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davcos · 04-26-2009, 08:14 PM

I've owned 4 Land Rover vehicles and driven them well over 100,000 miles. I've never had a service, dealer or reliability problem. Currently I have a 2006 RR sport hse. (the ford/jag)

My dad pulled a late 40's 20' Airstream with a 54 Dodge 4 door sedan and later a 65 Ford pickup. I find it hard to believe that the "Rangey" couldn't pull the same.

The underlying problem may be finding and dealer and getting a replacement vehicle in remote areas.

91 Range Rover
02 Discovery
04 Discovery
06 RR Sport

BillTex · 04-27-2009, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davcos

I've owned 4 Land Rover vehicles and driven them well over 100,000 miles. I've never had a service, dealer or reliability problem. Currently I have a 2006 RR sport hse. (the ford/jag)

My dad pulled a late 40's 20' Airstream with a 54 Dodge 4 door sedan and later a 65 Ford pickup. I find it hard to believe that the "Rangey" couldn't pull the same.

The underlying problem may be finding and dealer and getting a replacement vehicle in remote areas.

91 Range Rover
02 Discovery
04 Discovery
06 RR Sport

Yes...pulling it is not the problem.
After all, you can pull an AirStream with a bicycle...
Bill

Kay · 04-28-2009, 05:22 AM

The question had to do with the hitch on the Range Rover, not the Range Rover itself. There is a very small pin in the hitch and that is what caused the originial question. To be on the safe side, we traded the Range Rover and bought a Ford F250. With the new vehicle, there should be no problem. Thanks to all of you who responded to the question. Kay & Brad

MuddyOval · 10-16-2009, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kay

The question had to do with the hitch on the Range Rover, not the Range Rover itself. There is a very small pin in the hitch and that is what caused the originial question. To be on the safe side, we traded the Range Rover and bought a Ford F250. With the new vehicle, there should be no problem. Thanks to all of you who responded to the question. Kay & Brad

I have an LR3 HSE - on my manuals, it states a hitch weight of 770 lbs. Most of the folks on this thread are saying 550...

Could be an issue for me, as I am looking at getting a 23' International CCD with a hitch weight of 700lbs (that seems really heavy to me...?)

I have always been leery of the Land Rover Removeable hitch as on the LR3 - it's a funny sort of thing that plugs into the rear crossmember, with a heavy duty pin that goes horizontally into the truck - pretty heavy duty, but an awful pain the butt to get it installed right.

I've towed 4000 lbs in a junk trailer with inertia brakes, and it seemd to do okay...? Not sure what the hitch weight was though - it was a pile of auto parts in one of those 12' covered uhaul trailers.

Is there any way to find out for sure what the safe useful weight is for towing on an LR3?

Thanks!

MO

Astroboy · 10-17-2009, 09:52 AM

You can always go to your local hitch specialist to have your hitch upgraded or beefed up. An additional cross member can be easily fabricated and welded in a few hours. Many shops do this everyday.

MuddyOval · 09-10-2011, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MuddyOval

I have an LR3 HSE - on my manuals, it states a hitch weight of 770 lbs. Most of the folks on this thread are saying 550...

Could be an issue for me, as I am looking at getting a 23' International CCD with a hitch weight of 700lbs (that seems really heavy to me...?)

I have always been leery of the Land Rover Removeable hitch as on the LR3 - it's a funny sort of thing that plugs into the rear crossmember, with a heavy duty pin that goes horizontally into the truck - pretty heavy duty, but an awful pain the butt to get it installed right.

I've towed 4000 lbs in a junk trailer with inertia brakes, and it seemd to do okay...? Not sure what the hitch weight was though - it was a pile of auto parts in one of those 12' covered uhaul trailers.

Is there any way to find out for sure what the safe useful weight is for towing on an LR3?

Thanks!

MO

This is a bit late to the game, but hopefully will clear up some of the confusion...

My truck - it's a Land Rover LR4 - pretty much the same as an LR3 with more horsepower, and a smoother torque curve. The tow ratings are identical.

