Would you tow a car on a trailer regularly with a LR detachable tow bar?
I've never done it, but I probably would
27%
27%
[16]
I have done it, but I wouldn't recommend it (please explain why)
8%
8%
[5]
I have done it and it's totally fine (please expand)
43%
43%
[25]
I wouldn't (please explain why)
17%
17%
[10]
You really shouldn't!! (please explain why)
3%
3%
[2]
Total Votes: 58
IainMac82
Member Since: 20 Jun 2018
Location: S36 7JA
Posts: 81
Towing poll
Pretty self explanatory, please feel free to qualify your vote with a message below to explain why. The car in question is a Renault Clio (approx 1100kg) and Brian James A4 trailer (approx 700kg):
Thanks!
Iain
22nd Sep 2020 4:20 pm
nigel207
Member Since: 26 Mar 2009
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 1342
Much would depend on how regularly you’re intending to tow. We’ve towed a succession of caravans varying in weight between 1500kg and 1800kg without any issues. I just make sure that the tow ball is removed when it’s not being used and keep the receiver and tang nice and clean, and lubricated. It is rated for towing 3500kg after all.
22nd Sep 2020 4:30 pm
Brian_DL13
Member Since: 25 Aug 2013
Location: Teesdale
Posts: 1418
^ +1
As far as the actual towing, no problems easy peasy.
Re the detachable towbar, a lot depends on what regularly means.
We did c2k miles per year for several years with a 1.8tonne 'van with no problems, but I have heard of others who have had issues.
22nd Sep 2020 4:35 pm
IainMac82
Member Since: 20 Jun 2018
Location: S36 7JA
Posts: 81
On average say once a month, to various locations in the UK and Europe.
Why should the tow bar be removed? Risk of seizure? If it gets stuck and you don’t intend to take it off does that matter?
22nd Sep 2020 4:35 pm
nigel207
Member Since: 26 Mar 2009
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 1342
If only nice a month then the detachable would be fine. The clue is on the name really, it’s a “detachable” tow bar. I’ve never had any issues because I remove it every time. By doing so, you keep all the moving parts free (or can see if there’s a problem). I understand that by leaving it in, corrosion can build up between the received and tang and eventually cause wear, as well as potential for seizing.
This year being the exception, but almost every year since 2009 we’ve towed on the Continent with the caravan(s), including several trips to the Med.
22nd Sep 2020 4:42 pm
Moo D3 Decade
Member Since: 13 Aug 2010
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 13805
I’ve towed a lot and some very long distances across Europe. My loads have varied between 1500kg and 3500 kg as well as length. I’ve only ever used a fixed tow bar because I never felt the detachable one was right, but that’s just me.New Defender L663 110 SE (known as Noddy!)
Sold Volvo XC90 R-Design (known as Basil)
Sold - D4 HSE (Known as Gerty)
No longer the Old Buses original owner
231,000 miles and counting
05 S manual owned from March 2005
D4 Face lifted
Still original injectors and turbo
V8 Front brakes
BAS Remap, Allisport Intercooler and deCat
EGRs blanked
T-Max split charge
Hanibal Expeedition rack
Prospeed ladder
Duratrac tyres
IID BT
BAS FBH control
22nd Sep 2020 5:16 pm
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23261
I’ve towed plant and cars on trailers with the detachable tow bar.
Never more than a dozen or so times I’d estimate, but with never any issues or doubts. I always removed the tow bar ASAP afterwards and refitted the red plastic bung.
If I’d have been towing regularly I’d have got a fixed bar.2006 D3 HSE (Original & still the best)-GONE
2010 D4 HSE (A bit bling)-GONE
2014 D4 HSE (Almost too bling)-GONE
2015 D4 HSE (A heated what?)-GONE
2016 D4 Landmark (Written Off)-GONE
2016 D4 Landmark (Surely the last!) PD1881 rims-GONE
2017 FFRR SDV8 Autobiography
22nd Sep 2020 5:35 pm
CongoBoy
Member Since: 05 Mar 2019
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 525
My Disco has towed a small livestock trailer a few times, when the farm Ford Ranger has been doing other stuff. I also use it regularly for a motorbike trailer and a bike rack, so it never really comes off.
I have checked it for play and removal every few months (when I remember!) and it all seems fine.2008 D3 HSE Stornoway Grey (UK)
2008 D3 HSE Izmir Blue- South African Spec. (Zimbabwe)
2005 FFRR SC V8- Java Black
1995 D1 300 Tdi Blue - (Sourced from the UK, shipped to Namibia, driven by me to RD Congo, then Zambia, now retired in Zimbabwe)
22nd Sep 2020 6:49 pm
Sea Raider
Member Since: 01 Nov 2016
Location: None
Posts: 4450
I have the fixed and after seeing the state of some of the holed and rusty crossmembers am glad that I have the extra fixing points
I have towed for many years just like plenty of others have , I wouldn’t use the detachable ball even though mine came with an unused detachable
Because,,,,,, I read loads that put me off and the fixed option cost me £100 , no brainier for me ,remove the risk
Just my thoughts as you asked for others will have theirs
22nd Sep 2020 7:13 pm
Farmer Chalk
Member Since: 06 Mar 2013
Location: Independent Republic of Kentishshire.
Posts: 4156
My opinion just go for the fixed one if you are concerned.... we tow loads of things... my 20 yr old daughter tows constantly and she is never worried at all...mine you she also is happy in a 12 tonne HGV ...
Re the detachable ....It’s more of a faff keep taking it off and a huge theft risk if you forget and leave it on... hence buy the fixed one... easy and quick and no worries.. reverse up hitch up and away!
22nd Sep 2020 7:20 pm
Grunders
Member Since: 30 Apr 2011
Location: Manchester
Posts: 2302
For many years I’ve towed boats, jetskis, caravans with a detachable bar with no issues,If it ain't broke... Take it apart anyway, how else you gonna find out how it works
22nd Sep 2020 7:36 pm
riverblanche
Member Since: 31 Aug 2010
Location: retford'ish
Posts: 2206
Hi,
I dont think you even need the "Landrover" in the question, no matter which car you drive its what is most convenient for you and how many miles your going to tow,
just look how many other cars use removable and fixed type bars
All of them need to be maintained like any other part on the car
If I was going to a race meeting every weekend I would go Fixed
If I was going to use it once or twice a month I would go removable
not keen on having an elec deployable type either but had no choice on current car
When in co cars one guy had a removable bar fitted to a Mondeo (rest of us had fixed)
istr it was by 2nd year he had to have it removed and a fixed bar fitted due to wear in the joints and fittings.
We did do 15-20k towing a small twin axle trailer
if it was a tintent a few times a year it would have been fine for about 20 years
Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: plymouth
Posts: 6525
surely its a matter of how far rather than how often..,,,once around the world once a year is not regular..
22nd Sep 2020 11:00 pm
riverblanche
Member Since: 31 Aug 2010
Location: retford'ish
Posts: 2206
Hi,
Man Maths Alert.... Man Maths Alert ..... Man maths Alert
Circumference of the world about 24900 miles
average towing speed 40mph
average time towing a day 5 hours (dont think I ever do that long )
Thats 124.5 days towing
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