Thread: D4: Lost trailer hitch receiver keys. How to remove them?

Originally Posted by Ponch23

NEWBIE ALERT - I've recently purchased a 2016 D4 with the trailer hitch and receiver already attached. I wish to remove them both (and separate them if possible) but the previous owner may have lost keys already (I've asked them but I'm not holding my breath). Any advice/guidance is appreciated!


1. Removing the trailer hitch - There is a steel rod that keeps it in place and looking at the side, there is what looks to be, a key hole. Is my assumption correct? Is there a way to get a replacement key elsewhere (I'm assuming the dealer can)? There is nothing in the manual that talks to this in detail.

2. Removing the hitch receiver - Reading the manual, you need a small key to unlock and rotate the green lever (ID37 engraved in keyhole). I've read that you a typical locksmith can fabricate.

Tow hitch and receiver.jpg

Correct, any automotive locksmith can cut a replacement key for the green handle. if you give them the ID on the keyhole. Do not try to forcibly remove the hitch, you will damage the hitch and receiver.

The lower pin is to connect the receiver into the hitch, you may be able to get a spare jet cut for that as well.

I had the same when I bought mine. All sorted now with a replacement key that was cut by a locksmith.

Give the hitch a clean when you get it out and a spray of crc or wd40 inside to keep the lock mechanism working.

Near the green handle on the casting you'll find a small roll pin, use a punch to knock this out then you can remove the hitch and order a key using the code on the lock barrel. the tongue lock can be cut off with a grinder then either buy a new one or just use the normal J pin and clip.

Originally Posted by Eric SDV6SE

Correct, any automotive locksmith can cut a replacement key for the green handle. if you give them the ID on the keyhole. Do not try to forcibly remove the hitch, you will damage the hitch and receiver.

The lower pin is to connect the receiver into the hitch, you may be able to get a spare jet cut for that as well.

I had the same when I bought mine. All sorted now with a replacement key that was cut by a locksmith.

Give the hitch a clean when you get it out and a spray of crc or wd40 inside to keep the lock mechanism working.

Thanks but can I just clarify what you meant by "get a spare jet" for the lower pin? Is that also a key or a tool? Did you get a locksmith to do that for you as well? Also if you don't mind, can you share how much it cost you for both? Cheers!

You can get the Land Rover key (green handle) on e-bay using the key number stamped on the lock for $18.

May need to spray with CRC or WD40 and need a bit of force if it has not been removed in a long time. There is a small ball bearing and pin that seizes and stops you pulling the main locking plunger back if it is not removed regularly and kept well lubricated.

Easy to disassemble if it has seized up as noted above.

As has been said you can buy the keys for the green part for cheap or get it sorted by a locksmith.

The big thick pin is aftermarket I believe (likely Hayman Reese). You can probably get a replacement key I'd say. A good locksmith can easily open it. Alternatively, like suggested, just cut it off with a grinder (carefully!) And replacement. It looks like it's been sitting on there forever and the lock will likely be corroded and a pain in the butt day to day. They are easily replaced from the likes of SuperCheap, Repco, etc. Not expensive.

Good luck

Chris

Originally Posted by Ponch23

Thanks but can I just clarify what you meant by "get a spare jet" for the lower pin? Is that also a key or a tool? Did you get a locksmith to do that for you as well? Also if you don't mind, can you share how much it cost you for both? Cheers!

Sorry, autocorrect kicked in. I meant a spare key. Although I would suggest to cut the old one off with a grinder. A new tongue pin and key is about 25 bucks.


I paid about 20 bucks to have two keys cut for the LR hitch lock (the green bit) cut, the locksmith was in Midland, Perth WA and it was no issue