Think about who buys a Rover these days and it should be no wonder when something like the hitch is seized.

Chick I bought mine from didn't know it was 4wd .

Don't blame engineers at land rover for their neglectful soccer mom customer base in the US.

I say that while mine is soaking in PB blaster because I cant move it .

 

Drop me a PM sir.

 

Oh man I've had so many vehicles that used this hitch and one SINGLE hitch for all of them.

I've abused it, left it to rust, in the rain, salt, summer, winter, whatever.. 1,200lbs to 6,500lbs on road trips in all temperature conditions.

Soak it in WD-40, let it sit.. it's good as new. ZERO issues.

The pin has to be in the outward position before you insert it into vehicle. It'll automatically release into locked position. HIT IT HARD into the vehicle receiver. It should instantly snap into the locked position and all the red should be gone.

This piece can fail just like any other item in the universe. Don't blame LR, etc .. I've pushed this thing 10,000 fold past its design limits and keep coming onto the forums hearing people having them fall apart hauling tulips and mulch etc... uhm. No.

 

awe don't rain on my parade LOL

 

Haha sorry.

You're not the one who posted in that American Land Rover Owners group on FB about the new permanent hitch thing are you? I think it's the same piece, I haven't even looked at it honestly.

A while back I actually crawled under the the rig to see how it engaged and where the primary locking pin wears on the vehicle receiver. I had zero wear and I tow a good amount. Apparently the UK swan neck units are built about half as strong and half the rating, thus tolerances are also a little worse - the TSB / recall lists warping/wear damage of the locking pin hole which eventually allows release.

Mine wasn't even scuffed up much less nicked, much less damaged or widened.

I'd definitely say it's related only to the swan neck quick release hitch - TONS of people overseas had problems with it, there's some kind of lawsuit, and LR recanted their claims that it was perfect and issued a recall program. Meanwhile not a peep over here in the US, so I'd assume the 2" receiver version for US is indeed much different.


edit: I also leave mine on all the time lately, I'm in 2 hours of stop-go traffic daily with total idiots on their phones.. not taking that thing off! Personally I think this would be almost better since the internal springs are in their released positions, instead of compressed when the hitch is in storage. Never really figured that one out. I keep it clean / lubed tho.