Land Rover Discovery Series Ii 04my Owners Handbook Nas Rover

							Towing
150
Trailer socket
Incorporated in the vehicles electrical harness 
is the facility to fit a multi-pin trailer lighting 
socket.
The wiring connection point is a sealed 
multi-pin connector located behind the right tail 
light cluster. To gain access to the connectors, 
remove the light cluster (see ‘REPLACING 
BULBS’, page 225).
An accessory lighting adaptor kit is available, 
consult your retailer.
CAUTION: Power output from the trailer socket 
must not exceed 5 amps, as damage to 
electrical components could occur.
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							Towing
151
TOWING WEIGHTS
Loading descriptionSuspension 
Ty p eMax. Trailer 
WeightTongue 
WeightMax. Vehicle Weight
Trailer without brakes All 1650 lb
(750 kg)
330 lb
(150 kg)-
Trailer with brakes, off-roadAll 2200 lb
(1000 kg)
330 lb
(150 kg)-
Trailer with brakes, on-road 
with vehicle at Gross Vehicle 
Weight Coil spring 4410 lb
(2000 kg)
330 lb (1)
(150 kg)
710 lb (322 kg) (equivalent 
to driver, three passengers 
and 110 lb (50 kg) 
luggage)
Self-levelling 4410 lb
(2000 kg)
330 lb (1)
(150 kg)
900 lb (409 kg) (equivalent 
to driver and five 
passengers)
Maximum towing capacity 
on-road in low range 
(2)Coil spring 7700 lb
(3500 kg)
550 lb
(250 kg)
450 lb (204 kg) (equivalent 
to driver and 2 passengers)
Self-levelling 7700 lb
(3500 kg)
550 lb
(250 kg)
600 lb (272 kg) (equivalent 
to driver and 3 passengers)
(1) It is permissible to increase the tongue weight to a maximum of 550 lb (250 kg), however the 
vehicle payload and rear axle loads must be reduced to keep within the GVW and maximum rear axle 
load.
(2) All occupants should be seated in the first and second row seats.
MAXIMUM ROOF RACK WEIGHT
On-roadOff-road
Land Rover approved 
system110 lb
(50 kg)66 lb
(30 kg)
NOTE: The weight of Land Rover approved roof bars and cross rail roof rack is allowed for 
before further weight calculations are made. However, if an alternative roof rack system is to be 
used, the weight of the system must be included as part of the load weight. 
						

							Load Carrying
152
Lo ad  Carry ingLUGGAGE ANCHOR POINTS
Four fixing points are provided in the rear 
luggage compartment floor to assist in safely 
securing large items of luggage.
WARNING
DO NOT carry unsecured equipment, tools or 
luggage which could move and cause 
personal injury in the event of an accident or 
emergency maneuver either on or off-road.
STORAGE BINS
Some vehicles are equipped with storage bins 
on each side of the loadspace. Raise the lid to 
open. 
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							Load Carrying
153
ROOF RACKS 
A range of roof rack systems is available as 
Land Rover approved accessories. For further 
information about roof rack systems approved 
for use with your vehicle, and advice as to 
which system would suit your requirements 
best, please consult your Land Rover retailer.
The maximum roof rack load must NEVER 
exceed that given in ‘VEHICLE WEIGHTS’, 
page 245.
WARNING
•It is recommended that Land Rover 
approved load-carrying accessories are 
used wherever possible.
•Only carry loads on cross-rails - do not 
attach loads directly to the roof bars.
•Use webbing straps (preferably with a 
ratchet clamp) to secure loads to 
cross-rails - do not use elastic or ‘bungee’ 
straps.
•All loads should be evenly distributed and 
secured within the periphery of the rack.
•Position the roof rack and load so that it 
does not impede the opening of a sunroof.
•Any roof load will reduce the stability of 
the vehicle, particularly when cornering 
and encountering crosswinds.
•Driving off-road with a loaded roof rack is 
not recommended. If it is necessary to 
stow luggage on a roof rack while driving 
off-road, all loads MUST be removed 
before traversing side slopes
•Check to ensure that the roof rack and load 
are secure after 30 miles (50 km) of any 
journey.
WARNING
To avoid the risk of personal injury or death, 
DO NOT permit children or any other person to 
travel on the roof rack (or any access ladder) 
whilst the vehicle is in motion. 
						

							154 
						

							155
Off-Road Driving
Off-Road Driving
BEFORE YOU DRIVE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  157
BASIC OFF-ROAD TECHNIQUES  . . . . . . . . . . . .  158
AFTER DRIVING OFF-ROAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  160
SERVICING REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  160
Driving Techniques
DRIVING ON SOFT SURFACES & DRY SAND  . .  161
STOPPING THE VEHICLE ON SOFT
GROUND, IN SAND OR ON
AN INCLINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  161
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
(ice, snow, mud, wet grass). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  161
DRIVING ON ROUGH TRACKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  161
CLIMBING STEEP SLOPES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  162
DESCENDING STEEP SLOPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  163
TRAVERSING A SLOPE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  163
NEGOTIATING A ‘V’ SHAPED GULLY . . . . . . . . .  164
DRIVING IN EXISTING WHEEL TRACKS  . . . . . .  164
CROSSING A RIDGE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  164
CROSSING A DITCH  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  165
WADING  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  166 
						

