Does anyone really tow anything with their LR3 yet???
It is inconceivable that anyone would tow anything of any weight without weight distribution, IMHO (that goes for a brake controller and trailer mirrors, too). Seasoned travel trailer owners have known forever that weight distribution hitches are much more than distributing weight. The setup creates leverage between the tow vehicle and trailer that make the package act almost as one, so to speak. It is hugely important once you experience the difference in handling and safety.
I am following this thread because, frankly, I like LR's - alot. I traded my DII for a Touareg because the Touareg can tow. And tow it does. It climbs mountain passes like there's no tomorrow. The DII was a terrible tow vehicle. I owned three over the years before the release of the LR3. I'm hoping the LR3 can tow something into the #5,000 range safely and effectively.
My Touareg has air suspension and it too reports in the owner's manual that weight distribution is "verboten" (forbidden in German). There are dozens, if not hundreds, using weight distribution to perfect success on the Touareg. None of us worry about the "warranty". Read on...
Weight distribution, for those that understand, is a user variable "setting" at the hitch. One can use as little or as much weight distribution as one feels is necessary, prudent, or required usually by adjusting the number of chain links one uses. BUT, weight distribution adds remarkable improvements in handling and safety.
If LR has a gestapo running around taking pictures of your hitch setup and they determine that you are using weight distribution, they may void your warranty - if you have a problem with the hitch or air suspension. But how the heck are they ever going to know if you don't tell them? Frankly, they are not. To offer a blanket statement like they apparently do on page 206 of the owner's manual is not only irresponsible, it is plain stupid, IMHO.
I read of a woman who tried towing either a 25' or 28' travel trailer and the hitch kept coming loose from the LR3. Clearly, she was over hitch weight by a wide margin. She started demanding that LR refund her money because of what the dealer stated relative to towing capacity. She'd have better luck at the lottery. Which reminds me of another point to remember; dealers often know little and are willing to say things to make a sale. Buyer beware! The Touareg owners went through the exact same scenario before someone (like me) decided to take the chance and hookup a significant travel trailer to the Touareg and actually go somewhere with it. I've now towed over 12,000 miles and it has proven to be a towing monster, it is that good. OMG, I would love to hear a success story with the LR3 towing a trailer in my weight range.
If the LR3 uses some proprietary hitch receiver that precludes the use of industry standard aftermarket hitches (you know what I mean; class 3, class 2, and so forth) then there is a problem and is probably the reason why the woman, above, had problems.
Go LR3 owner, Go! We need your feedback!
