LR4 Trailer Hitch Service / Rebuild

[Land Rover Joe]

Tribe,

My LR4 trailer hitch is stuck in the truck (the little key will not turn) and I cannot get the thing off.

This hitch is the OEM, "Genuine Tow / Trailer Hitch LR040248, 2-Inch Receiver, Class 3, Quick-Release, For Land Rover LR3, LR4 And Range Rover Sport".

Some internet research has only lead to another person (LR3) having this issue and writing it up in a different forum -

https://www.landroversonly.com/threads/hitch-operation-and-rebuild.145634/

I did purchase the "Tow Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock Large Type Genuine Part# KNW500020" from Lucky 8 in order to service / rebuild this hitch so I can continue using it. See (my photo of the kit attached) -

Tow Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock Large Type Genuine

We have a New Tow Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock Large Type GenuinePart# KNW500020Fits: LR3 / Discovery 3 2005-2009 LR4 / Discovery 4 2013-2016 Range Rover Sport 2005-2009 Range Rover Sport 2010-on

lucky8llc.com

Does anyone have experience with these hitches?

Any knowledge before starting this little project would be most welcome and helpful since I have no idea how to attack this problem.

Lesson Learned: don't leave your OEM hitches installed because they will corrode / get gunked up and fail in the hitch receiver....

 

[ftillier]

Is it just the key that won't turn, or the release knob won't turn? I'd spray liberally with PB blaster, if you drop the spare you can reach the end of the locking pin and try to spray it in hopes it reaches the inside. I'd probably follow up with some whacks with a mallet. Might take a bit of time for the penetrant to do its job though.

 

[Land Rover Joe]

Is it just the key that won't turn, or the release knob won't turn? I'd spray liberally with PB blaster, if you drop the spare you can reach the end of the locking pin and try to spray it in hopes it reaches the inside. I'd probably follow up with some whacks with a mallet. Might take a bit of time for the penetrant to do its job though.

Neither will turn and we have attempted those two remedies (penetrating oil and "persuasion") for the past two months, to no avail....

 

[Rover Range]

On the green part, there's a roll pin you have to push out. Then the green part slides off.

 

[Land Rover Joe]

On the green part, there's a roll pin you have to push out. Then the green part slides off.

Thanks @Rover Range

How do I access that pin when the hitch is on the truck?

 

[powershift]

Sorry to hear that, Joe. Have you tried a die-hard locksmith or someone that could break into a safe? It might be worth $75 to see if he has any tricks of the trade. Otherwise, you might need to remove the entire hitch and break out the cutting torch. The lock might have some rocks and debris jammed inside even though there is no obvious hole for dirt to fall inside. There is air force and dirt force. Dirt gets everywhere, especially if you've been on dirt roads where it hasn't rained but ATV's are popular. Loose dirt/dust 2' thick and dust clouds 100's of feet long.

 

[Rover Range]

Thanks @Rover Range

How do I access that pin when the hitch is on the truck?

Cut away the plastic with a hack saw.

 

[Land Rover Joe]

Cut away the plastic with a hack saw.

Will Do!

And will report back....

 

[scapistron]

I went to rebuild mine when I first got it because the grease had all dried out and it wasn't functioning right. Took it apart and a ball detent went flying.

Tossed it in the metal recycle bin and got the rhino ox hitch. I didn't like how low the factory setup was anyways.