The difference between the two ratings for the hitch:
The 550 lbs limit is for dead weight on the tongue.
The 770 lbs limit if what the removeable receiver is capable of.

Go by the tongue weight of 550 lbs, not the 770 lbs.

Ok, so it says in the manual that a weight distribution hitch is not recommended.

It's a European thing.. They don't allow them typically, depending on what country you're in, so they discourage them for a variety of reasons.

Yes they will work fine, and yes you can exceed the 550 lb limit on the dead tongue weight by using one.

In practice, you should be able to get ~1100lbs using a good quality weight distribution hitch.. Of course, you're going your own way here, but experience has told me that there's no problem - as long as you are smart about how you drive, keep the speed down, etc. YMMV

For a weight hitch, I highly recommend the Hensley Arrow with sway control and their TruControl Gold brake controller.

I've got 950 lbs (weight distributed) on the tongue, and am towing 7400 lbs (loaded) for my trailer - a 36' Wildwood Heritage Glen 312 QBUD.

No problems, tows straight as an arrow (no pun intended). Never had any issues with the removeable hitch receiver...

However, I am a very safe driver and follow the rules of thumb at all times. (ie. DO NOT try to tow this much weight in high range if driving under 15 mph for extended periods (like making your way through a child-infested trailer park), etc..)

phbarnhart · 09-10-2011, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveH

I find this thread interesting, as I have read on this forum many times where American vehicles with as short of wheelbase as the Land Rover, were highly discouraged as tow vehicles.

Is there a different "stardard" for tow vehicles in Europe?

Steve, I know that this reply come a very long time after your original post, but the LR3 wheelbase isn't as short as you might imagine; they put the wheels pretty close to the corners to increase approach and departure angles. It's just over 113 inches. For comparison purposes, the Tahoe is 116. You may be thinking of the Discovery 2 (LR3's predecessor) that only brings a 100 inch wheelbase to the party.

I have an LR3 but will NOT be towing the Eddie Bauer with it because the hitch simply cannot handle the tongue weight and they tell you not to use weight distribution because of the air suspension. That's what the 130 inch wheelbase Suburban is for.

MuddyOval · 09-10-2011, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phbarnhart

Steve, I know that this reply come a very long time after your original post, but the LR3 wheelbase isn't as short as you might imagine; they put the wheels pretty close to the corners to increase approach and departure angles. It's just over 113 inches. For comparison purposes, the Tahoe is 116. You may be thinking of the Discovery 2 (LR3's predecessor) that only brings a 100 inch wheelbase to the party.

I have an LR3 but will NOT be towing the Eddie Bauer with it because the hitch simply cannot handle the tongue weight and they tell you not to use weight distribution because of the air suspension. That's what the 130 inch wheelbase Suburban is for.

I did some digging on the part about why they say not to use weight distribution... it's because they don't use them in Europe, so they weren't tested for them.

It has nothing to do with Air suspension.... take a look at the owner's manual for the Disco 2 - no air suspension, but it says the same thing about the weight distribution hitches. They're just covering their butts.

Weight distribution works fine with an LR3/4. So says my 36' trailer with 950 lbs on the Hensley. Never an issue. Never any sway. Mind you, I would never do this without the Hensley.

MuddyOval · 09-10-2011, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Astroboy

You can always go to your local hitch specialist to have your hitch upgraded or beefed up. An additional cross member can be easily fabricated and welded in a few hours. Many shops do this everyday.

Or even better: Curt make a permanent hitch receiver for the LR3/4. It's bolt-in.

Aage · 09-10-2011, 10:30 AM

Don,

You have a very good hitch & tow expert not far from you: Andrew Thomson who owns Can-Am RV in London. I would suggest you give him a call and see what he could do for you. He's also a member here, BTW; Andrew T.

You won't be disappointed.

phbarnhart · 09-10-2011, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonCanada

I did some digging on the part about why they say not to use weight distribution... it's because they don't use them in Europe, so they weren't tested for them.

