Posted by Dave Sussex (UK) on December 30, 2000 at 11:51:04:

In Reply to: Help! Towing with a Discovery II? posted by carl on December 30, 2000 at 10:29:05:

From your message I assume your from US.
My D90 (NAS) came with standard US tow bar arrangement i.e. 2 ins square inside tube with 2 in line holes Ø5/8 ins.
I could not get a towbar insert in UK because we do not use the same system, although I have to say that being able to remove the ball from the vehicle stops you bashing your shins against it in the dark so full marks to the US.
I therefore had to fabricate a trailer towbar. At the same time I also made an off-roading tow hitch because the trailer towbar would hang down and impede forward motion!
All you need is a length (about 9ins depending on vehicle) of 2 ins square outside steel tube with at least a 3/16ins wall, drill 2 holes Ø5/8ins to align with the standard fixings. Weld a 1/4ins plate, all round, at the rear end to close off the tube. You then need a triangular piece of plate 1/2ins thick with a hole larger than your normal shackle (probably about 7/8ins dia) this is then welded to the 1/4ins plate closed end.
For off-roading put the tube in the hole use the fixing pin from your trailer hitch to lock in place or if no pin go to an Agricultural dealer and buy a 5/8ins pin for a tractor 3 point hydraulic linkage, don't forget to also purchase a safety locking pin. Put shackle through the strop and the shackle pin goes through the hole of the tow bar. It is in-line with the chassis and fixing pin and is incredibly strong and more importantly does not impede the vehicle as would a trailer tow bar and drop plate.
As for the front depending on the type of brush guard you will need to have some plates welded for a secure towing eye. You might choose to fix a 2ins square inside tube so that the tow bar at the rear could be used at the front and when you have finished off-roading / towing remove it so that the vehicle looks stock. Remember that the strongest solution at the front will be closest to the mountings and in line with the mountings for the brush guard, however, if you are off-roading a front hitch down low is a pain if there is mud / water / rocks! Do not use the eyes bolted to the chassis 2 front 2 rear these were only ever designed by LR to strap the vehicle whilst on a trailer / ship to the US, SA, AUS etc.
Hope this helps
Regards Dave