Towbar Spacers and Bike Racks

Hi All,

I have the land rover towbar fitted to my 99 disco TD5, (part number STC50319) that has three fixed positions that the towball can be fixed at, I think its fairly standard. However it only just clears the bumper with the standard 25mm spacer that according to the instructions came with the tow bar. I know legally these things have a type approval for an upper limit of spacer size, but can't find the details anywhere, Ispoke to my local dealer today who spoke to landrover aswell and was unable to come up with any upper limit. Do any of you kind people know? I'm trying to fit a bike rack, so am may get away with the 25mm spacer and the bike rack mounting, but to be able to go to say 38mm would be a lot more comfortable. The towbar doesnt seem to be adjustable but not sure, as it seems a bit of an odd design to be tucked under the bumper, and need spacers to get clearance??

Try your local motor factors, they aren't an unusual part. Put two 25mm spacers together.

Got any Pics so we can see what you mean? Will be able to help you better then.

Thanks Guys, I'm not sure that 50mm of spacers plus towball is legal?? Thats what i'm trying to find out but info seems a bit sketchy

I'll try and post the pics tomorrow so you can see what i mean

Thanks again

does it look like this Discovery 2 Multi-Height Towbar - Genuine Land Rover at www.rimmerbros.co.uk

38 MM spacer here

38mm (1 1/2) Towball Spacer from Tamar Trailer Towbar Centre

I used to fit towbars for a living and the max if my memory serves me right was 50mm. However it's a while since I was in the trade and laws and guide lines change. I have just had a quick look and can't find a 50mm spacer which possibly means that it's no longer allowed. I would speak to some one who has to keep upto date with the law's etc such as one of the big towbar firms, witter, towsure etc

I think towsure do a bike rake that is cranked so it comes round the bumper and spare wheel without the need for spacers.

Hi I just spoke to my mate at bank farm trailers and he said it's supposed to be 12 mm max or you can't tow. So you may want to look into this more before you do it. Sorry I did not get time to get facts and figures. I believe it has something to do with the age of the vehicle also. Year of manufacture regulations. Hope this helps a little.

Sorry didn't get a chance to upload the pics today but yes it is the same as the one on the Rimmerbros website. I've downloaded the instructions from the landrover site and this originally came with a 25mm spacer, so i think you must be able to have more than 12mm. I have read that certain towbars are tested with 50mm spacers, but for example the witter website says their bars are tested with a "minimum 25mm spacer", but doesn't say what the maximum you can use is, I thought that the maximum allowed varied depending upon the towbar, and what it was tested with for it's type approval. I'm guessing the 25mm spacer with the bike rack footplate will be around 30mm in total but whether that is legal seems to be the million dollar question !! Thanks for all your help so far!

You could go down the slightly iffy route of the NAS Spec 2" Receiver towbar for the D2 and get a bike rack that fits into that made up. (I say iffy due to the lack of type approval in the UK, but it's still sold over the counter by LR)