Land Rover Discovery Series Ii Owners Handbook Nas Rover

							Towing
108
H2568
TOWING
The torque ranges of Land Rover engines
allow maximum-weight loads to be pulled
smoothly from standstill, and reduce gear
changing on hills or rough terrain.
The suspension is designed to cope with a
heavy trailer load without upsetting the
balance or feel of the vehicle. Details of gross
maximum towed weights are listed on the
following pages and in the General Data
section.
WARNING
Only fit towing accessories that have been
designed and approved by Land Rover.
Ensure that the gross vehicle weight and
maximum rear axle weight are not
exceeded.
In on-road towing conditions, vehicles
equipped with SLS should only be operated
in NORMAL MODE.
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 equalising 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).
H2651
8 inch ( 203 mm ) 
3 inch ( 76 mm )  
						

							Towing
109 When preparing your vehicle for towing, pay
careful attention to the trailer manufacturers
recommendations and follow the guidelines
below:
· Ensure that the towing vehicle tyre
pressures are correct and that the trailer
tyre 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).
· 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 organisation or
towing equipment retailer. 
						

							Towing
110 Tongue weight
The following operating instructions should be
read in conjunction with the towing chart
given later in this section.
IMPORTANT
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 General Data.
· The maximum individual axle weights
must not be exceeded, see General Data.
· Changes between high and low ratio
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.
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
General data).
NOTE:When towing trailers, always consult
and obey local speed regulations. Speed
should be reduced to compensate for
increased stopping distances.
Permitted loading conditions
1.
Trailers without brakes
Maximum on and off-road trailer weight is
1653 lb. Maximum tongue weight is 115
lb.
2.
Trailers with brakes - off-road
Maximum off-road trailer weight is 2204
lb. Maximum tongue weight is 155 lb.
3.
Trailers with brakes - on-road with vehicle
at Gross Vehicle Weight
Maximum trailer weight is 4410 lb.
Maximum tongue weight is 330 lb. 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.
Vehicle loading when towing to these
conditions should be limited to 710 lb
(equal to driver, three passengers and
110 lb luggage) for vehicles with coil
spring suspension or 900 lb (equal to
driver and five passengers) for vehicles
with self-levelling suspension.
High and low ranges may be used when
loaded to these conditions, but changes
between the two ranges should not be
made while on the move. 
						

							Towing
111 4.
Maximum towing capacities - on-road
in high range
Maximum trailer weight is 5500 lb.
For vehicles with coil springs, the
maximum tongue weight is 385 lb, and the
load in the vehicle should be limited to
450 lb (equivalent to driver and 2
passengers).
For vehicles with self levelling suspension,
a tongue weight of 550 lb should be used
and the load in the vehicle should be
limited to 600 lb (equivalent to driver and
3 passengers).5.
Maximum towing capacities - on-road
in low range
Maximum trailer weight is 7716 lb.
Maximum tongue weight is 550 lb. Vehicle
loading should be restricted as follows
1.Coil spring rear suspension - 450 lb
(equivalent to driver and two passengers).
2.Self levelling rear suspension - 600 lb
(equivalent to driver and three
passengers).
All occupants should be seated in the first and
second row seats.
TOWING WEIGHT CHART
Item Loading description On-road Off-road Tongue weight
1. Trailer without brakes 1653 lb 1653 lb 330 lb
2. Trailer with brakes
off - roadN/A 2204 lb 330 lb
3. Trailer with brakes
on-road at GVW4410 lb N/A 330 - 550 lb
see item 3 on page
110
4. Max. Capacity
on-road in high range5500 lb N/A 550 lb
5. Max. capacity
on-road in low range7716 lb 7716 lb 5500 lb 
						

							Towing
112 Automatic gearbox models
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 and also cause overheating.
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
General data).
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
Bulb replacement).
An accessory lighting adaptor kit is available,
consult your dealer.
Power output from trailer socket must NOT
exceed 5 amps.
H2652 
						

							Load carrying
113
H2561
LUGGAGE 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 manoeuvre either on or off-road.
H2560
STORAGE BINS
Some vehicles are equipped with storage bins
on each side of the loadspace. Raise the lid to
open. 
						