							156 
						

							Off-Road Driving
157
Off-Road Driving
Off-Road DrivingBEFORE YOU DRIVE
Before venturing off-road, it is absolutely         
essential that inexperienced drivers become 
fully familiar with the vehicles controls, in 
particular the transfer gearbox, and also study 
the off-road driving techniques described on 
this and the following pages.
WARNING
Off-road driving can be hazardous!
•DO NOT take unnecessary risks and be 
prepared for emergencies at all times.
•Your Discovery has a higher ground 
clearance and hence a higher center of 
gravity than an ordinary passenger car. An 
abrupt maneuver at an inappropriate 
speed or on an unstable surface could 
cause the vehicle to go out of control or 
rollover.
•Familiarize yourself with the 
recommended driving techniques in order 
to reduce risks to yourself, your vehicle 
AND your passengers.
•Always ensure that seat belts are worn for 
personal protection while driving on-road 
or off-road.
•DO NOT drive off-road alone or without 
letting someone know where you are going 
and when you plan to return.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
•DO NOT drive if the fuel level is low - 
undulating ground and steep inclines 
could cause fuel starvation to the 
engine and consequent damage to the 
catalytic converter.
•As a precaution against accidental loss, 
remove the towing eye cover from the 
front spoiler before driving off-road 
(see ‘TOWING EYES’, page 216).
•DO NOT stop the engine while driving 
through water (wading) - water ingress 
to the exhaust tailpipe could result in 
severe damage to the catalytic 
converter. 
						

							Off-Road Driving
158
BASIC OFF-ROAD TECHNIQUES
These basic driving techniques are an 
introduction to the art of off-road driving and do 
not necessarily provide the information needed 
to successfully cope with every single off-road 
situation.
We strongly recommend that owners who 
intend to drive off-road frequently, should seek 
as much additional information and practical 
experience as possible.
Before driving off-road it is important that you 
check the condition of the wheels and tires and 
that the tire pressures are correct. Worn or 
incorrectly inflated tires will adversely affect the 
performance, stability and safety of the vehicle.
Gear selection
On automatic models, with the main selector 
lever set at ‘D’, the gearbox automatically 
provides the correct gear for the appropriate 
gear range selected (HIGH or LOW). Remember 
that position ‘1’ will hold the gearbox in first 
gear to give maximum engine braking when 
required.
HIGH range gears should be used whenever 
possible - only change to LOW range when 
ground conditions become very difficult or 
gradients are steep.
‘Manual’ mode
Press the mode switch whilst the automatic 
gearbox is in Low range to select ‘Manual’ 
mode; this enables the transmission to function 
as a manual gearbox locking the gearbox into 
whichever gear position has been selected 
(‘D’ = 4th gear), providing maximum vehicle 
control and engine braking - ideal for use in 
severe off-road conditions.
NOTE: Changing from Low to High range will 
automatically cancel ‘Manual’ mode.Braking
As far as possible, vehicle speed should be 
controlled through correct gear selection and 
the use of Hill Descent Control (HDC). 
Application of the brake pedal should be kept to 
a minimum. In fact, if the correct gear and HDC 
have been selected, braking will be largely 
unnecessary.
If the brake pedal is depressed when HDC is 
active, HDC is overridden and the brakes will 
perform as normal. If the brake pedal is then 
released, HDC will recommence operating, if 
necessary.
Use of engine for braking
Before descending steep slopes, stop the 
vehicle at least its length before the descent, 
engage the parking brake, then engage LOW 
range and then select first or second gear (‘1’ or 
‘2’ for automatic transmission) depending on 
the severity of the incline.
While descending the slope, it should be 
remembered that the engine will provide 
sufficient braking effort to control the rate of 
descent, and that the brakes should not be 
applied.
Accelerating
Use the accelerator with care - any sudden 
surge of power may induce wheel spin and, 
therefore, invoke unnecessary operation of 
traction control, or in extreme conditions could 
lead to loss of control of the vehicle. 
						

							Off-Road Driving
159
Steering
WARNING
DO NOT hold the steering wheel with your 
thumbs inside the rim - a sudden ‘Kick’ of the 
wheel as the vehicle negotiates a rut or 
boulder could seriously injure them. ALWAYS 
grip the wheel on the outside of the rim (as 
shown) when traversing uneven ground.
Survey the ground before driving
Before negotiating difficult terrain, it is wise to 
carry out a preliminary survey on foot. This will 
minimize the risk of your vehicle getting into 
difficulty through a previously unnoticed 
hazard.Ground clearance
Dont forget to allow for ground clearance 
beneath the chassis, axles and under the front 
and rear bumpers. Note that the axle 
differentials are situated BELOW the chassis 
and are positioned slightly to the right of the 
center of the vehicle. Note also that there are 
other parts of the vehicle which may come into 
contact with the ground - take care not to 
ground the vehicle.
Ground clearance is particularly important at 
the bottom of steep slopes, or where wheel ruts 
are unusually deep and where sudden changes 
in the slope of the ground are experienced.
On soft ground, the axle differentials will clear 
their own path in all but the most difficult 
conditions. However, on frozen, rocky or hard 
ground, hard contact between the differentials 
and the ground will generally result in the 
vehicle coming to a sudden stop.
ALWAYS attempt to avoid obstacles that may 
foul the chassis or axle differentials.
Self-levelling suspension
On vehicles equipped with self-levelling 
suspension, the rear suspension can be raised 
to increase departure angles and ground 
clearance at the rear of the vehicle (see 
‘SELF-LEVELLING SUSPENSION*’, page 142). 
For additional information, see ‘DIMENSIONS’, 
page 244.
H2543