Towbar heights again.

[LandyAndy]

Fossiking around in the shed trying to create some law and order so I can get some camper trailer work done.
Had to remove the D4 hitch so I did some measurements.
It seems I need an inverted 100mm drop towbar for the camper trailer to sit level at normal ride height.Its a fair lift,a factory D2 hitch is the correct height,but they are re-inforced on the underside so I cant fit a Tregg fitting,will need to find an aftermarket reese style hitch.
Anybody used an inverted 100mm drop on a D3 or D4???,do they tow ok???guessing it way outside Land Rovers guidlines.
Andrew

[LGM]

Andrew,

I am working on the theory that there is an element of redundancy built into all aspects of the vehicle for those of us who are at times pushing the envelope.

I tow a Track Trailer TVan which when fully loaded is about 1.5t and around 180kg down force on the ball.

I have been carting it around behind my D4 since 2013 and it never misses a beat. Sits really well and travels like a dream which makes towing so so easy.

Pic Attached

Linds

[RickO]

Hi Andrew,

I have a MitchHitch and needed to drop the height for the treg hitch for my offroad Jayco and went with a 3.5t adjustable hitch from PROBAR - very happy.

TRAILER BALL MOUNT - 3.5T ADJUSTABLE - $150.00 : PROBAR, Trailer, Caravan, Towing Parts and Accessories

They also do a 2.5t model:

TRAILER BALL MOUNT - 2.5T ADJUSTABLE - $95.00 : PROBAR, Trailer, Caravan, Towing Parts and Accessories

Just one note though, the tongue ended up being too long so I had to cut it down and re drill the pin hole.

Cheers,
Paul

[LandyAndy]

Andrew,

I am working on the theory that there is an element of redundancy built into all aspects of the vehicle for those of us who are at times pushing the envelope.

I tow a Track Trailer TVan which when fully loaded is about 1.5t and around 180kg down force on the ball.

I have been carting it around behind my D4 since 2013 and it never misses a beat. Sits really well and travels like a dream which makes towing so so easy.

Pic Attached

Linds

That will help,any idea what brand the hitch is.
It should bring it up to the same height as the D2,which I made it for.Was concerned the lower tailgate wouldnt be able to be opened,it will be close as I have a tregg hitch.It missed the door on the D2 by mms ON LEVEL GROUND!!!!,at least we have an upper hatch.
Andrew

[LGM]

Andrew,

Can't see a name stamped on the hitch itself. When I bought it from the Caravan dealer it was in a bin of like hitches marked Hayman Reese. Mind you that means nothing as they no doubt buy the things by the job lot!

My TVan has a Hitchmaster DO35 hitch and when coupled to the D4 the tailgate clears the hitch by around 10 to 15mm.

Lindsay

[wbowner]

Andrew
I used a 100mm+ drop, inverted or as they call it the rise to tow a van around
I was using the LR d4 hitch

It was a hayman Reese one

I can't remember the model number and am on the road so can't check, sorry.

It towed ok

I now have a Mitch hitch and a different TBM.


Richard

[kelvo]

Would have thought a Mitch Hitch would let you use a 'normal' tow-bar.

Land Rover parts and servicing specialists - British Off Road - Mitchell Bros

[wbowner]

Would have thought a Mitch Hitch would let you use a 'normal' tow-bar.

Land Rover parts and servicing specialists - British Off Road - Mitchell Bros

As mentioned I have a new one, TBM, with the Mitch hitch, I used a 100mm rise when I had the LR hitch
TBM = tow ball mount

I use new TBM to tow van and the old one ,non inverted , to tow my trailer



Richard

[LandyAndy]

Thanks Guys.
I do prefer the Mitch hitch,mainly due to clearance and the spare wheel accses,however Im thinking I will get an adjustable hitch to expirement with first.I may have to sacrifice some trailer nose down to open the the lower tailgate whilst travelling.At the moment I havent got my engel cubby/slide installed,just have the 80lt engel sitting at the rear on the rear seats removed floor,I actually prefer this setup to the cubby box.However once travelling it will need to go in which means the lower door needs to be opened to slide the fridge.Will also need to swap the spring mechanism on the tregg pin so excess length protrudes below the hitch rather than on top,guessing that is a no brainer.
Andrew

[wbowner]

Thanks Guys.
I do prefer the Mitch hitch,mainly due to clearance and the spare wheel accses,however Im thinking I will get an adjustable hitch to expirement with first.I may have to sacrifice some trailer nose down to open the the lower tailgate whilst travelling.At the moment I havent got my engel cubby/slide installed,just have the 80lt engel sitting at the rear on the rear seats removed floor,I actually prefer this setup to the cubby box.However once travelling it will need to go in which means the lower door needs to be opened to slide the fridge.Will also need to swap the spring mechanism on the tregg pin so excess length protrudes below the hitch rather than on top,guessing that is a no brainer.
Andrew

Andrew
You will need to raise the fridge slide else it will hit the tailgate.

Richard