Land Rover Discovery Series Ii 2003my Owners Handbook Nas Rover

							Towing
140
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle is equipped with a Class III trailer 
hitch receiver as standard equipment. When 
selecting a drawbar for the receiver, do not 
exceed a drop in height of 3 in (76 mm) or a 
hitch length of 8 in (203 mm) - both as 
measured from the connecting pin of the 
receiver.
An equalizing or other form of weight 
distributing hitch should NOT be used with your 
vehicle.
NOTE: Users of light trailers with loads not 
exceeding 5511 lb (2500 kg) and a tongue 
weight limited to 400 lb (180 kg), may opt for a 
drawbar with a drop height not exceeding 5 in 
(127 mm).
Towing guidelines
When preparing your vehicle for towing, pay 
careful attention to the trailer manufacturers 
recommendations and observe the following 
guidelines:
•Ensure that the towing vehicle tire pressures 
are correct and that the trailer tire pressures 
are as recommended by the trailer 
manufacturer.
•Within the limits quoted, choose a draw bar 
that allows for a level attitude of the trailer 
and vehicle.•Check the operation of trailer brakes and 
lights.
•For maximum stability, ensure that loads 
are properly secured and unable to shift 
position during transit. Also, position loads 
so that most of the weight is placed close to 
the floor and, where possible, immediately 
above or close to the trailer axle(s).
•After loading the trailer, check that the 
weight on the hitch point (this is called the 
tongue weight, or nose weight), is in 
accordance with both the trailer 
manufacturers recommendations, and the 
requirements in this Manual, (see ‘Tongue 
weight’, page 141).
•When calculating the laden weight of the 
trailer, remember to include the weight of 
the trailer PLUS THE LOAD.
•Where the load weight can be divided 
between trailer and tow vehicle, loading 
more weight into the vehicle will generally 
improve the stability of the combination. 
NOTE: It is the drivers responsibility to ensure 
that all regulations with regard to towing are 
complied with according to the state in which 
the vehicle is being operated. All relevant 
information should be obtained from an 
appropriate motoring organization or towing 
equipment retailer.
NOTE: When towing trailers, always consult 
and obey local speed regulations. Speed should 
be reduced to compensate for increased 
stopping distances.
H2651
8 inch ( 203 mm ) 
3 inch ( 76 mm )  
						

							Towing
141
Vehicle weights
When loading a vehicle to its maximum (gross 
vehicle weight), consideration must be taken of 
the unladen vehicle weight and the distribution 
of the load to ensure that axle loadings do not 
exceed the permitted maximum values.
It is your responsibility to limit the vehicle load 
in such a way that neither the maximum axle 
loads nor the gross vehicle weight are exceeded 
(see ‘TOWING WEIGHTS’, page 234).
Automatic gearbox
To avoid overheating the gearbox, it is not 
advisable to tow heavy trailer loads at speeds of 
less than 20 mph (32 km/h) using the main 
gearbox in high range. Use the transfer gearbox 
to select low range instead.
NOTE: Above 1,000 feet (300 metres) the 
effects of altitude can adversely affect engine 
performance.Tongue weight
The following operating instructions should be 
read in conjunction with the towing chart given 
later in this section.
WARNING
DO NOT exceed the gross weight or axle loads 
stated on the certification label attached to 
the vehicle. Exceeding allowable vehicle and 
axle loads will increase the risk of tire or 
suspension failure, increase vehicle brake 
stopping distance, and adversely affect 
vehicle handling and stability which may 
result in a crash or rollover. ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Tire pressures:Increase rear pressures of towing vehicle by at least 3 lbf/in
2 (0.2 bar) up to 
maximum of 46 lbf/in2 (3.2 bar). Ensure trailer/caravan tires are at 
recommended pressures.
Loading:Keep trailer loads securely anchored, evenly distributed and as low as 
possible with heavy loads over the axle. Towing vehicle maximum axle 
weights and gross vehicle weight must not be exceeded.
Tongue weight:Must be minimum of 7% of gross caravan/trailer weight up to maximum of 
550 lb (250 kg) - see vehicle/trailer/tow hitch chart in ‘Technical Data’.
Hitch height:Must be set so that caravan/trailer is level when connected to the tow 
vehicle with engine running. 
						

