Hello all, I have a 2008 LR3 SE. Went cheap and installed the Atlantic British trailer hitch, used 2-3 times for a 4 bike hitch carrier, always noted the hitch was slightly slanted down and doesn't look good. Spend the big bucks and bought the factory LR hitch. Still noted it slightly slants down. Attached a folding hitch basket this past weekend for a road trip to Los Angeles this past weekend. Looks tacky with basket not sitting level in hitch. No frame damage noted, no signs of previous accident. Does anyone have any ideas why it may have the slight tilt? Considering renting a travel trailer for possible Labor day weekend camping, not sure now? Please help

 

Perhaps the inner bumper got bent or twisted by backing into something? Is the rear of the vehicle lower in the back by some odd chance?

I can sort you out on something a bit more proper.

 

Re the slant concern, about all I can suggest is as above, try to figure out if your rear bumper is twisted. The area where the big tow loop and electrical connectors should look vertical and flat, not twisted or bent.

I know you said all looks good but if you get under and just inspect the hitch area with a flashlight and perhaps one of those little 6" levels, you might detect some twisting somewhere - not that you will beable to do much about it but at least you will know where the problem is.

While nothing is free, you may wish to try the new alternative type of hitch out of Africa that I think unseenone is referring to and seems to know something about. They use it over there rather than the LR model as rear clearances are always a concern when towing out on the Veld. I gather the hitch has all the various USA/DOT and EU/TUV approvals as well.

The jpg's below shows the hitch mounted to the bumper. It is a pretty clean install and once attached can pretty much remain there as you will not bang your legs on it and it does not interfere with opening of the lower hatch door.

 

Where can I get more info on the hitch you had posted? I would like to get more info on it.

 

Send unseenone a PM, Private Message and ask him - he knows all about the hitch and where to get one as well.

To send unseenone a PM, just click on his name about three posts above and a dropdown will appear. One of the options is to send a PM that he will no doubt respond to. If not, let me know and I will delve further into the PM thing.

 

Sent you a message.

 

It might be somewhat of an optical illusion - mine looks that way sometimes but as I use mine for a tow bar / ball it doesn't matter.

It's not like a bumper mount thing on a pickup truck, it's highly integrated into the frame of the vehicle and it it would take a LOT to bend it, and most likely the LR mount would not engage correctly if that area was damaged. Not sure about the aftermarket one. I always wondered why people bothered with it when it only offers a class III capacity and an incorrect pivot/moment in relation to the frame and suspension. I suppose with something like a bike carrier none of this really matters though. I'm used to 5500lb boats and 6500lb horse trailers lol.