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Defender trek



Member Since: 23 Nov 2021
Location: mountains
Posts: 10

Wales 
Tow bar install
Hello,

I have recently bought a new D300 110 and unfortunately it doesn’t have a tow bar fitted, I was amazed to find a tow bar/hitch isn't standard but want get one installed.

The dealer can supply and install the 3 different options but wanted to know if anyone had installed a tow bar themselves yet?

Dealer removable tow bar £1,758.00;

https://accessories.landrover.com/gb/en/la...tiary-tabs

I have seen a few supplier sell them £660.00;

https://parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.com/v...=33A000615

https://www.lrparts.net/vplet0272-kit-tow-...rover.html

Has anyone purchased and fitted themselves, also do you get any towing software included?
Post #930809 23rd Nov 2021 1:03pm
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lohr500



Member Since: 14 Sep 2014
Location: Skipton
Posts: 1316

United Kingdom 2013 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black
Have a look here as well :

https://www.pfjones.co.uk/land-rover-defen...owbar.html

£493 including a dedicated 13 pin electrics kit. Fixed flange so less to go wrong. They also have a downloadable fitting guide so you can see what's involved.
If you click on the wiring kit section of their website you can find details of the 13 pin dedicated kit and a set of downloadable installation instructions for that as well.

I have no affiliation to PF Jones, but I have purchased several different towbars and electric kits and they have all been spot on.
Post #930817 23rd Nov 2021 1:48pm
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Defender trek



Member Since: 23 Nov 2021
Location: mountains
Posts: 10

Wales 
Thanks for the information on alternative tow bar.

The parts look good quality and arguably a more heavy duty set up. The fitting guide is very detailed, although slightly more involved than first thought. I didn’t realise you had to remove exhaust, fuel tank and cut the bumper ect..
Post #930821 23rd Nov 2021 2:10pm
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mse



Member Since: 06 Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 5035

United Kingdom 2016 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Scotia Grey
Not sure why you would expect a towbar as standard...but the LR ones are very good/heavy duty

Depending on model, i think you might be able to get away without removing everything it says, but it might be difficult.

In terms of software - its not like a CD, the car carriers the software so it needs turning on, however, ive had a chat with the dealer about enabling features in the past and they can have silly "computer says no" views on this, so turning on the tow electrics yes, turning on advance tow assist, maybe not, even though its a tick box in the ccf Rolling Eyes Mike
Post #930965 24th Nov 2021 11:45am
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Defender trek



Member Since: 23 Nov 2021
Location: mountains
Posts: 10

Wales 
Yes I naively imagined it would be a simple case of a few bolts, not strip the exhaust and fuel tank off lol.

I think you are right, unless anybody is aware of a land rover specialist that unlocked the tow software, the LR dealer would be the only option should you want the additional software active.
Post #930969 24th Nov 2021 12:02pm
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lohr500



Member Since: 14 Sep 2014
Location: Skipton
Posts: 1316

United Kingdom 2013 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black
At the risk of sounding like a stuck record, it does highlight how far removed new Defender is from the previous generations. Maurice Wilks would be turning in his grave if he knew that the simple task of attaching a tow hitch involved major invasive surgery!!!!

That being said, I'm not sure why the exhaust and fuel tank need to be removed. I thought the main cross brace for the tow bracket would bolt to the mounting points where the recovery eyes are attached.

If you want to have a go yourself Defender trek, it might be worth contacting Powerful UK as one of their videos shows them messing around with a failed electrically retracting OE towbar and they may be able to comment on the fitment, etc. My gut feel says that any aftermarket tow bracket is going to use the same mounting points as OE, because the chassis/subframe will have been designed for a towbar to be attached at specific places.
Post #931198 25th Nov 2021 11:22pm
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mse



Member Since: 06 Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 5035

United Kingdom 2016 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Scotia Grey
In its simple form you remove the bumper, remove the current brace 8 bolts or so and bolt on the tow sub assembly

I think there's more to it, including looms etc, as mines fitted I've not looked Mike
Post #931201 26th Nov 2021 12:25am
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