Towing & load carrying
69
TOWING
WARNING
If a Nato Hook or a Jaw and Pintle type
towing accessory is to be fitted to your
vehicle, DO NOT attach them directly to the
chassis rear cross-member - it is essential
that an adapter plate kit (available from a
Land Rover dealer) is also fitted.
The torque ranges of Land Rover engines
allow maximum-weight loads to be pulled
smoothly from standstill, and reduce gear
changing on hills or rough terrain.
The suspension is designed to cope with a
heavy trailer load without upsetting the
balance or feel of the vehicle.
WARNING
Only fit towing accessories that have been
designed and approved by Land Rover.
Ensure that the gross weight and maximum
rear axle weight are not exceeded.
When preparing your vehicle for towing,
always pay careful attention to the trailer
manufacturer’s recommendations and the
following guidelines.
• Ensure that the towing vehicle tyre
pressures are correct and that the trailer
tyre pressures are as recommended by the
trailer manufacturer.
• With the trailer and vehicle unladen,
balance the combination so that the trailer
draw-bar and the hitch point on the vehicle
are at the same height. Adjust the height
of the hitch point if necessary.
• Check the operation of trailer brakes and
lights.
• For maximum stability, ensure that loads
are properly secured and unable to shift
position during transit. Also, position
loads so that most of the weight is placed
close to the floor and, where possible,
immediately above or close to the trailer
axle(s).
• After loading the trailer, check that the
weight on the hitch point (this is called the
draw-bar loading weight, or nose weight),
is in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
• When calculating the laden weight of the
trailer, remember to include the weight of
the trailer PLUS THE LOAD.
• Where the load weight can be divided
between trailer and tow vehicle, loading
more weight into the vehicle will generally
improve the stability of the combination.
• A smooth start will be achieved with
trailers over 2000 kg (4400 lb) by moving
off in LOW range, then changing to HIGH
range while on the move (see ’Transfer
gearbox’).
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