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DC101



Member Since: 01 Jul 2012
Location: Pudsey, West Yorkshire
Posts: 260
United Kingdom 2003 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Epsom Green
Receiver hitch question
Anybody have any knowledge on the following?

I have a typical towing set up on my 110, but hardly do any towing. I'm thinking about changing to a receiver hitch (less probs off road) but they all seem not to be 'Type approved'.

Question is can you legally tow/recover another vehicle on the Highway using the pin and a shackle with a receiver hitch? I'm also guessing it means you cannot legally tow a trailer on the road using a drop plate attachment?

Thanks.
Post #274749 18th Oct 2013 9:03am
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udderlyoffroad



Member Since: 18 Jul 2011
Location: Bristol
Posts: 124
United Kingdom 
Have a read here:
http://www.towbarsdirect.co.uk/faqtypeapproval.htm

Quote:
If your car is first registered on or after the 1st August 1998 (20 April 1999 in Northern Ireland) you could be prosecuted for an infringement of Construction & Use regulations or your insurers may decline to pay out in the event of an accident claim.


So older 'fender owners are ok, but according to your profile you won't be, unless you can find a type-approved receiver hitch.

Matt[/quote] Real trucks don't have spark plugs
Post #274753 18th Oct 2013 9:22am
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landy andy



Member Since: 15 Feb 2009
Location: Ware, Herts
Posts: 5653
2006 Defender 110 Td5 USW Zermatt Silver
As yours is classified as a commercial vehicle you do not need a type approved tow bracket I believe. Only yesterday was I talking to Brendan about ordering one for my double cab.

Andy
Post #274754 18th Oct 2013 9:28am
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leeds



Member Since: 28 Dec 2009
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 8580
United Kingdom 
Basically cars do need type approved tow bars

Commercial vehicles do NOT need type approved tow bars


Problem comes with Defenders as some are classified as cars some are commercial vehicles.

Hard tops, pickups, double cabs, USW should all be taxed as commercial vehicles and so should be legal to use non type approved towing equipment

If on your SW, CSW you are paying the higher rate of road tax £440? You will need type approved towing equipment


Please note if you have a larger main tank fitted or a fuel tank guard fitted you may or may not be able to fit one or you may need one with different bracing arms.


Brendan
Post #274757 18th Oct 2013 10:13am
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DC101



Member Since: 01 Jul 2012
Location: Pudsey, West Yorkshire
Posts: 260
United Kingdom 2003 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Epsom Green
Many thanks to you all.

I have a double cab, so classified as a light goods vehicle. From this , therefore, I gather I can tow a (small) trailer with a drop hitch if required and it be legal (and insured).

The only one I've come across is a Terrafirma branded receiver hitch. Any others out there?

Cheers
Post #274760 18th Oct 2013 10:30am
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x-isle



Member Since: 26 May 2011
Location: Midlands
Posts: 1327
Wales 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Santorini Black
Even though it's legal for a commercial, it may not be covered by the insurance small print. Better check. Craig Rogers

2007 Puma 110 XS
2011 Evoque Coupe Dynamic Lux
www.craigrogers.photography
Post #274763 18th Oct 2013 10:50am
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leeds



Member Since: 28 Dec 2009
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 8580
United Kingdom 
Safari Equipe made in West Yorkshire Thumbs Up

Factory is only a couple of miles away from here.

Have had purpose built fuel and water tanks, different side steps and wheel carriers made for customers by them Thumbs Up



Brendan
Post #274769 18th Oct 2013 11:18am
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landy andy



Member Since: 15 Feb 2009
Location: Ware, Herts
Posts: 5653
2006 Defender 110 Td5 USW Zermatt Silver
As above, safari equipe one on my 90, been a great bit of kit. That's why I'm buying another for my 110 (via Brendan)

Andy
Post #274779 18th Oct 2013 11:46am
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x-isle



Member Since: 26 May 2011
Location: Midlands
Posts: 1327
Wales 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Santorini Black
I'm also looking at getting one from Brendan too! Cool Craig Rogers

2007 Puma 110 XS
2011 Evoque Coupe Dynamic Lux
www.craigrogers.photography
Post #274799 18th Oct 2013 12:53pm
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jst



Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 7987
 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey
leeds wrote:


Hard tops, pickups, double cabs, USW should all be taxed as commercial vehicles and so should be legal to use non type approved towing equipment



Pre 10MY USW were classed as cars not commercials i believe. Cheers

James
110 2012 XS Utility
130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper
90 2010 Hardtop
90 M57 1988 Hardtop
Post #274822 18th Oct 2013 1:52pm
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deep down



Member Since: 02 May 2012
Location: France
Posts: 204
Wales 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Zambezi Silver
I bought mine from Brendan, as usual excellent service. Thumbs Up

I've been towing 3.5t without any issues.
Post #274834 18th Oct 2013 2:15pm
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DC101



Member Since: 01 Jul 2012
Location: Pudsey, West Yorkshire
Posts: 260
United Kingdom 2003 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Epsom Green
Great. Thanks for all the feedback. I'm sold on the idea now, but will check with my insurer (NFU) first.
I'll get a price for the safari equip to see how it compares.

Cheers
Post #274840 18th Oct 2013 2:50pm
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blackwolf



Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17322
United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey
jst wrote:


Pre 10MY USW were classed as cars not commercials i believe.


Are you sure? I could well be wrong but I had an idea that the reason that bodystyle was introduced was to create an "LGV" station wagon. Perhaps it was something to do with company car allowances instead.
Post #274856 18th Oct 2013 3:29pm
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leeds



Member Since: 28 Dec 2009
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 8580
United Kingdom 
The classification of Defenders has changed over the years. Probably the best way is to look at the amount of road tax paid if in doubt on the classification of your Defender.


Have just had a quick look at various prices of 2" receivers. Some prices are ex VAT, some prices include the drop plate others don't. Just ensure when comparing prices you are comparing like with like.


Brendan
Post #274885 18th Oct 2013 5:23pm
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x-isle



Member Since: 26 May 2011
Location: Midlands
Posts: 1327
Wales 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Santorini Black
Finally got around to fitting the Safari Equipe Receiver supplied by Brendan (AKA Leeds).

Thumbs Up Top piece of kit, although I won't be leaving the recovery receiver left in.



Click image to enlarge Craig Rogers

2007 Puma 110 XS
2011 Evoque Coupe Dynamic Lux
www.craigrogers.photography
Post #290491 15th Dec 2013 2:58pm
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