OK now I've finally ordered my SD4 HSE Auto (thanks to Lookers Park Royal!) I'm trying to decide what to do about a towbar. I want a detachable with twin(or single) electrics but think that the LR official accessory is a bit expensive (1500Kgs caravan).

Any recs for an aftermarket supplier or fitter - either mobile or in Lincs area? What's the likely cost? Or are there reasons why I should pay the LR price?

tip. don't tow  At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

chicken george wrote:

tip. don't tow

Much as I like the Freelander 2 I don't think I'd be buying one if I didn't!

just try it my way you will soon change your mind At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

Warranty!

If I was paying a few grand for a second hand car I would put an after market bar on. A new car in excess of £30k then I would ask the Dealer for their best price and then get a quote from several other dealers. It worked for me. A Land Rover owner since 1988

From a 1974 series III to a 12MY XS FL2 with help of a 1995 D1, 1996 D1, 2005 D3, 2007 D3 and a 2009 FL2.

I agreed with the dealer -fit sentiment, once.

My CRV has a dealer fitted towbar which had electrical problems (denied by the dealer!). When I gave in and went to a professional fitter to rectify the problem he showed me that it had not only been wired up wrongly (just connected to a power socket circuit which didn't have the rating to supply the full ampage) but the main bolts were dangerously loose because it had been fitted over the top of noise deadening material which 'flowed out' when hot (on hols in France probably!). Not good with 1.5 tonnes of caravan on the Autoroute!

Now I hope that LR dealer fitted towbars are done properly BUT I can see the argument for having a full time professional do a proper job rather than just trusting some mechanic given the job at the end of his shift.......!

The LR dealer near me has no interest in fitting towbars they outscource it to a local auto electrician. The towbar fitted by LR is scourced from Brink but if you opt for the detachable one there is a problem with them.

http://www.freel2.com/forum/topic4454.html

Skypilot617

I fitted one of these http://www.towbarandtrailercentre.co.uk/in...uctId=1281 with the dedicated wiring kit, its the same towbar as Land Rover fit but cheaper. What if there were no hypothetical situations?

I had a witter detachable fitted with a dedicated wiring harness. The LR dealer I got my car from sufggested that the after market ones were better than the official ones, but did also recommend getting the dedicated harness as if you have electrical problems later, it can be easily removed to confirm the tow bar isn't the source of any fault.

I went for the LR one - mainly for the wiring. The local aftermarket company said they would not use the land rover wiring and would take a feed from the rear lights etc. I reasoned that messing with the wiring in a modern car is likely to lead to bother.

I negotiated a towbar in with the deal, as other have mentioned if there is a problem then LR will sort it, if it's fitted by some one else and problems occur then LR will sy its down to the tow bar and you are left in the middle trying to sort it out, in addition if fitted from new it comes with 3yrs warranty.
I know they are more expensive but i think its worth the peace of mind.
(I know most dealer farm the work out but any problems its down to them to sort)

LR2 electrics are compatible with the LR2 detachable towbar and wiring. Threrefore, for peace of mind, go for LR dealer fit. I did and after many thousands of miles towing have had no problems. Pay the price or go cheap and take the risk.

in my short experience if you go after market, the dealer will try and blame any future electrical faults on the tow bar!! only my experience and one dealer!

I fitted a witter towbar with a bypass relay for electrics on my FL2 - had no problems

Saved a fortune and did not need software update

Fitted a Tow Trust on my FL1 and purchased dedicated wiring socket - again no problems

Negotiated dealer fit on my RRS in deal  Wanted a Series 2 LR since childhood but previously owned MY16 Disco Sport HSE TD4 Auto, MY13 RR Sport Black Edition TDV6 Auto, MY10 RR Sport HSE TDV6 Auto, 2007 Freelander 1 Freestyle TD4 Soft Top, 2009 Freelander 2 GS TD4 Auto, 2007 Freelander 2 GS TD4, 2004 Disco 2 Metropolis Auto, 2002 Disco 2 GS, 2000 Freelander 1 SE TD4 SW

Still hoping for a S2 one day!

Local "expert" fitted towbar to our FL1 - gave up calling him back in the end and refitted it myself.

Factory fitted towbar on FL2 no problems.


Not dealer fitted cos thats the way it left Land Rover S.V. Tangiers Orange - gone, missing her
Replaced by Ewok what a mistake - now a happy Disco Sport owner