Thread: Tow ball weight

yes, L322 is 3500kg / 250kg. No way to increase it.

I use to use one of these Hayman Reese - Weight Distribution Systems - Hayman Reese

Had it on my f250 when towing my boat 4500kg total ball weight was only 250kg so had the same problem..... it works you can see the back of the car lift a little once you tension them , It really works and keeps the trailer steady .

Your other option is to slide the axels forward a little l to reduce ball weight if possible .or load the camper accordingly more weight on the back for example .

In any case you don't want to be towing with you ball weight on the upper threshold of its capacity it's not a very comfy ride nor is it the safest option in an emergency braking situation .

WDH are not suitable for the D3/D4/RRS (air suspension) so I assume that it would be the same for the L322 with its air suspension.

I am surprised the L322 has such a low ball weight when all the other full size land rover products are 350kg.

Garry

me too Garry (surprised), but seems it is so. Different chassis design to RRS and Disco 3 / 4 ofcourse so I assume that is the reason.

Originally Posted by garrycol

I am surprised the L322 has such a low ball weight when all the other full size land rover products are 350kg.

Garry

L322 is monocoque, I assume that is the reason.

Even towing 3 tonne, 250Kg ball weight is plenty. I know most run off the 10% rule, but once you get a couple of hundred Kg over the back, your sorted.

Oh - and I wouldn't use a WDH behind the L322.

As others have said 3500 kg towing weight / 250 kg tow ball weight .
AND don't use a WDH. Even Hayman Reece will tell you this.

Gary

I use WDH (550lb kit), always have, always will. Used it on the D2 since new in ’99 (still using it), used it for 6 years with the L322. Towing just on 3t. It makes a huge difference to highway manners.

When I bought my D2 (SLS) in 1999 the dealer sold me an aftermarket receiver so WDH hitch could be used – I ask, why can I use WDH with D2 fitted with an aftermarket receiver and air suspension but I can’t with a D3??? I visited Hayman Reece who explained the problem with air suspension.

It masks how much pressure you have on the bars. Essentially when you have steel springs you can see the back lift and have some idea of how much tension you have, with air it keeps adjusting until you have so much tension the factory receiver under the D2 would twist and buckle – hence the dealers swapping the receiver (do a search in D2 section for the LR bulletin). The receiver under D3/4/RRS SNAPS OFF! Have a look under L322, it’s solid.

The gentleman at Reece, gave a strict set of instructions. When setting up the WDH for the first time with air suspension, it must be done with the battery disconnected so the suspension can’t level (same result if you leave a door open).

Park the car on level ground ready to hitch.
Measure distance from wheel center to top of guard (front & back).
Disconnect battery
Lower trailer on ball and hitch up (at this time the car will sit bum down)
Install WDH bars
Measure from wheel center to top of guard
Adjust bars so front and rear have same height drop.
Mark chains with paint to ensure same settings next time.
Connect battery
Go

The real problem stems from the stupid hitch receiver that is fitted to D3/4. There was never a problem with RRC or P38a with air suspension. Never a problem with L322 at the start (I looked at the TD6 in 2002 and spoke to dealer about it). Never a problem with D2 if you changed the receiver (Austral LR had a pile of factory receivers in their underground carpark when I picked mine up). But when D3 came out, and a couple snapped the casting clean off while towing, the policy of LR quickly changed to “No WDH with air suspension” - it is easy to blame the WDH. Reece got very scared and decided it easier to agree, after all they do supply LR with all their "genuine" towing tongues in Aus and north america, so there's a bussiness deal to look after.

Reece will happily sell a kit for VW toureg with air (which allows height changes with trailer connected), Prado 120 (top range) with air, ML merc with air. They will happily sell and actively advise to use with a Ford Explorer with air, the LTD/Fairlane with air and the Landcruiser Sahara with whatever self levelling system it has. No issues because they have a solid connection between the receiver and chassis. The big sedans actually have a sub frame installed inside the boot area to strengthen them up - but that is the case for coil sedans as well.

You can buy an extended WDH tongue for the L322 from Reece – solid shaft like the factory tongue, this does however technically exceed the overhang specified in the owners manual. But it does allow for height adjustment.