D3 & FL2 bars are different designs. LR supplied bars are Thule/Brink & this thread is about Witter bars.

We have had problems in the past with LR supplied FL2 detachable bars - supposedly resolved but I didn't trust it & fitted a Witter fixed.  10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

Hi all,

my new (to me) FL2 auto came with a detachable Witter tow bar with single electric so I have a couple of questions

1. Ive tried to fit the tow bar into the receiver, there is a retractable Pin on the end that moves with the rotating lock. But the bar will not lock into the receiver. Should it be a case of just push in hard and then push down until it clicks in ??

2. How will I know if the software has been modified to detect a tow bar ? Im guessing just plug in the electrics and the trailer light flashes on the dash etc ??

I only intend to use the towbar for a bike rack but it would be nice to be able to fit the flippin thing !

With the Witter it should be a case of ensuring it is loaded first, by pushing and turning clockwise the 'actuator', then just insert the swan neck and when engaged the 'actuator' will spring back anti-clockwise showing a green indicator that it has engaged.

If you have no trailer light then its either not a CANbus loom or software needs turning on

I can turn the round blue lock and the green bar shows, and the pin in the end retracts. When I release the blue lock it springs back and the pin pops out again.

when I push the bar into the receiver, it will push in and I can feel the pin retracts but it wont lock into position, it just springs back out again.

do I need to use a bit more brute force on it to get the pin to lock into the receiver.?



ive yet to get the bike rack for it, so will get a trailer board at the same time to plug in and test the electrics.

No, no force is needed, when primed you just insert swan neck normally.

1) Grab swan neck in hand, push and turn blue lock clockwise until it latches (unless already latched from last time it was released).
2) Insert swan neck into receiver, the blue lock will unlatch and spring anti-clock and engage.
3) Blue lock will show green flag to show it is engaged.

It really should be as easy as that.

thanks for the help EYorks.

just been outside to the car park (nearly got blown over for my trouble!! ) fiddled a bit and got it to lock in.

now to fork out for rack and lightboard

DrRpb wrote:

Local place wants £490 all in to supply and fit a Witter detachable swan with 13 pin and software sorted.
Is that a good price?

fredastaire wrote:

Well done Topaz, it's good that you've added the detail which will help future readers if this post.
If I may add an extra comment, if you are dexterous enough with the wrists and fingers you can get away with not drilling the two holes behind the reflector as the nuts can be reached once you know where to feel / find them. Doing this by freel with a ratchet spanner is ok for experienced mechanics but of course torquing up to a specific figure is impossible.
.
I've had the Witter detachable for 9 months and are very happy with the choice.
.
Kind regards from Fred.
.

Fred - I've just fitted the Witter detachable, and all the way through, I was thinking of you...

How on earth did you squeeze your hands and a spanner/ratchet into the space and have the dexterity to get those bl**dy nuts on that I eventually pulled the reflector off to get to?!

I was in such a bad mood after 20 mins, that ripped off the reflector and drilled like a man possessed! At least you can't see the mess I made of the holes as they are hidden by the reflector!

I think I might have what is called "sausage fingers"

P.S. For anyone thinking of fitting a tow bar to an 08 FL2, this is what I bought...Witter RQA41 tow bar £100 (eBay), LR electrics (VPLFT0077) £135 off Beadles Land Rover on eBay, £30 to turn on via Cheviot 4x4 in the North East. Not the cheapest I've seen, but for £265 I'm happy with my tow bar!

Pig's t1ts,  10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

Have you got Tourettes?!

Ha ha! Just an alternative to "sausage fingers"  10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

That is a new one for me!!

dunkley201 wrote:

Pig's t1ts,

nearly wet myself


Ive attached my Witter towbar to 3 FL2s in succession. Getting quicker each time. I start by removing the left reflector , carefully drilling 2 holes for a long 3/4" 13mm socket (I think its 13mm - I just invested in a inexpensive set from Amazon). 3/4" sockets are easier in confined spaces than the 1/2" ones. The rest is easy. You might want to stick some thickish plastic sheet over the silencer to stop it getting scratched if that would bother you - you cant really stop the tow bar contacting the silencer during fitting. Jules

Well done! You did not mention the 50d of a job you had fitting a 3/4 drive socket in the reflector hole. It would have been much easier with a 3/8 drive!

Bob 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)