Hi All,

I have a 97 Disco. I want to tow a 1978 22' Airstream Argosy. The Airstream weighs 3780 loaded and ready to travel. The Disco has upgradedOME shocks and springs.

The Disco manual says I have a type three hitch. As defined by DOT a class three hitchis is rated at 5000 lb. load and 500 lb. tongue weight. The disco manual says my max tongue is 330lb. Why is this?

The disco manual also says do not use an equalizing hitch. Why can't I use an equalizing hitch.

You have no idea how desperately I'd like to have answers two perplexing questions.

Uncle Jack

 

I wouldnt worry about it. I do not know why the tougne weight is only 330lbs, you can actually pull 5,500lbs (7,000lbs in the rest of the world).
If the tougne weight worries you then you could get a aftermarket hitch installed.
I dont know why you cannot use the EQ hitch either. These questions might be better answered by your dealer.
Sorry I'm not much help.
But as a side note, I also have a '97 and I have pulled way more than 5,500lbs with mine. It wasnt on the road though, well kinda. It was a hay wagon with 6 round bails going from the field to the farm 5 miles away. (one bail 1,000lbs plus almost another 1,000 for the wagon)

 

I tow a 2 axel 14’ cargo trailer with my 2003 nearly every day. Occasionally I push the weight beyond the recommended allowable limit, it can handle it. I consider the disco a great vehicle for towing because of the maneuverability and visibility, but you must follow some rules or it will bite you.

The engine in the 03 can handle loads easily if driven with proper use of gear selector and throttle (no experience with 97). The big issue is tongue weight. Disco = short wheel base.

With my trailer balanced properly I hardly notice it back there. It’s a pleasure to tow with. If I load heavy forward of the trailers center of gravity the truck and handles mushy but is still ok.

If I load slightly heavy aft of the trailers center of gravity, it’s all over…. The rig becomes unstable and I simply have to take the time to reload. I’m talking just 75 lbs 3 feet too far aft. It doesn’t take much.

Brakes would be my biggest concern. I use electric breaks with a very good controller. The breaks must be working and balanced properly or you WILL end up loosing it. Don’t think about stopping; think about stopping fast in a turn. People seem to drive poorly around truck trailer combos and don’t consider the reduced stopping ability. I’ve smoked my tires too many times due to other drivers neglect… without my care I certainly would have impacted cars or lost my trailer during evasive maneuvering. It’s your breaks that will keep the trailer behind you when stopping fast. The disco's short wheel base makes this even harder.

Your trailer has 8’ of additional arm than mine which means loading and breaking is even more critical. I’m sure you can do it, but go somewhere where you can practice panic stops and thoroughly test the swerving capacity before loading the family and going.

MWmG

 

Deepbluewater, where did you get a 7 pin connector and brake controller for your disco and what type of each?

 

Iread in a LR Forum somewhere,if you have the SLS system on the rear, an equalizing hitch would fight against it. If you have replaced the SLSwith OMErear springs, you should be able to use it.

 

I tow a 27-foot boat that weights 7,700 lbs fueled and watered with my 2004 Disco. I have had no problems. Plenty of power and braking capacity. Only issue is the short wheel base on the disco. Gives me an unsettling feeling going into a downhill turn at highway speed. I also have the stiff set of OME springs and shocks.

Note: I only tow this much to the local marina which is 15 miles away....