110 Double Cab Detachable Towbar

Hi Guy's,

I have a problem, i really want to get rid of the plough (towbar) on my defender, and would really like to replace it with a detachable version.

My biggest problem is the fact i want it to be fully compliant with regulations as i don't want to be at risk if anything happens.

Has anyone got suggestions?

What about one of these

Extreme 4x4 Ltd DEFENDER QUICKLY DETACHABLE TOWBARS

I have tried to contact the to find out if it conforms to all the regulations etc. but still to hear back. I assume it has to conform for them to be selling it.

Think it must do, my friend has one fitted to his 90 by a Landrover specialist, looks very strong and don't think they would fit it if it wasn't up to standard

He has got a recovery eye and winch adapter for it too.

Its certainly on my wish list, you can also get a steering gaurd with the same fitting, which would let you have winch, recover eye or tow bar at the front too!!

I have just spoken to extreme and they are currently NOT approved. However, they should be getting approved in the next few weeks.

Not much use to you as its not stamped but just to show you what I did:

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f7/removable-tow-hitch-build-106455.html

James_Stockport said:

Hi Guy's,

I have a problem, i really want to get rid of the plough (towbar) on my defender, and would really like to replace it with a detachable version.

My biggest problem is the fact i want it to be fully compliant with regulations as i don't want to be at risk if anything happens.

Has anyone got suggestions?

Click to expand...

what year is yer 110?

Jai

What/how do the stays attach to?

To the Chassis where the original would bolt to. There are tubes welded and usually have the plate tie down loops bolted through them.

I removed the tie down loops and used the bolts to bolt to bolt through the tube into captive nuts on the stays. need a spanner but 2 minutes you can have it bolted up or off. I did think about using pins but I prefer to bolt them up and it takes no real time.

Jai, amazing piece of engineering and to be honest probably alot stronger than anything else.

Mines a 2001

iangowler78 said:

What about one of these

Extreme 4x4 Ltd DEFENDER QUICKLY DETACHABLE TOWBARS

Click to expand...

I like look of that a lot. Be great to get it stamped up etc.:biggrin1:

Terrafirma have recently launched a tow bar identical to the Extreme 4x4 design. Also take a look at the guardian or southdown versions. I dont know if any are load rated though.

Jai thats amazing, how much do you reckon it cost you to make?

I'm not certain how or even if these are rated if anyone knows please let me know.

All becomes clear. Nice job.

jai_landrover said:

I removed the tie down loops and used the
bolts to bolt to bolt through the tube into captive nuts on the stays. need a spanner but 2 minutes you can have it bolted up or off. I did think about using pins but I prefer to bolt them up and it takes no real time.

Click to expand...

I think we will make another set of stays so it can be bolted to a discovery nato combination in case for any reason the Disco needs to tow anything on a wee ball. My old man Disco is usually tasked for that job TBH but it'll be nice to have the option if the need ever arises.

I detest owt that sticks down or forwards/backwards that hasn't got to be there anchor plough or other. You can spot so many Bul***t "comp" motors that still run std ploughs or dropper plates that you know you will hook up on if you do anything half decent offroad in a comp or otherwise. People have bumpers that stick out aswell. Winch mounts that lose aproach or departure angles is another tell tale of a pretend/wanna be comp motor. If you spend all the money on offroad bits but fail on the easy stuff your ****ing in the wind. I'd rarther a std ball on the xmember than a nato/winch/ on a droper plate or sticking backwards/forwards.

If they sell them to the private consumer, do the bits need a BSi mark (CE these days i guess) for insurance if towing?

I would assume so, but i'm not 100%

Don't know but I assume so. I have seen some that havent and they were aftermarket equipment fitted by main stealers. Not sure how you would prove if it was marked or not. clearly if mine was t o fail then I'd probably be in the ****e howver I would hope that the std of engineering/welding is more than up to it. Unfortunatly you see so many abortions with blatent design faults out there by people even some companies occasionally that it makes you wonder just how people survive driving the vehicles everyday. Welding especially bad in some cases.

Things like the pin that goes through the nato jaw isnt just welded its a fit into the upright sections meaning the weld is not supporting any loads mearly holding the pin in place. Design failures on home made stuff is quite shocking sometimes.