Towing with 2004 TD6

[Elgee]

I've just bought a 2004 TD6 Rangie. After towing a 2.3 tonne caravan with classic Rangies using Hayman Reese levelling hitches for years I contacted Hayman Reese to set up this car and was told that Land Rover don't recommend levelling hitches. Asked a couple of dealers who were not much help. Anybody towing that weight who canadvise?

[BigJon]

If you use the search function you will see what a can of worms you have opened.

LR don't recommend them, therefore I think you shouldn't use them, but some people here have different opinions.

[DirtyDawg]

If the manufacturer doesn't recommend it be warned an insurance claim for both the van and the car might not be worth the stamp on the envelope it was sent in.

[LandyAndy]

Surely if the vehicle has "Self Leveling Suspension" as standard it would negate the need to fit it to the hitch???
Andrew

[harlie]

I’ve been using the Reese system with Air suspension Landys for over 10 years (2.8t boat) and can say that Air Suspension vehicles don’t gain as much advantage as steel sprung but they still experience a vast improvement in ride and handling – there is a lot more to it than sitting level – easy to see who has not used them.

Your TD6 has a real tow bar so that’s good but there are extra steps to the initial set up due to air suspension that I was given by Hayman Reese rep ages ago - I’ve sent you a PM with these instructions.

LandRover started their “don’t recommend” when the D2 was released and in the beginning they just advised that the standard tow bar be swapped for a heavier setup. Now that they sell the D3 and RR Sport with absolutely pathetic tow bars that have actually snapped off with a Reese kit - their line is “we don’t recommend it”. It is not illegal or breach any ADRs - when My brother purchased a D3 we checked with his insurance and their response was simple. “If the tow bar is upgraded then fine”. Land Rover never had a problem with our old EAS Classics or P38As....

Check with your insurance – I’m with AAMI and they have responded in writing that they have no issue, mentioning that they recognise many heavy trailer / Caravan manufactures recommend it. The Kit is even listed on the policy as an accessory.

[Elgee]

Thanks for the advice, The worms are everwhere! It's been heavy going even before I start heavy towing with the new machine. It has been difficult to get a real answer from a dealer, usually bring it down and we will sell you something!
Awaiting answers from another couple of specialists then maybe I will check with my insurance company and possibly try with and without.