Happy new year everyone.
I am sure this has been mentioned before but I can't find the thread.
I have the genuine LR detachable towbar and it seems to have developed a little bit of play in it even when locked in place with the green indicator showing. Not sure whether this is normal or not. I towed over the new year break and while towing did notice the odd "clonk" from the rear when on uneven roads which seemed as though it was resonating through the towbar. Has anyone else had such an issue with their towbar?

Yes, Mine has done this since new. The problem is twofold,
1 inevitable play in the towbar
2friction stabilisers that act on the towball
The answer is ti thoroughly grease the mating surfaces of the detatchable part and the fixed part to absorb some of the play and TURN THE RADIO UP.

do a search on removable

and/or look at the post made on 11 Oct 2008 by rover60

he refers to yanking it after fitting to make it 'click'into place.

Mine has done this since new, not all the time, but i you go over a bad bit or road, it sounds like a banging noise. Sounds like the thing is going to break!

There is a little play, not alot but obviously enough to make the noise. Freelander 2 HSE Lux 2013MY - Barolo Black with Ivory Leather. Alpine DVD - Privacy -Evoque 20" Dynamic Wheels and more to come.........

Yes same story with mine. On uneven roads there is a loud banging noise as if the caravan has become detached from the towbar.
The first time it happened was in France and I stopped to check there was no damage - now I'm used to it but always keep the moveable parts well greased / lubricated.

Maybe it because everytime I walk past your cars I file a bit more out of the towbar receptacles?

Sounds like a warranty issue to me? 3 yrs warranty should cover the dreaded towbars too? At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

New LR detachable tow bar on my car and although there is no detectable play it still clonks at times. Had me pulling into the nearest layby to check the bar the first time it happened. As mentioned above, keep the working surfaces clean and greased, including the engaging pawl. It doesn't need much clearance for a ton plus of shunting trailer to make a mm of movement sound like a lot more.

My towbar ( LR002740 - see pictures) is completely tight, no movement whatsoever.




 LR Freelander2 2,2 Td4 HSE manuel Stornaway Grey (Metallic) & Ebony Black Leather & Sun/Moon-roof & Bi-Xenon & Roof Rails & Tow bar & Body side rubbing strips & Cold climate pack & Privacy glass & NavTeq . Production Date: 11/5-2007 in Halewood.

Sorry, but I have changed to Defender 90 ", and I love my" tractor ".
http://www.youtube.com/bjartin

I would defiantly consider any movement or banging as wrong and demand a warranty repair. Its just not right and sudden bangs/movements will cause a lot of stress on the towbar. The problems will only get worse as the movements will encourage more and more wear At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

Mine has done the same, firstl LR changed the removable tow ball and when it still did it they changed both the towball and the recepticle bracket.

It still makes a clonk at times when the caravan goes over a bump. The towball is a lot tighter since they changed it but the clonk is still there.

It seems to happen when the load goes off the towball and the caravan is in negative G at least thats what i am assuming. Certainly changing the towall and bracket does not cure the problem.

The clonk only happens when i am towing but i wonder if it could be the suspension bottoming or topping? Freelander 2 TD4 GS Auto with Winter Pack, Stornaway Grey, Ebony, Grey Mirror Caps. Removable towbar with 13 pin Electrics

Hi all,

That LR towbar looks identical to the Whitter unit I have had fitted to my SE but with no problems at all.

I thinkk that LR must sub contract the manufacture to independant contractors.

When I had the Shogun the stealer who I have to say was a family friend insited that I have a Mitsubishi bar and even let me have it at cost price to make sure but guess what? when it arrived in A Mtsubishi box inside was a Whitter unit complete with ID plate instructuions etc.

Hence the Whitter unit on my car at much less cost.

Bill Turner Life Honorary Member of Wallasey Motor Club.
Licenced MSA Radio Operator for 35+ years.
Rallying is the only sport.

be very careful if you are getting play in your tow bar. It happened to me on my old toyota and the tow bar separated from the car whilst towing a brand new caravan which was written off. Fixed towbars only for me after that!! Please let the car start!!!!!

penelope pitstop wrote:

the tow bar separated from the car whilst towing a brand new caravan which was written off.

Or better still don't tow your van at all just for safety's sake of course  At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

As I indicated I have little or no play in the removable towball now, after it was changed, and the clonk still occurs.

It is re-assuring that a number of other owners have the same problem and that it not just my freelander.

Some how I don't think it is the towball causing the clonk perhaps other owners might agree.

Can other members with the same problem discuss whether it may be a suspension problem? Freelander 2 TD4 GS Auto with Winter Pack, Stornaway Grey, Ebony, Grey Mirror Caps. Removable towbar with 13 pin Electrics

Ok, thanks everyone for your replies, I now have the car going in for service towards the end of the month, so I will get the dealers opinion on it and see where we go from there. It is exactly the same towbar as in bjartin's pictures.
If it does indeed go to a warranty claim of some sort I will let you all know.