							Towing
142
WARNING
The tongue weight plus the combined weight 
of the vehicles load carrying area and rear 
seat passengers must never exceed the 
specified maximum rear axle load (see 
‘TOWING WEIGHTS’, page 234).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 215).
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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
For all of the towing conditions described, 
it is important that the following points are 
observed:
•All loads in the vehicle should be 
distributed as far forward as possible.
•The maximum Gross Vehicle Weight 
must not be exceeded, see ‘TOWING 
WEIGHTS’, page 234.
•The maximum individual axle weights 
must not be exceeded, see ‘TOWING 
WEIGHTS’, page 234.
•Changes between high and low range 
should not be made while the vehicle is 
on the move.
•Total trailer weight and tongue load can 
be measured with platform scales 
found at highway weighing stations, 
building supply companies, etc.
•The loading capacities and conditions 
for coil sprung and self levelled vehicles 
are different. Read the following section 
on permitted loading conditions for full 
details.
H2652 
						

							Towing
143
TOWING WEIGHT CHART
Loading descriptionSuspension 
Ty p eMax. Trailer 
WeightTongue 
WeightMax. Vehicle Weight
Trailer without brakes All 1650 lb 115 lb
-
Trailer with brakes, off-roadAll 2200 lb 155 lb-
Trailer with brakes, on-road 
with vehicle at Gross Vehicle 
Weight Coil spring 4410 lb 330 lb (1)710 lb (equivalent to driver, 
three passenger’s and 
110 lb luggage) 
(2)
Self levelling 4410 lb 330 lb (1)900 lb (equivalent to driver 
and five passenger’s) (2)
Maximum towing capacity 
on-road in high range (3)Coil spring 5500 lb 385 lb 450 lb (equivalent to driver 
and 2 passenger’s)
Self levelling 5500 lb 550 lb 600 lb (equivalent to driver 
and 3 passengers)
Maximum towing capacity 
on-road in low range 
(3)Coil spring 7700 lb 550 lb 450 lb (equivalent to driver 
and 2 passenger’s)
Self levelling 7700 lb 550 lb 600 lb (equivalent to driver 
and 3 passengers)
(1) It is permissible to increase the tongue weight to a maximum of 550 lb, however the vehicle payload 
and rear axle loads must be reduced to keep within the GVW and maximum rear axle load.
(2) High and low gears may be used when loaded to these conditions, but changes between the two 
ranges should not be made while the vehicle is in motion.
(3) All occupants should be seated in the first and second row seats. 
						

							Load Carrying
144
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. 
ROOF RACKS 
The roof rack system comprises two side rails 
permanently fixed to the roof of the vehicle. 
Cross bars are available as an accessory from a 
Land Rover retailer.
WARNING
Always observe the following precautions:
•The MAXIMUM load for approved roof rack 
systems (including the weight of the rack 
itself) is 110 kg (50 kg) for normal road use 
and 66 lb (30 kg) off-road.
•A loaded roof rack can reduce the stability 
of the vehicle, particularly when cornering 
and encountering cross winds.
•All loads should be distributed as far 
forward as possible, and secured within 
the periphery of the roof rack system.
•Only fit roof racks that have been designed 
for your vehicle. If in doubt, consult your 
retailer.
•Driving off-road with a loaded roof rack is 
not recommended. If it is necessary to 
stow luggage on the roof rack while 
driving off-road, the maximum weight 
capacity is limited to 66 lb (30 kg) and all 
loads MUST be removed before traversing 
side slopes.
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.
H2561
H2560 
						

							145
Off-Road Driving
Off-Road Driving
BEFORE YOU DRIVE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  147
BASIC OFF-ROAD TECHNIQUES  . . . . . . . . . . . .  147
AFTER DRIVING OFF-ROAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  150
SERVICING REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  150
Driving Techniques
DRIVING ON SOFT SURFACES & DRY SAND  . .  151
Stopping the vehicle on soft ground, in sand or on an 
incline  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  151
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
(ice, snow, mud, wet grass). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  151
DRIVING ON ROUGH TRACKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  151
CLIMBING STEEP SLOPES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  152
DESCENDING STEEP SLOPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  153
TRAVERSING A SLOPE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  153
NEGOTIATING A ‘V’ SHAPED GULLY . . . . . . . . .  154
DRIVING IN EXISTING WHEEL TRACKS  . . . . . .  154
CROSSING A RIDGE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  154
CROSSING A DITCH  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  154
WADING  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  155 
						

							146 
						

							Off-Road Driving
147
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.
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.
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 206). 
						

							Off-Road Driving
148
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.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.
H2543 
						

							Off-Road Driving
149
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 135). 
For additional information, see ‘DIMENSIONS’, 
page 233.Loss of traction
If the vehicle is immobilised due to loss of tire 
grip, the following hints could be of value:
•Avoid prolonged wheel spin; this will only 
make matters worse.
•Remove obstacles rather than forcing the 
vehicle to cross them.
•Clear clogged tire treads.
•Reverse as far as possible, then attempt an 
increased speed approach - additional 
momentum may overcome the obstacle.
•Brushwood, sacking or any similar material 
placed in front of the tires may improve tire 
grip.
CD Autochanger
Playing CDs while negotiating arduous off-road 
terrain is not recommended. Severe jolting of 
the vehicle may disturb the operation of the 
autochanger, causing the disc to ‘jump’ or 
‘skip’.