Member Since: 10 Mar 2017
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 1072
Is this tow bar re-useable with a new lock?
Managed finally to get this off the car. With lots of swearing!
Question is, can I just get a new lock and key and reuse it? Its been on the car for god knows how long, exactly as you see it ie nothing in the hole etc.
Cheers
28th Apr 2019 2:29 pm
Ted Newman
Member Since: 09 Oct 2010
Location: SE London
Posts: 840
Looks a bit worn for me I wouldn't trust it.LR Discovery 4 XS pulling an Airstream 532 Caravan also own (since new) a 1996 MGF
28th Apr 2019 2:39 pm
Philip1972
Member Since: 10 Mar 2017
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 1072
Thats what I wondered. Seemed like it was held in by rust.
Although it has survived 5 return trips to the alps with a back bak on it
28th Apr 2019 2:44 pm
PROFSR G
Member Since: 06 Mar 2017
Location: Lost
Posts: 4626
Better to replace it really with a new ball hitch, they do wear so a new one will give you confidence and peace of mind too!yµ (idµ - eAµ) ψ=mψ
28th Apr 2019 3:17 pm
Philip1972
Member Since: 10 Mar 2017
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 1072
Thanks.
How difficult are the fixed kits to fit? Would one of those be better?
Looking around, a fixed is around the same price as a removable.
28th Apr 2019 3:19 pm
PROFSR G
Member Since: 06 Mar 2017
Location: Lost
Posts: 4626
No big deal to fit but much more substantial with the braces. (Holes should already be in chassis rail).
You can also easily change the height of the hitch and replace it too when necessary.yµ (idµ - eAµ) ψ=mψ
28th Apr 2019 4:24 pm
pettsy
Member Since: 08 Dec 2018
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 33
Fixed kits are pretty easy to fit, well the brink I replaced my removable one for Was.
28th Apr 2019 9:46 pm
jetjock
Member Since: 28 Jan 2013
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 15
I’d definitely fit a heavy duty towbar. Recently fitted one and it’s 100% more secure than the removable bar I had before. Not to tricky to fit although one of the fixings that are inside the chassis beam had slipped slightly resltin* in an hour of swearing whilst I tried to manipulate it in order to bolt on the side arms.
28th Apr 2019 11:32 pm
L319
Member Since: 14 Dec 2013
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 2080
Going back to the OP , if that's all there is , the knob & key will have nothing to fit to, the shaft & its fixings are missing.
28th Apr 2019 11:38 pm
philm
Member Since: 02 Oct 2016
Location: Manchester
Posts: 732
Philip1972 wrote:
Thanks.
How difficult are the fixed kits to fit? Would one of those be better?
Looking around, a fixed is around the same price as a removable.
Takes longer to get the spare wheel out and back in than fitting the tow bar.L633 Defender
Range Rover Velar-gone
Discovery 4 Landmark-gone
Gap IID Tool
29th Apr 2019 8:21 am
Philip1972
Member Since: 10 Mar 2017
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 1072
Thanks all.
I would like to see a fitting video before I buy one, just to make sure I can do it.
I have been reading a few nightmare stories about chassis bolts missing from the car etc???
29th Apr 2019 8:22 am
J@mes
Member Since: 10 Nov 2008
Location: Bomber County
Posts: 4547
If the chassis bolts are missing you can buy them for about £40 new or half that from a breakers. I dont think they were fitted to the D4 as standard.
It really is a 10 minute job to fit it. Dont think I even dropped the spare wheel to do it.2014 D4 XS
2005 D3 SE - Gone
29th Apr 2019 8:32 am
Steamyrotter
Member Since: 03 Jul 2017
Location: Somewhere near Somewhere else in Somerset
Posts: 117
I wouldnt trust that.
Bin it and fit the fixed one.
HOWEVER..
Check you have had the tow bar recall work done...
If not then get it looked at as the crossmember socket may be equally in a poor state and be totally useless.
There are options.
The fixed bar still uses the socket for one of the mounting points!
Failing that just jam it in and weld it in place!If things were meant to be easy, then I will soon complicate them....
Please note...
Anything I say is only from my personal experience and knowledge..
I don't assume to know everything, and know there is a lot I don't know..
But then I could be talking .. O
29th Apr 2019 1:25 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72775
I don’t know if suggested above but has the LR tow bar recall been done? If not bung it back on, get it in & get a new fixed towbar foc c/o JLR.
29th Apr 2019 1:29 pm
al cope
Member Since: 08 Nov 2005
Location: Oldbury, WM
Posts: 10296
dont see how he can "bung it back in" as all the internals are missing (the geared shaft, never mind not having the green locking handle)
AlVolvo XC90 B5 Plus Dark
Gone - MY18 D5 HSE - Corris on 22's with Black Pack
Now gone - MY16 D4 SE Tech, Loire Blue, Almond Leather, Privacy, plus some other goodies.
Old - MY12 D4 SDV6 XS Auto - Ipanema Sand with Almond Leather - Plus other niceties, and D4.com sticker
Older - D3 TDV6 XS Auto - Lugano Teal with Almond Leather, 20" Stormers, Shiny Tailpipes, DVD/TV - and obligatory D3 sticker
Ancient - D3 TDV6 S - Tonga with Ebony, 20" Stormers, satnav & DVD
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum