Trailer Towing

Trailer Weight

This section details the permissible towing weights and loads for your Land Rover when towing a trailer. It is crucial to adhere to these specifications to ensure safe operation and prevent damage to the vehicle.

Maximum Permissible Trailer Weight and Tow Ball Load

Note 1: If the tow ball load exceeds 150 kg, the vehicle's load must be reduced accordingly. This ensures compliance with the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and rear axle load limits.

Note 2: If the tow ball load for a powered hitch exceeds 150 kg, the vehicle's load must be reduced accordingly. This ensures compliance with the GVW and rear axle load limits.

Note: When towing off-road, the trailer weight connected to a powered hitch must not exceed 1000 kg (2200 lbs).

Note: When towing in European Union (EU) countries, if the maximum speed is limited to 100 km/h (60 mph), the GVW can be increased by 100 kg (220 lbs).

Note: For every 1000 m of altitude increase above sea level, the Gross Train Weight (GTW) must be reduced by 10%.

Note: When calculating the rear axle load, remember to include the tow ball load, the weight of luggage in the vehicle's cargo area, the weight of roof rack luggage, and the weight of rear passengers.

Australia Only: The tow ball load must be at least 7% of the total caravan/trailer weight, but not more than 350 kg (771 lbs).

Connecting Trailer Lighting

Only connect approved and functional electrical equipment to the trailer socket. If the trailer's electrical system is connected and the vehicle's turn signals are activated, the indicator light will flash. Refer to section 72 for turn signal indicators on trailers.

Note: If the trailer has LED lights, the lamp check may not function when the ignition is on. Refer to section 67 for signal indicator checks.

Approved Land Rover electrical connectors prevent automatic adjustment of the vehicle's ride height for off-road driving via the Terrain Response system.

Trailer Towing

Drivers are responsible for ensuring that the towing vehicle and trailer are used correctly according to the manufacturer's recommendations and local legislation.

Warning: Do not exceed the following parameters: Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), maximum rear axle load, maximum trailer weight, maximum tow ball load, or towing equipment load. Exceeding these limits can lead to accelerated wear and damage to the vehicle, and may negatively affect vehicle stability and braking efficiency, potentially leading to loss of control, increased braking distance, or a vehicle rollover/accident.

When calculating the towing weight, consider not only the cargo weight but also the weight of the trailer itself.

If the load can be distributed between the vehicle and the trailer, increasing the vehicle's load generally improves stability.

Do not exceed the vehicle's weight limits.

To ensure maximum stability, ensure the load is properly secured and does not shift during transport. Position the heaviest items as low as possible and directly over or near the trailer's axle(s).

Warning: Do not loop the safety cable around the tow ball; it may slip off.

Warning: Do not use the vehicle's towing eyes or body mounting points for towing. They are not designed for this purpose and may fail under load, causing injury or death.

When towing, do not exceed 100 km/h (60 mph), or 80 km/h (50 mph) if a temporary spare wheel is fitted.

To prevent gearbox overheating, it is not recommended to tow a loaded trailer at speeds below 32 km/h (21 mph). Engage low range gear.

When towing a trailer exceeding 2000 kg (4400 lbs), a smoother start can be achieved by engaging a lower gear and then shifting to a higher gear as you move off. Refer to section 120 for shifting gears while driving.

Note: It is not recommended to use weight-distributing hitches.

Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)

TSA is an automatic trailer stabilization function. If trailer sway is detected, the system gradually reduces engine power and applies the brakes to help regain control of the vehicle.

Note: TSA does not function if DSC is switched off.

Note: This function may not work with all trailers.

Note: TSA will not function if the trailer experiences a "jackknife" situation.

Note: The system's effectiveness may be reduced when driving on slippery surfaces.

Mandatory Checks Before Towing

• Do not loop the safety cable around the tow ball; it may slip off.
• Do not exceed the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), maximum rear axle load, maximum trailer weight, or tow ball load. Exceeding any of these limits can lead to loss of stability and control.
• When calculating towing weight, consider not only the cargo weight but also the trailer's weight.
• If the load can be distributed between the vehicle and the trailer, increasing the vehicle's load generally improves stability.
• Do not exceed the vehicle's weight limits.
• To ensure maximum stability, ensure the load is properly secured and does not shift during transport. Position the heaviest items as low as possible and directly over or near the trailer's axle(s).
• To maintain vehicle stability, load a twin-axle trailer so that it remains parallel to the ground.
• Increase the pressure in the towing vehicle's rear tires to the values specified for a fully loaded vehicle. Refer to section 249 for tire and wheel sizes.
• Ensure the trailer tires are inflated to the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
• When loading the vehicle to its maximum GVW, the tow ball load must be limited to 150 kg (331 lbs). Refer to section 247 for weight.
• If it is necessary to increase the tow ball load, an additional 100 kg (220 lbs) is permitted, provided the vehicle's load is reduced by the same amount. This prevents the vehicle's GVW and rear axle load from exceeding permissible limits and allows for an increased tow ball load of up to 250 kg (550 lbs).
• Ensure a suitable safety cable and/or securing chains are used. For information, refer to the trailer manufacturer's instructions.
• Ensure the tow ball is securely fastened.
• Check the operation of the trailer lights.
• The tow ball load must be at least 4% of the total caravan/trailer weight.
• The coupling height should be adjusted with the engine running so that the caravan/trailer is level.

Note: When connecting the trailer, ensure all doors remain closed.

Powered Trailer Hitch

The powered trailer hitch retracts behind the bumper when stowed. It can be deployed using the buttons on the right side of the luggage compartment.

Before deploying the hitch, turn off the ignition. Always check for obstructions before deploying the hitch.

Ensure the hitch is fully deployed before connecting the trailer.

1. Press the hitch switch (1). The green LED on the deploy/retract button (2) will illuminate.
2. Press and release the deploy/retract button (2). The hitch will move to the selected position. Alternatively, press and hold the button (2) to increase the speed of deployment.

During hitch deployment, a series of long warning tones will sound, and the green LED will flash. A double tone confirms full deployment, and all LEDs will extinguish.

To retract the hitch, repeat the procedure using the hitch switch (1) and the deploy/retract button (2).

Note: To stop the hitch movement, press any button.

Note: If an obstruction is detected or the hitch stops during deployment, the green LED will flash, and a 10-second audible warning will sound. Pressing the deploy/retract button while the green LED is flashing will cause the hitch to retract.

Note: If the mechanism encounters obstructions that may impede its operation (e.g., ice), pressing and holding the deploy/retract button will increase the drive power.

Note: If the hitch does not move or has been impacted but is not damaged, a hitch reset may be required. For any damage, contact your local dealer or authorized Land Rover workshop.

Resetting the Powered Trailer Hitch

If the powered hitch movement unexpectedly stops and remains in an intermediate position between the two extreme travel points, a reset is required. This procedure must be completed within 2 minutes and starts from the stowed position.

1. Press the brake pedal.
2. Turn the engine on and off.
3. Release the brake pedal.
4. Turn the ignition on and off.
5. Press the hitch switch (1). The green LED on the deploy/retract button (2) will illuminate.
6. Press and release the deploy/retract button (2) to move the hitch to the deployed position.
7. Press and release the deploy/retract button (2) again to move the hitch to the stowed position.

During movement, a series of long warning tones will sound, and the green LED will flash. The hitch reset is now complete.

Installing the Tow Ball with Multi-Position Adjustment Plate

Warning: Do not leave the tow ball unsecured in the vehicle. It can pose a hazard during sudden braking or accidents.

1. The tow ball with the adjustment plate is supplied in a bag and should be attached to the luggage lashing eye in the rear of the luggage compartment. Remove the plastic cover from the hitch mounting hole and place it in a safe location to avoid loss.
2. Insert the tow ball assembly into the receiver.
3. Insert the locking pin.
4. Insert the straight part of the locking pin into the locking pin and push down. Ensure the pin is secured in this position.
5. If the tow ball height is adjustable, remove the retaining bolts.
6. Move the tow ball to a different position on the adjustment plate and reinstall the bolts. Tighten the bolts to 170 Nm.

Tow Ball Dimensions and Mounting Points (Multi-Position Adjustment Plate)

This section provides detailed measurements for the tow ball and its mounting points, crucial for correct installation and compatibility.

Tow Ball Dimensions and Mounting Points (Powered Hitch)

This section provides detailed measurements for the tow ball and its mounting points when equipped with a powered hitch.

Tow balls/hitches are heavy, so handle them with care.