It has nothing to do with Air suspension.... take a look at the owner's manual for the Disco 2 - no air suspension, but it says the same thing about the weight distribution hitches. They're just covering their butts.

Weight distribution works fine with an LR3/4. So says my 36' trailer with 950 lbs on the Hensley. Never an issue. Never any sway. Mind you, I would never do this without the Hensley.

That makes sense. My info as to why they don't want you to use WD came from other internet sources so I am happy to question its validity. I'm glad that you have had a good towing experience with yours! Do you just use the factory hitch attachment? The whole, slide in and latch, thing has always made me a little nervous, though I don't really have a great reason for that. It is a great vehicle. What do you use for a brake controller?

MuddyOval · 09-10-2011, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phbarnhart

That makes sense. My info as to why they don't want you to use WD came from other internet sources so I am happy to question its validity. I'm glad that you have had a good towing experience with yours! Do you just use the factory hitch attachment? The whole, slide in and latch, thing has always made me a little nervous, though I don't really have a great reason for that. It is a great vehicle. What do you use for a brake controller?

I use the <somewhat expensive> Hensley TruControl Gold II for a controller mounted above my left knee (on a LHD truck).

I do use the factory hitch from LR. In fact I use my receiver from the LR3, not the LR4. (previous truck was an LR3)

jaacina · 09-20-2011, 02:00 PM

You are wrong, the Disco2 did come with rear air in the 7 passenger model. Also, the tongue weight is based more on the European specs, as they tend to run the trailer axle more centered which creates a lower hitch weight.

I have an LR3, and I put the Curt hitch on it. It is a nice set up.

I would not use weight distribution on an air suspension vehicle unless you can lock the height. Land Rovers do not have that option. You do run the risk of stressing the air compressor, which is why they don't recommend it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonCanada

I did some digging on the part about why they say not to use weight distribution... it's because they don't use them in Europe, so they weren't tested for them.

It has nothing to do with Air suspension.... take a look at the owner's manual for the Disco 2 - no air suspension, but it says the same thing about the weight distribution hitches. They're just covering their butts.

Weight distribution works fine with an LR3/4. So says my 36' trailer with 950 lbs on the Hensley. Never an issue. Never any sway. Mind you, I would never do this without the Hensley.

jdalrymple · 09-20-2011, 03:05 PM

Just one person's opinion. I have owned two Land Rover vehicles. A Disco 2 and a Range Rover HSE. I consider them to be among the absolute worst vehicles ever produced.

They may start and run, but everything else is subject to fail at any moment, with out cause or warning. I spent $6500.00 on non-drivetrain repairs in the last 18 months of ownership on a HSE that was 5 years old and had 65K milles.

I acknowledge others may like them but I won't even park next to one, for fear some of the jinx may infect my current rig.

Regards,

jaacina · 09-22-2011, 07:59 AM

$6500? I would never pay someone that to fix a vehicle for myself. The most I had to do with my Disco 2 was replace the transmission. It failed when it was -30 degress out. I blame myself, engine was plugged in and warm, and I got it up to 65MPH and it shifted hard. Lost 2nd gear and reverse. Replaced it with a 2005 transmission with 15k miles on it for $500. I replaced all the seals in the engine and transfer case while I had it apart.

My Disco 1 was just as good. Except it suffered from the issues the early 5 speeds did.... I replaced it when 3rd went out and put a new clutch in it. It had about 150k miles on it when it failed. The used 5 speed shifted much better than the old one ever did.

Other than those repairs, my Land Rovers were flawless. Everything worked when I sold them.

I have a friend who has a Dodge Cummins, who sounds like you... complains that everytime he brings it to the dealership it costs him over $1500. I don't think it is necessarily marque but how and who maintains a vehicle.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdalrymple

Just one person's opinion. I have owned two Land Rover vehicles. A Disco 2 and a Range Rover HSE. I consider them to be among the absolute worst vehicles ever produced.

