Hi
I've recently seen sense and became a Freelander 2 ('09) owner. I need advising on tow bar options. I won't be pulling a caravan but although initially I will be wanting a bike carrier, shortly I will want to pull a horse box. Help!

Check that the horse box and horse is not more than the Freelander 2 is allowed to tow. FL2 has lower limits compared to a Disco I believe.

I fitted a Witter tow bar with removable flanged ball. This means its out of the way when I dont need it and stores next to the spare wheel. Being flanged I can unbolt the ball and attach a bracket for the bike rack and reattach the ball if I need to.
The Witter tow bar (R41AQ) is cheaper and easier to fit than the LR OEM one. It doesnt need the rear bumper to be removed. You need to pop out the LH rear reflector and drill two holes to allow a deep 3/8 13mm socket for two nuts - not as scary as it might seem - I used a small bit for pilot holes followed by a wood flat bit of the right diam - the plastic is not thick. The two holes are completely hidden by the reflector. A template is supplied. (If you are hyper-flexible it might be possible to do it without drilling - but I tried and couldnt do it.

The wiring loom depends on the age of your FL2 - for the 2014 model I used the genuine loom which is cheaper than early looms but is totally plug n play with no coding required - only requires access to the fuse/relay box behind the glove box. Earlier looms can be acquired from Right Connections (cheaper than OEM but work just as well)- easy to install but require coding for full functionality. They are more expensive than the newer versions.I bought 13 pin socket versions and use a simple adapter for older trailers with 7 pin. Jules

Hi Jules

Thanks for the info. It's a 2009 FL2. It will only be for pulling a small pony and I've checked the tolerances, so am happy it'll be ok with the trailer we have.
I won't be doing any fitting work on this as I have a very problematic leg (plus I'm not the electric/mechanical of green fingered). I will however take a look at the recommended tow bar.
Thank you

Alex

http://www.pfjones.co.uk/landrover-freelan...06-on.html
Flange type http://www.pfjones.co.uk/landrover-freelan...06-on.html
http://www.lrdirect.com/VPLFT0106-Tow-Bar-Electrics/
Check your model is compatible. Electrics are for a later model.
More here:
http://www.freel2.com/forum/topic17426.html * GONE. GS TD4 Manual MY2013. Orkney Grey with privacy, cold and clearview packs, armrests (a must!) and a spoiler.
* 2011 4.4 TDV8 Full Fat. Amazing piece of kit.
* GONE.2012 RR Sport HSE SDV6 Orkney Grey. Rocket ship. 33mpg.
* Range Rover Classic '93 200Tdi Factory fit
* 1949 80" in family since 1975

Some great advice here regarding DIY installation. From the information i'm going for a "Witter Detacheable Flange Towbar". Intend using this for a trailer and medium sized 4 birth caravan.

The only possibly banana skin seems to be getting your electrics right...i.e universal or dedicated. I'm going for Landrover's dedicated kit 13 pin (suitable for a FL2 GS 2010).

Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.

your landrover will require a wiring loom and to have the towbar electrics enabled.
Sadly this will cost you more than it would if you have a newer (my13 +) car, as then they just plug and play


+1 for Witter- I have had a LR and a Witter towbar, the witter was by far the easiest and cheapest to have fitted 

I recently fitted a tow bar and twin electric to my 08.
I searched and googled all the usual places and was very fortunate to find and purchase an original freelander 2 tow bar complete with plug in twin electrics.
Total cost was less than £70.(I had to travel 100 miles to collect)
I also purchased a cheap mongoose cable & program and was able to activate (code) my trailer module myself saving more than what the cable cost.
I also collected my cycle carrier last week and paid less than 1/3 the original price for a virtually new kit
There are bargains out there, but you need to search.

Good Luck
Joe Fix it until it's broke !

Cheers "PC Heaven" and "Joe"

Sorry to sound like a real dumb ass but i'm trying to avoid full fitting costs.

From what i've read on "pf jones" website the wiring for a 13 pin looks fairly straightforward (i.e plug and play loom). All I need to do after fitting bar and electrics is to get local landy dealer to re-program software? Circa £70 bucks?

To avoid fitting costs fit it yourself!
It is quite an easy task and takes about 2 hours.
You can download the fitting destructions from web and loads of links on this site
As you say, after you have fitted it, It is either a dealer visit (I was quoted £55 + vat by local indie)
or as I did and configure it yourself.



Good Luck
Joe Fix it until it's broke !

Thanks Joe, what is the actual website?

All instructions for tow bar and electric fittings can be downloaded from here https://topix.landrover.jlrext.com/topix/vehicle/lookupForm Fix it until it's broke !

Thanks again Joe!

Joe what software are you using there, and is it cheaper than having the local specialist program it?

Any advice on fitting Witter Tow bar. Need a torque wrench within the range 27-150 Nm. Screwfix do one for £24.99 which covers 28-210 Nm, seems quite cheap compared to a Norbar which is approx £100 bucks. Obviously you want your torque settings spot on when your pulling 1.5 MT behind you

All comments welcome

http://www.screwfix.com/p/reversible-torque-wrench/18289
http://www.pfjones.co.uk/witter/R41AQ.pdf