You are operating it right? You need to pull the twist dial away from the body and then turn which should release the catch.

Here is the operating procedure which I've posted on a previous post so ignore the bit about the key

The correct procedure for removing is to turn the key to the unlock position, then pull the screw handle away from the towball and twist in the direction of the arrow (clockwise / upwards) until the screw handle locks in position - you'll see the red tab, at which point the head should just drop out (assuming its not gummed up). It won't come out unless that screw has locked in red so no point tapping it out unless its in that position.

The screw remains locked in that position until you re-insert at which point it will automatically lock in the green position. Its a visual safety note - if you see the red tab its not in position, if you see the green tab its locked in place. For safety purposes (and to prevent it being stolen) you should then lock it with the key Current Fleet:-
2018 Discovery 5 3.0 HSE
2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrack
2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt 5.0 V8
1993 Defender 90 200TDI Pickup

Gone - not forgotten
2016 L405 4.4 SDV8 Vogue SE
2012 L322 4.4 Westminster
2004 L322 4.4 V8 Autobiography LE
2000 P38 RR 4.0 HSE (ex Clarkson test car)

OK cheers for that, I pull mine out, turn clockwise, up, probably 180 degrees, but it doesn't lock there, if I let go it just springs back

It should lock in place. There is a long hook element at the back of it towards the base of the lowball which is what releases to lock the twist handle. Its probably gummed up and not releasing. I would get some penetrating oil in to the mechanism of the hook and just keep working it until you can get the twist handle to lock. Then if its still not coming out once the twist is locked in place then apply the persuader and it should then drop out. Current Fleet:-
2018 Discovery 5 3.0 HSE
2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrack
2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt 5.0 V8
1993 Defender 90 200TDI Pickup

Gone - not forgotten
2016 L405 4.4 SDV8 Vogue SE
2012 L322 4.4 Westminster
2004 L322 4.4 V8 Autobiography LE
2000 P38 RR 4.0 HSE (ex Clarkson test car)

Yep I know where you mean, It is all gummed up, so just spraying it up, and try and free it up

Big rubber hammer to the bar.
If it’s not locking when you twist it, it’s tricky, but if you can get it to twist and lock them do that and wallop it. There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
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KIA E-Niro 4+
2021 Discovery 5 D300 MHEV commercial

So how do these work, I see the knob releases the bearing at the top, but what does the lever behind do,

Turn and lock the knob and it pulls a pin down inside the tow bar which lets the ball bearings retract into their sockets, when you push the bar into the socket it releases the lever on the back which lets the spring loaded pin move up and push out the ball bearings.

Pretty straight forward mechanism.

Well done for getting it out!!

You’ve just reminded me that the tow bar hasn’t been out of the disco for 6 months now!! Not quite at SOB level but might be a bit stuck. There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
KIA E-Niro 4+
2021 Discovery 5 D300 MHEV commercial

Good job on getting it out.

I just had the same thought as NMJ- the 04 AB has been towing all winter and I've not taken it out - job for tomorrow. Current Fleet:-
2018 Discovery 5 3.0 HSE
2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrack
2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt 5.0 V8
1993 Defender 90 200TDI Pickup

Gone - not forgotten
2016 L405 4.4 SDV8 Vogue SE
2012 L322 4.4 Westminster
2004 L322 4.4 V8 Autobiography LE
2000 P38 RR 4.0 HSE (ex Clarkson test car)

northernmonkeyjones wrote:

Turn and lock the knob and it pulls a pin down inside the tow bar which lets the ball bearings retract into their sockets, when you push the bar into the socket it releases the lever on the back which lets the spring loaded pin move up and push out the ball bearings.

Pretty straight forward mechanism.

Well done for getting it out!!

You’ve just reminded me that the tow bar hasn’t been out of the disco for 6 months now!! Not quite at SOB level but might be a bit stuck.

Thanks couldn't have done it without everyones help

So drillibg the lock hasn't effected the tow bar except for being able to lock it, as one of the reason for getting the RR is to tow her horse, so don't really fancy the tow bar falling out when the trailers loaded  2007 range rover vogue, Black with issues
Yamaha raptor Gsxr 1000
Yamaha raptor 700
Audi A6 Black edition
Fully restored Vespa px125

Great seance of achievement  2007 range rover vogue, Black with issues
Yamaha raptor Gsxr 1000
Yamaha raptor 700
Audi A6 Black edition
Fully restored Vespa px125