Thread: Weight Distribtution Bars on Disco 3

We were discussing this on our trip yesterday with WhiteD3.

We do use them on Dad's SE D3 when towing the boat but as to wether we should or need to I don't know?

Be interested to hear what others think.

Hi Peterpam,
It's best to not start the same thread in two difference parts of AULRO.

Moderators, I suggest that this thread be merged with that on the Series 3 SIG and moved to the D3 Zone.

Thanks All,

Originally Posted by peterpam

Can anyone tell me whether weight distibution bars can be fitted to a Discovery 3 SE. I seem to be getting mixed messages. We tow a 20ft 3 tonne caravan.

With a Caravan of that weight, I'd suggest a Hayman Reece towing hitch. It will lift the dead weight off the rear of the vehicle and help put more weight forward to the steering wheels.
They also help a little to stabilize the whole rig.

Originally Posted by RonMcGr

With a Caravan of that weight, I'd suggest a Hayman Reece towing hitch. It will lift the dead weight off the rear of the vehicle and help put more weight forward to the steering wheels.
They also help a little to stabilize the whole rig.

Hi Ron,
It looks like you & I are going to "lock horns" on this one.

You make your statement without any reference to towball load. With SLS if the load exceeds that permitted by LR, the load distribution should be adjusted - not a "patch" attempted.

If the towball load is within spec. no load levellers necessary (or recommended).

Best Wishes,

Originally Posted by Bushwanderer

Hi Ron,
It looks like you & I are going to "lock horns" on this one.

You make your statement without any reference to towball load. With SLS if the load exceeds that permitted by LR, the load distribution should be adjusted - not a "patch" attempted.

If the towball load is within spec. no load levellers necessary (or recommended).

Best Wishes,

Peter,
"Locking Horns" is not exactly a term I would use.

However, seeing that you have made this statement: "If the towball load is within spec. no load levellers necessary (or recommended)."

How big is the Caravan you tow behind your vehicle?

My Caravan is only just over a tonne and I use them as the **** of the Disco drops when the van is connected.
The WDH keeps the whole rig, LEVEL.

Peterpams van is 3 TONNE!! That would be far worse than mine. I realise Land Rovers are almost perfect, however every other large 4WD you see on the road towing a large caravan, has WDH fitted.

I look forward to your reply

I'm with Ron on this one.
Our (now ex) boat was 2.8t (~240kg ball) and it was plain dangerous at highway speeds with out the LDH. Yes I know I only have a D2 but the SLS rear end works the same. It’s when you take weight off the front axle that the steering geometries change. The D3 has SLS front so the height will remain the same (by reducing preasure) but the spring & shock rate will be vastly different. LDH also takes any “bucking” out of the rig at speed over poor highway foundations.

I think the concern is SLS would allow you to overload the LDH and cause undue stress to the towbar. I first set mine up with the car battery disconnected (to disable SLS) – took measurements front and rear (wheel centre to top of wheel arch) with no trailer – hitched trailer and adjusted LDH so both front and rear dropped the same distance. Marked LDH chains with paint to ensure the same adjustment each time. It would be possible to over stress LDH if the SLS is not disabled as the SLS will continue to adjust and the weight will not be able to be measured (if that makes sence)

Shocks on the trailer/van also make a huge difference.

There is some conjecture over whether or not weight distributing equipment is required or even necessary on a Discovery with SLS when towing.

I own a TD5 with SLS and tow a 17 ft. caravan with an all up weight in excess of 1600 kg. and use a Hayman Reece device.

The difference with and without the load levelling equipment is considerable.

Even though Land Rover do not recommend the use of this equipment on vehicles with SLS, I never the less use it and would not consider towing the van without it.

I realise that this is not answering the question regarding the Disco 3 but I guess the same principles apply..

Cheers

A bulletin from Land Rover Australia states do not use load levelling devices on Discovery 3 fitted with air suspension.