							Load carrying
114 ROOF RACKS
The roof rack system comprises two side rails
permanently fixed to the roof of the vehicle
and cross bars available as an accessory from
a Land Rover dealer.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
·TheMAXIMUMload for approved
roof rack systems is
110 lb (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 evenly
distributed, 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 dealer.
· 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 and all loads MUST be
removed before traversing side
slopes. 
						

							Vehicle recovery
115
H2487
TOWING FOR RECOVERY
Most vehicle recovery specialists will load
Discovery onto a trailer. However, if it is
necessary to recover the vehicle by towing
with all four wheels on the ground, observe
the following procedure:
1.With the handbrake applied, set the main
gearbox in P (Park) and the transfer box
in neutral.
2.Turn the starter switch to the first position
to unlock the steering, and then to
position II if it will be necessary to
operate the brake lights and direction
indicators.
3.Secure the towing attachment to the front
towing eye of the distressed vehicle.
4.Release the handbrake.
NOTE:If, due to an accident or electrical
fault, it is not considered safe to turn the
starter switch, the battery should first be
disconnected.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to tow the vehicle unless
the starter switch is turned to position I.
DO NOT remove the key or turn the starter
switch to position 0 while the vehicle is in
motion; the starter switch must be at
position I to unlock the steering.
Without the engine running, the brake servo
and power steering pump cannot provide
assistance; greater effort will therefore be
required to operate the brake pedal and turn
the steering wheel. Longer stopping
distances will also be experienced. 
						

							Vehicle recovery
116 Towing eyes
The towing eyes at the front and rear of the
vehicle are designed for on-road vehicle
recovery purposes only and must NOT be
used to tow a trailer or caravan.
FRONT: A single towing eye, set behind a
removable panel in the front spoiler (see
illustration on previous page), is provided at
the front of the vehicle for on-road recovery.
DO NOT use the front lashing rings for towing
purposes.
Before driving off-road, remove the panel
from the spoiler as a precaution against
accidental loss.
REAR: A pair of towing eyes are provided at
the rear of the vehicle. These can be used as
lashing rings and for towing your vehicle.
Long distance towing
Your vehicle can be towed behind a motor
home or other recreational vehicle. Follow the
procedure for towing given in Towing for
recovery.
H2486
Transporter or trailer lashing
Pairs of lashing rings are fixed to the
underside of the vehicle - at the front (to the
rear of the front wheels) and at the rear
(backward of the rear wheels). DO NOT secure
lashing hooks or trailer fixings to any other
part of the vehicle.
NOTE:The front rings are for lashing only
and must NOT be used for towing. The rear
lashing rings are designed for both towing
and lashing. 
						

							Emergency starting
117 STARTING AN ENGINE WITH A DISCHARGED
BATTERY
Using booster cables (jump leads) from a
donor battery, or a battery fitted to a donor
vehicle, is the only approved method of
starting a Discovery with a discharged battery.
Vehicles with automatic transmission cannot
be restarted by pushing or towing.
WARNING
·During normal use, batteries emit
explosive hydrogen gas sufficient to
cause severe explosions capable of
causing serious injury - keep sparks and
naked lights away from the engine
compartment.
·DO NOT attempt to start the vehicle if the
electrolyte in the battery is suspected of
being frozen.
·Make sure BOTH batteries are of the
same voltage (12 volts), and that the
booster cables have insulated clamps
and are approved for use with 12 volt
batteries.
·DO NOT disconnect the discharged
battery.
·DO NOT connect positive (+) terminals to
negative (-) terminals, and ensure
booster cables are kept away from any
moving parts in the engine
compartment.
·Take care when working near rotating
parts of the engine.
USING BOOSTER CABLES
If a donor vehicle is to be used, both vehicles
should be parked with their battery locations
adjacent to each other. Ensure that the two
vehicles do not touch.
Apply the handbrakes and ensure that the
transmission of both vehicles is set in neutral
(P or Park for vehicles with automatic
transmission).
Turn off the starter switch and ALL electrical
equipment of BOTH vehicles, then follow the
instructions.