Pulling an offroad trailer with an LR3

[roverandom]

None of the designs that extend the hitch are really satisfactory. When you consider the loads and forces involved unless you are towing an empty trailer it's not safe at all.

I've seen a few LR3's up here with a full frame mount load distributing hitch fitted. They sit lower than the rear bumper though so not much use with a tall trailer.

Best option is to lower the trailer or get a new one that fits.






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[UK4X4]

here you go

In regards to is it correct to install this way, thats up in the air

I'm guessing my trailer has a hitch weight of < 100kg as I can lift it by hand, can the LR handle it
yep, is the reversed hitch exerting a heavier load to the reciever - yes but its going to be well within the rating.

I certainly would not use something like this for towing a car or similar but a small trailer, I have no issue with it

Trailer chains still connect to the chassis mounted ring.

Theres no way my trailer would snap either the 3/4" plate or the 2" receiver

Note the hitch is not fully in the reciever, by about 2", all the tape should be within the reciever

Oh and please ignore the dog having a pee !

 

[Dmarchand]

What was the total cost including shipping on the Mitchell?

Bought it 2 years ago but was around $700.

 

[Dendy Jarrett]

You guys need to check this thread out. Here is a local solution for $219.00

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/126774-LR3-Trailer-Hitch

Just like the Australian but US made and much less expensive.

D

 

[unseenone]

It's nice, but not just like the Australian one. The Aussie one is more expensive and heavy duty, and 3x the price, but it seems like a viable option. The Aussie one is also higher, with absolutely no interference with departure angle. That being said, either one is a vast improvement.

 

[Dmarchand]

I'd like to see it tested. It is definitely not the same as the Mitchell, lacking the third tie in to the sub frame behind the bumper. If you plan to do more than carry some bikes, as in towing, that is all that looks good for. I splurged on something that has been tested, is certified and has years of use (in this case mostly in Australia). Don't make the hitch your weak link in towing or recovery.

 

[roverandom]

Trailers do not exert a consistent load at the hitch when driving, especially single axle trailers and especially when towing off road. Just because you can lift the tongue on the driveway doesn't mean the cobbled together long necked inverted extension together with the generally rubbish nature of the stock hitch is ok for a trailer that's too tall.

In all towing instances the trailer should be as close to inline with the chassis of the towing vehicle as possible. Anything else is a needless compromise.

It also gets in the way of the tailgate.

What is the problem with lowering the trailer height anyway?

My 2c.


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[Dendy Jarrett]

Campndad has used the Voyager (Rover Racks) hitch on a very long cross country trek pulling a trailer behind his LR3 with no issues.
I have a Curt currently and even with an extender (so I can open the rear cargo doors when attached to the trailer), I feel some play and do not like that part of the towing experience. Worse, however, was a cobbled together extender, drop hitch set up on the OEM drop hitch from land rover. It basically gave me 3 points of flex and movement (ergo potential failure points) I had to ditch that quickly as I felt that it was simply unsafe. As stated above, just cause it can tow, doesn't mean it is a good idea!

D

 

[oradba69]

You guys do have frontrunner in the USA even though I dont see this on your website.
Maybe worth contacting them and asking about this:

http://www.frontrunner.co.za/towing...and-rover-discovery-lr3-lr4.html#.U4bIMpSSyJg

 

[LakeNorman_FJ40]

Yeah, I think whomever deisigned the LR3/4 hitch was the same brainiac that came up with the massive glass panel in lieu of a steel roof idea... That extra amount of steel hanging down was never intended for off-road use. And heck, if I don't disconnect it from the LR4, it will drag over steep inclines like parking garages.

I've got almost the exact same setup as UK4x4 for off-road use. But with a US-made Lock-N-Roll hitch that's connected to my Bantam trailer. Would suggest welding a solid rod across the "top" of the upside down drop hitch to provide more surface area for the gold section of the hitch to bite should the hitch try to rotate.

And for on-highway use, I have another standard drop hitch with a 2" ball bolted to it. Just used over the weekend to tow the biggest U-Haul trailer made over 350 miles.

No problems with either setup...except ugly and hangs too low...and the damned rattling inside the receiver as the drop hitches are every so slightly undersized.

 

[unseenone]

Seen the SA online, the problem is the crappy pictures and lack of reviews. We do have a US distributor here. They do not list it, but might be able to supply it.

 

[Dmarchand]

You guys do have frontrunner in the USA even though I dont see this on your website.
Maybe worth contacting them and asking about this:

http://www.frontrunner.co.za/towing...and-rover-discovery-lr3-lr4.html#.U4bIMpSSyJg

That kind of looks like the "truck balls".. Can't even tell from that picture what the hitch is.