Hi All
As a new FL2 owner I have scoured the forum for answers to many questions and found lots of good advice. It does appear that most of you dislike towbars but I have to fit one myself to launch and recover the boat. I have a quote from my local towing specialist to fit a fixed bar for £250 and a removable for £430. I do like to remove the bars for aesthetic appeal and also to prevent accidents with other car bumpers (!), but the price tag is quite high. I am therefore keen to do the job myself but there are so many choices. Can anyone recommend a bar that does not need the bumper to be removed as this looks like a painful process - I watched a guy on you tube completely butcher a rear bumper trying to fit a cheap towbar!
Also, can anyone advise if there is any special wiring required to over ride the rear sensors?
Looking forward to your replies.
Thanks in advance.

I have a fixed Witter tow bar I fitted with the standard LR wiring into the rear fuse box, quite easy to do. There is no special wiring for the sensors, if you want to disable them when reverse is engaged then that needs to be programmed in by a dealer or indie if they have the right equipment. I just press the button on the dash as I don't use a trailer very often so not overly bothered by this.

Removing rear bumper is not a big job (30 mins). As for wiring - you are best to stick with genuine LR electrics on your 07 and will need to visit dealer or good LR Indy to activate towing electrics module to avoid issues with park sensors. 2014 SE Loire Blue SD4 Auto (MY15)
Gone - 2011 GS Baltic Blue, Retrofit Electric Leather, Side Steps, 19"SC's, Roof Rails, TT Sat Nav Mod, Retrofit Premium Audio, Retro fit 2013 Xenons with DRL & Sig Strip (Clutch at 47k)
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As advised by previous poster, The bumper is very simple to remove and makes the job much easier.
Dedicated LR wiring (plug in) makes it a pleasurable task.
Many people have installed their own and posted pics etc. try a search for more info.

Good Luck
Joe Fix it until it's broke !

Thanks Jim. I would like to avoid removing the bumper and I see many towbars are classed as being able to fit without bumper removal. With regard the the towing module, what does that actually do? Presumably just controls the rear sensors when towing electrics are detected? Would a trailer / towbar specialist do this as standard? Is it something I should ask specifically?

Programming of the towing electrics is essential as it not only disables the rear parking sensors but also adjusts the stability control to allow for the trailer. (activates Trailer stability program)

Any tow bar fitter will have the necessary diagnostic machine to program your electrics had mine done for free.

Witter is the most common used towbar that does not require a bumper cut, this can be bought in fixed flange, fixed swan neck or detachable swan neck. Best to go for the compatible CANbus loom that Witter will also supply and for your year its just a case of plugging in to the existing loom and a good towbar company will also activate it.

Thanks guys wil start my internet search now!

The vehicle fogs are also disabled when trailer attached with the settings ensbled

I fitted the Witter detachable flange tow bar - very easy with no need to remove the bumper and no need to cut holes in the bumper if you don't mind a bit of a fiddle instead. The bar is very easy to fit and remove with a positive location indicator and a reassuring clunk. When the bar is removed the bracket is very discreet being tucked well away underneath. I have twin electrics one either side so it even looks balanced. You will probably only need single electrics for a boat trailer - Merlin Rocket I assume, nice lively boats! - 2007(57) XS Auto, Rimini Red, Alpaca Leather.
- GCS Hawke - Sports, BRG, Vulcan 2.1 inj'. My toy - built it myself in 2001.

Thanks for the advice. I would like to fit a swan neck rather than flange, not sure why but always have on previous cars. I am going to order the witter from pfjones tomorrow and call them to buy the correct electric kit. You are right about the boat. Too old for the Rocket now. I am a Rib man and teach so lots of night time slipway work. Hence the LED reversing bulbs. One thing the FL2 is poor at is lighting......