They may start and run, but everything else is subject to fail at any moment, with out cause or warning. I spent $6500.00 on non-drivetrain repairs in the last 18 months of ownership on a HSE that was 5 years old and had 65K milles.

I acknowledge others may like them but I won't even park next to one, for fear some of the jinx may infect my current rig.

Regards,

Erik Olson · 09-22-2011, 08:38 AM

These are the best and worst vehicles you can buy. I've owned four of them and have driven my Discovery Series 1 from Charlotte, NC to Guatemala, and the border of Mexico to Alberta, Canada... off-road. I'm well-versed in anything and everything that can and will go wrong with them.

Where to start? Alternators pack it in at 85,000 miles (consistently and that'll strand you, carry a spare), power steering pumps, crank position sensors (that'll strand you, carry a spare), shoddy window regulators (fronts, mostly), brake switches (that'll strand you, carry a spare) and various and sundry other little items.

All those known issues aside, I would not hesitate to own another Land Rover. They've taken me up and down the Americas to places no other vehicle could. They've stranded me on the side of the road (more than once) and been used to pull every other make of vehicle you can think of out of harms way, much to the relief of their owners.

We sold our 2002 DiscoveryII (4.0L gas) in favor of a crew cab Dodge 5.7, because we felt that the engine was far too underpowered for our 29' Ambassador. We'd done 70K miles in her and she served the family well. I wish we'd resolved this decision prior to fitting the Disco with a brake controller and connection, but it's only money...

I wish Dodge would take some style and comfort cues from LR - the bolsters in my driver side seat aren't firm enough! One thing LR does very well (among many others, actually) is interior appointments, including the very plush seating.

jdalrymple · 09-22-2011, 08:51 AM

Several items were repaired be me. Parts were available from LR only, and quite expensive.
The most costly of which was the air bag suspension of the RR. It is a 65k to 80K mile lifespan part, specs straight from the RR manual. One must have access to a Lucas computer to reprogram the correct ride height. Not many options there. Average cost to repair that system alone is 3K, and the only other fix is to change the suspension to a leaf spring system like the older County model, even then one must buy a $1500 box to trick the computer into thinking all is well.
The reliability of things like window motors, door lock actuators, and dash controls is very poor on LR. One may consult the reviews.
Not to mention the resale value losses. Land Rovers have the resale value deprecation rate of a Styrofoam ice chest.
I kept them service at the recommend intervals, and don’t mind some maintenance. But, the problems I had with both LR vehicles were not service issues. Just poor quality parts and assembly. Something all British cars are notorious for.
I am glad some like them. There are plenty of them out there cheap. I gave them two fair chances, and then gave up.
Just a little soapbox. There are lots of choices out there, because there are lots of ideas.

Regards,

Erik Olson · 09-22-2011, 08:55 AM

Becca Dalrymple... related?

LaBigDogs · 09-22-2011, 08:21 PM

Had a Range Rover.... a Over Rated experience..... My 2011 F-150 4X4 Platinum is much much better..... and it does not live in the shop..... it's Fun....

jaacina · 09-23-2011, 07:52 AM

My 2008 LR3 has been to dealership once. Warranty work for a sticking parking brake.

But mine did not cost as much as a Range Rover or a Platinum edition F150.

I have 4 other vehicles in addition: 2010 Prius (wife's car), 1978 Toyota FJ40, 1975 Ford F250 4x4 crew cab and a 1955 Land Rover SI 107 pickup.

Of all my Land Rovers, the LR3 I can see the Ford influence on it. They do make things very complex on them, which is where the reliability issues come to play... But I take mine off road periodically, and there are not too many vehicles that can match their amenities and their off road capabilities.

Since everyone looks for something different in a vehicle, that is why there are different makes and models.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaBigDogs

Had a Range Rover.... a Over Rated experience..... My 2011 F-150 4X4 Platinum is much much better..... and it does not live in the shop..... it's Fun....