the end of the spigot. Out it comes easy then.
Give it a good clean plus wash out the hole it goes into and she's ready for the next time.
AlanH.

In my hitch, the key can't be removed while the hitch is in the unlocked position. So if there is no key in the hitch then I would assume it is locked and no amount of tapping is going to get it off.

Further, I can rotate the green knob most of the way when locked. It just won't retract the lock bar the last few mm to allow it to slip out of the receiver assembly.

Hi all

Thanks for the advice. Saw the small number. May as well get a key before I try tapping it out. Looks like that UK place is the lowest cost. Shame there isn't a place in Sydney to just supply a key. Getting a key from the UK just seems wrong from an environment perspective. More expensive is a new complete barrel from LR.

Mike

I went to buy some genuine roof racks from LR Dealer #1 here in Perth. Was the last trading day of the year last December so a late decision for the holidays to avoid fitting the big tray. On arriving at the parts office he very kindly told me that the last box of racks was missing the keys so he could not sell it. The flimsy box was heavily damaged.

Debating the options he kindly rang associated LR dealer #2 who had one last set in stock and I headed off on the lengthy trip to buy it. After driving the longer trip home I unpacked it and (you guessed it) no keys in the packet .

I rang #2 parts man (after triple checking packet) with a tear in my eye who apologised after checking again for the stray keys and said the advice they give all owners with lost keys is to read the lock number and head down to the Thule dealer who can provide replacement keys. They are a Thule unit apparently 🤫

So I ring the Thule shop which is a generic roof rack shop about 500m from LR #1. Yes they have the keys for $20 and are open for the next 2 hours. My head is exploding now with the pain!!!!!!!!!

Long story short- looked at the lock and it looks like the keys we have in the house for all the window winder and security screen locks. We have a bunch of about 20 keys of this style.

The code numbers don’t match but sure enough on the 3rd try it worked perfectly. A minor miracle. Cue that holy music miracle tune.

These style of locks are very generic so see what you might have in the house with those small keys or check with the Thule shop for a number match.

Or find another Disco owner and try theirs. Very good chance it will be a match.

Originally Posted by speleomike

Hi all

Thanks for the advice. Saw the small number. May as well get a key before I try tapping it out. Looks like that UK place is the lowest cost. Shame there isn't a place in Sydney to just supply a key. Getting a key from the UK just seems wrong from an environment perspective. More expensive is a new complete barrel from LR.

Mike

If you just want to remove the hitch then you can tap out the little roll pin and pull the assembly apart, then just reassemble once your keys arrive (i bought mine from them as well) .
Now have a mitch hitch so no longer worry about keys or removal.