So a look around the car, this morning. I haven't paid too much attention to the tow bar until now.
It looks like I have a detachable tow bar but the leaver to turn to detach it has broken off or been removed.

The Mrs is planning to tow the horse trailer on Sunday and I'm wondering now if its safe.

Does this look right and would you tow with it or am I best trying to take it apart and buying a new piece.






 2011 Vogue 4.4 TDV8
2014 Defender 110.

Last edited by neil3728 on 4th Mar 2020 1:56pm. Edited 1 time in total

Doesn't look safe to me. The missing turn wheel is the only way you know when its locked in place, and even then if it grounds out the wheel can be turned and the swan neck can drop out. I think you need to buy a new Swan neck... Mike - MPx

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Okay thanks, I'll have to have a look tonight if I can get the swan neck part to separate. No idea what I'll do if I can't. 2011 Vogue 4.4 TDV8
2014 Defender 110.

Can I unbolt the the whole unit that drops down and replace that as one I don't need it to be detachable at all, is there another type that would go in its place.
Seen something on line that looks like a bolt on version, but can't see for certain it will fit.


Sorry for all the stupid questions dealing with Defenders is so much easier. 2011 Vogue 4.4 TDV8
2014 Defender 110.

You can remove the unit leaving the square hole. Then source a drop plate hitch which, IMO, is a better option and much neater when not in use. Search "farmers hitch" for the type. John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

If the hole is 2" I might already have one, as I have a drop plate on my defender, so could swap them over if the holes line up right. 2011 Vogue 4.4 TDV8
2014 Defender 110.

The hole is 2". Let's know if it works. John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

Will do, the more I think about it I can't see a reason why it won't fit, just looking at the prices of a new receiver hitch and I'm not sure why one for a Range Rover is so expensive, compared to the same thing for another make of car, both rated upto 3500Kg 2011 Vogue 4.4 TDV8
2014 Defender 110.

In theory any 2in receiver capable hitch should fit but the problem is finding one with the receiver tube long enough to extend it out from under the Range Rover bumper and why a Range Rover specific hitch is different.

From memory the towbar has a slot at the end to fit on to a bar in the armature, you probably need a proper RR one to be safe. The bolt through tends to be pretty tight to undo and it needs to be tight so the bar does not clunk up and down as you drive along. They tend to be assembled dry so the bar can seize in the armature and need a big hammer to get out. When fitting the replacement consider coating it with copper grease, vaseline or whatever to stop it seizing, and copper grease on the thread of the bolt. If you get a detachable neck like the existing Westfalia one, note that they are prone to seizing, and need to be kept clean and lubricated to prevent that. They are better removed whenever you are not towing and stored in the tailgate holes on the right, but even doing that they can get stiff/seize. Also if there is dirt inside the receiver they won't seat properly and lock in place so as to be safe when towing. As Weegie says the farmer's hitch type is less trouble.

Good luck. Only Range Rovers since 1988

[quote="neil3728"]So a look around the car, this morning. I haven't paid too much attention to the tow bar until now.
It looks like I have a detachable tow bar but the leaver to turn to detach it has broken off or been removed.

The Mrs is planning to tow the horse trailer on Sunday and I'm wondering now if its safe.

Does this look right and would you tow with it or am I best trying to take it apart and buying quote]

If you are getting rid of that could I have the top dust cover please? Mine is missing and after getting the hitch to release and greasing back up I would like to keep it clean even though I rarely tow. Happy to pay any post and apologies for jumping on your misfortune. 2011 4.4tdv8 Vogue
Baltic Blue

Well that didnt go as planned. Bolt came out easyish. But the rest wont budge. Big hammer did nothing. I even strapped it to my 110 and had a tug of war but still nothing moved. Might have to ring local garage and see what they can do. The mrs prefers the idea of a new receiver hitch over the swan neck. So wondering if it can even be cut out some way. 2011 Vogue 4.4 TDV8
2014 Defender 110.

Might need a bigger hammer. 5lb lumb hammer not upto the job. I only have a small blow tourch dont think its man enough either. 2011 Vogue 4.4 TDV8
2014 Defender 110.

Might need a bigger hammer. 5lb lumb hammer not upto the job. I only have a small blow tourch dont think its man enough either. 2011 Vogue 4.4 TDV8
2014 Defender 110.

Big Hammer been picked up today, looks like i'm spending Saturday afternoon sat at the side of the car swinging a Hammer till it comes free. 2011 Vogue 4.4 TDV8
2014 Defender 110.