garrycol wrote:

mse wrote:

For the point of clarity - i think the device is a great idea...although im sure Land Rover do one already that sits lower for none EU markets...or was that older models.

The standard Landrover combined towball/hitch that is sold in the UK is not legal in Aust and a different arrangement is sold here. The combined units (doesn't matter what vehicle) are illegal as it is considered that the "swan neck" is prone to fatigue cracks and failure. As far as I am aware we have not had failures of the actual hitch but there have been failures where the whole lot falls out of the rear cross member (same connection in both UK and Aust versions).

Garry

when i was looking for a trailbike rack for the back of mine, they can only be fitted to one of the "fixed" style towbars, not a swan neck. a permanent hitch is not practical for me, so had a look on the web and the US specced LR ones are removable but have the flange for various hitches. I can only think that Aus and US either tow bigger trailers on rougher roads........

cheers
dave MY10 TDV6 SE (debadged ), Santorini Black, Flappy paddles, Privacy Glass, 20" Stormers, Mudflaps!

Gone: a comprehensive list of imprezas and a Merc ML AMG

Our vans do tend to be more heavily constructed than Uk vans. Not sure on the tow ratings of UK cars but our vehicles are rated to 3500kg with a tow ball rate of 350kg.

Garry 07MY RRS TDV6
Arctic Frost
Aspen Interior

UK vehicles are rated at 3500kg too but the nose weight of the swan neck tow ball is only 150kg I believe.

Our horse box is a through loader (in via the rear ramp, out via a front ramp) and I reckon 500kg+ of horse walking forward down the ramp might be a bit much for the swan neck socket so I drop the jockey wheel to help carry the weight. And then try to remember to put it back up before moving again!

I suppose I should take some measurements and work out what the applied load is as the horse uses the front ramp. Something for an idle hour sometime...

I've never been hugely keen on the tow bar arrangement on the RRS. The whole thing relies on the spring loaded locking tongue and I'm not sure how far this actually projects when locked. Looking at the witness marks on mine suggests it's not very far at all. If SWMBO ever gets her act together and we use the trailer more regularly then I'll fit the "heavy duty" fixed bar for peace of mind but that does turn in to a plough if you're not careful on uneven ground. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed