seygardening · Nov 21, 2023

Bought a Defender 90 a few months ago, opted for the detachable tow-ball as multi-height wasn't available from factory at this time. Experiencing excessive noise (clanking) when towing, similar to a metal hammer banging on a blacksmith's anvil! Have towed for over 20 years, never had this issue. Mostly been pick-ups but did have a RR Sport with fixed variable height tow-ball. Dealer is stumped, any advice would be welcomed. I have a feeling that there must be some lateral movement somewhere, could it be between ball & hitch?

ER1C · Nov 21, 2023

You bought a noo one thats the issue.

Towing what ?
Have you towed said item with something else with no issue ?

How does the towball attach ?

Option 1 - Its the Trailer

Option 2 - Its the towball not attached right

Option 3- Its the bracket it attaches to not attached right.

Turboman · Nov 21, 2023

seygardening said:
Bought a Defender 90 a few months ago, opted for the detachable tow-ball as multi-height wasn't available from factory at this time. Experiencing excessive noise (clanking) when towing, similar to a metal hammer banging on a blacksmith's anvil! Have towed for over 20 years, never had this issue. Mostly been pick-ups but did have a RR Sport with fixed variable height tow-ball. Dealer is stumped, any advice would be welcomed. I have a feeling that there must be some lateral movement somewhere, could it be between ball & hitch?

Never driven a new Defender. On old Defenders the towballs used to be quite noisy, because the drop plate was only attached to the frame by a pin, which can't be that tight fit in the holes, because you wouldn't be able to remove it.
Wouldn't be surprised if you have the same issue. Not dangerous, just clunky.

Could well be they all do it, and either no-one else has complained, or the dealer is lying through their teeth.

On the other hand, maybe it is about to fall off, and leave your trailer running down the road on it's own, but I would think that is a bit less likely.

ER1C · Nov 21, 2023

Turboman said:
Never driven a new Defender. On old Defenders the towballs used to be quite noisy, because the drop plate was only attached to the frame by a pin, which can't be that tight fit in the holes, because you wouldn't be able to remove it.
Wouldn't be surprised if you have the same issue. Not dangerous, just clunky.

Could well be they all do it, and either no-one else has complained, or the dealer is lying through their teeth.

On the other hand, maybe it is about to fall off, and lever your trailer running down the road on it's own, but I would think that is a bit less likely.

I dont think the new ones use the classic drop plate anymore, especially the detatchable...... Agree with everything you said if they do....

LAND ROVER DEFENDER DETACHABLE SWAN NECK TOWBAR

⚠ Important: Please check and read the description section below for more information. RE: Coding & Parking Sensors.

www.towbarexpress.co.uk

Turboman · Nov 21, 2023

ER1C said:
I dont think the new ones use the classic drop plate anymore...... Agree with everything you said if they do....

I was using it as an example of a noisy towball.

His post says he has a "detachable towball", which may well use a similar set up, and make a similar noise.

The key point is that both Old and New Defenders are vehicles built to a budget, so don't expect sophistication

marjon · Nov 21, 2023

By detachable do you mean it’s the 2” square bar receiver?

If so they can rattle, you can get anti rattle things that clamp on.
we just got used to it

.

Oh and welcome

.

J

seygardening · Nov 22, 2023

Turboman said:
Never driven a new Defender. On old Defenders the towballs used to be quite noisy, because the drop plate was only attached to the frame by a pin, which can't be that tight fit in the holes, because you wouldn't be able to remove it.
Wouldn't be surprised if you have the same issue. Not dangerous, just clunky.

Could well be they all do it, and either no-one else has complained, or the dealer is lying through their teeth.

On the other hand, maybe it is about to fall off, and lever your trailer running down the road on it's own, but I would think that is a bit less likely.

Thanks that sounds like a possibility. Will investigate.

Turboman · Nov 22, 2023

seygardening said:
Thanks that sounds like a possibility. Will investigate.

Give it a few kicks and pull it around a bit. If you hear a bit of clunking, that is probably the issue.
I imagine these things have better soundproofing than the old ones, so maybe you hear the noise more in them.

seygardening · Nov 22, 2023

ER1C said:
You bought a noo one thats the issue.

Towing what ?
Have you towed said item with something else with no issue ?

How does the towball attach ?

Option 1 - Its the Trailer

Option 2 - Its the towball not attached right

Option 3- Its the bracket it attaches to not attached right.

Towing a 3.5t trailer. 1. trailer is ok 2. possibly if the size is too small? 3. garage assures me it's correct
thanks

tottot · Nov 22, 2023

One thing that can result in a lot clunking at the hitch is incorrect loading on the drawbar. [ higher hitch position on tow vehicle is cure with 4 wheeled trailer] Little or no load will result in rattle, more so if the trailer hitch is worn.
It can be difficult to get right for all situations, my trailer loaded is pretty quiet but rattles some when empty.

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LAND ROVER DEFENDER DETACHABLE SWAN NECK TOWBAR

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