Many people think that having a rear towing plate is a hindrance when driving off-road. This is only partially true. The standard drop plate fitted to all Land Rover products is fine. In fact, in the case of Classic Range Rover and Discovery, having this unit fitted actually serves to protect the vulnerable fuel tank from being clouted on the ground should the rear wheels land heavily both together in a cross ditch. The best drop plates are in fact the type with a curved underside, which acts as a shield and skid plate.

The main problem is when a vehicle is fitted with a non-standard 'lower than normal' drop plate, which can easily foul the ground when driving in rutted areas, especially when driving down and out of gullies. Another problem when you have a ridiculously low mounted towing point is if you are climbing a steep bank and don't make the top and there's no gentle run out at the bottom. You can easily bend the drop plate up into the tank as you land heavily back at the bottom, bending the rear crossmember, too, to make matters worse.

In arduous terrain, the standard drop plate also protects the rear bumper, especially the end caps which can foul on the ground. Another problem, in the case of the Discovery, is if the rear of the vehicle lands heavily in a hole. The bumper can be bent up under the rear door causing further damage.

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(c)Goodwinch Limited 2006