I’ve had my L322 for about a year now. Today I tried to use the tow hitch for the first time. And failed miserably.

Removed the red plug thingy from the permanent socket.
Pulled out the rotating wheel on the removable section of the hitch, and rotated it as per LR instructions, until I heard a click.
Shoved the two bits together, as one does.
Rotating wheel clicks back a bit and the hitch section feels like it’s in place, but the rotating wheel obviously isn’t back to its home position, and the key cannot be removed.

Cleaned and oiled both sections, including the inside of the permanent socket with a toothbrush. The ball bearings that hold the hitch in place all move freely, and the mechanism/rotating wheel snaps back aggressively into a locked position when not in the vehicle socket.

If this makes sense to anyone do you have any clues as to what’s not right?

Thanks in advance. 2010 Bournville Vogue

Are you sure you are putting it in far enough ? (said the actress to the bishop!!)

Best thing to do is remove the receiver and play with it in the warmth of the kitchen

There is a knack to it, one you will forget each time you come to do it  .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

Put it in as far as I could. Then tapped it with a hammer!

Next thought was to jack it up a bit, or lower it onto something from extended height. Worried about it getting stuck in there for good..

Also, receiver well and truly stuck in the chassis. 2010 Bournville Vogue

This might help:




(enjoy moment at @ 1:50 ) .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

That’s where I’m going wrong. No ball cover

You about Sunday morning Joe90? Going over to the Milburys to have a gander at TVRs. Could come and find you so you can show me your oft forgotten hitch attachment technique.

Clump 2010 Bournville Vogue

I'll be up at the NEC all day for the Classic Car Show on Sunday, but will be about the rest of the week, you are welcome to pop over (PM for location)  .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

I've had this at different times with each of the cars. First thing to check on the hitch is with the wheel in the "ready to insert" position, lever the tab on the back away slightly and the ball bearings should snap into their locking place. If they don't there is the issue - more fettling of the hitch needed. But my guess is that there will be a bit of rust somewhere, probably in the socket, which sticks out enough to prevent the hitch from being fully seated home. You are right to be concerned about forcing it in as it will be a b****r to get out again. Been there, done that! I cleaned up both pieces as best I could, then a light grease of the surface of the hitch and offer it up. It wont fit, but when you drop it back out again, you can see in the grease where its making contact. Check out those places in the socket and it will probably be slightly raised ring of whatever which you can scrape/grind away. I also had to flat down the sloped surfaces of the arrow head on the hitch that go into the notched V in the receiver as there was a slight bubbling there. Eventually it was close enough, and while it didn't locate properly with the spring/click of a properly working system, I could manually turn the locking wheel back and lock it on with the key. Don't even think of using it without it being properly locked on as we have evidence that the hitch can fall out under load.... Mike - MPx

2017 5.0 V8 Supercharged SVAutobigraphy Dynamic SVO Palette Grey (2021-...)
2012 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autoboigraphy Orkney Grey (2017-2021)
2007 4.2 V8 Supercharged Vogue SE Tonga Green (2012-2017)
2002 4.4 V8 Vogue Bonnatti Grey (2008-2012)

Advised this by a local towbar fitter: there will be shyte in the receiver, get a cloth, soak in wd40, poke it right into the receiver with a screwdriver and clean it out, over and over, there will also be crap in the bar end too, it’s quite obvious when you look at it. I took the receiver off the car to make it easier to clean, the used a persuader to get the bar to click in, worked a treat, perseverance is the key and a big club hammer helps too.

As previously mentioned. You think that it's in only to pop out again

It's a simple job that can become a nightmare. Is the wheel returning fully & showing a green segment?, as this will cause the hitch not to fully engage.

Is this a regular meet for TVR's at the Milbury's ?

Thanks for all the replies.

I’ll think I’ll try get the receiver off and give it a good clean up- the hitch seems to be working ok- don’t relish lying on the gravel drive much longer while the dog tries to lick my face.

It’s a monthly TVR meet, second Sunday of the month. About 20 cars there today. If only there were something similar for our lot........😄 2010 Bournville Vogue

It's Sods law. When I've put mine on in the dry .... first time, in the wet.... three attempts later...

Haven't been out there for a while now. May take a trip out one Sunday for lunch.

DrRob was trying to arrange a meet up.

I fell foul of this same issue, a bit of light filing to remove the small bubbles took care of it. Didn’t stop it from being a frustrating process though. Good to have seen the comments here as a help, thanks. Current: Range Rover L322 4.4tdv8, Porsche 911 (996) Carrera 2, BMW 535d Touring, Skoda Fabia, BMW S1000XR

same issue here, after much swearing realised the 'V' piece on the receiver was corroded / dirty so got out the grinder for some gentle cleaning, afterwards slotted home no problem.

not sure that red cover works entirely but better than nowt

I had the same problem, so much so I went and bought another tow hitch and you know how much they are.
The new one would not fit either until I filed cleaned. the 'V' out then both worked well

Same here!