MY12 Defender 90 towbar.

[Leroy_Riding]

I know this has been coverd in a few threads but nothing 100% tells me what will work and what wont.

I want a 50mm square hitch style towbar that i cna use for a recovery point, and to tow my big arse trailer with my mini on it, and the mates 2 tonne boat, I dont want to loose the rear step either.

So i called speedy towbars and they cant find a listing for a bar for the Defender90 but they have a listing for a mid wheelbase Defender form Hayman Reese that fits with the rear step on.
Now im going to assume this is for the 110?
Its $640 fitted. . .

Now she said they can 'Mod' it slightly if needed but thye dont make them from scratch.
Can anyone give me other options or shed some light on this for me, I really want to keep my rear step and I need the square hitch style for the Motorbike Carrier im getting aswell.

also is $640 a good price if it will work?

Thanks in advance!

[Loubrey]

Without doubt the best option is the OME towbar from Land Rover. I got mine 18 months ago from Barbagello Land Rover in Perth, and it was only $350.

It is a Hayman Reece bar with both their and Land Rover's branding on it. I use the square hitch receiver for my bike rack, recovery swivel (rated) and it's fitted very snugly nice and high to have no impact on the 90's departure angle.

I got OL Wangara to fit it for me purely due to my lack of skill with the towing electrics...

[Leroy_Riding]

I looked at the OEM towbar and it wasnt a hitch style? it used 2 bots and some wierd bent bar to a 50mm ball? and the landrover dealer also confirmed it was not a 50mm square hitch?
is yours the new 2.2 puma?

[Loubrey]

Mine's a 2.4, but I can't see that there should be a difference on a 90.

They most probably looked up the wrong towbar on their data base because the description sounds like a Disco 3/4 towbar.

Not the best pictures in the link as it's about the spare cover, but you can see the square hitch with the plastic Land Rover badged "plug" in it.

[Leroy_Riding]

Mine's a 2.4, but I can't see that there should be a difference on a 90.

They most probably looked up the wrong towbar on their data base because the description sounds like a Disco 3/4 towbar.

Not the best pictures in the link as it's about the spare cover, but you can see the square hitch with the plastic Land Rover badged "plug" in it.

That looks like exactly what I want, do you know the part number? and can you keep the rear step with this one though?

any and all info on it would be great! thanks

[Loubrey]

Yes for the step, altough I've got mine off to fit my Hi-Lift mounting bracket.

I'll pop out lunch time (WST) and copy all the numbers off the rating plate, hopefully one of them is or can be used to get the part number...

Cheers,

Lou

[Leroy_Riding]

Yes for the step, altough I've got mine off to fit my Hi-Lift mounting bracket.

I'll pop out lunch time (WST) and copy all the numbers off the rating plate, hopefully one of them is or can be used to get the part number...

Cheers,

Lou

That would be awesome thanks :)

[Loubrey]

Managed to get them a bit sooner!

Just in case the resolution isn't up to it, the P/number is RAA621. This doesn't look like a regular part number, but I could be wrong.

The only possibility IMO that the 2.2 has anything different would be the tank guard entry in picture 006, but I very much doubt that it would be the case.

Cheers,

Lou

[KarlB]

As far as I am aware the part number Lou has quoted is for the towbar for a TD5 Def 90. The towbar part number on my 2010 Def 90 is RAA623 (for the bar) and RAA624 for the tongue. The bars are significantly different.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[PAT303]

I paid $700 for my bar,it is the round tube type with 250kg ball wieght,my Tdi has the square bar type and it's rated at 125kg ball wieght. Pat

[Loubrey]

As far as I am aware the part number Lou has quoted is for the towbar for a TD5 Def 90. The towbar part number on my 2010 Def 90 is RAA623 (for the bar) and RAA624 for the tongue. The bars are significantly different.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

Karl,

If the bars are different it doesn't seem to make a difference to fitting them. My car is also a 2010 Puma 90 and as you can see from the photographs (taken this morning), there was no modification done to fit it.

Cheers,

Lou

[Allan]

Managed to get them a bit sooner!

Just in case the resolution isn't up to it, the P/number is RAA621. This doesn't look like a regular part number, but I could be wrong.

The only possibility IMO that the 2.2 has anything different would be the tank guard entry in picture 006, but I very much doubt that it would be the case.

Cheers,

Lou

Thats the same as we fitted to s.h.m.b.o's TD5 90. From the same dealer, same part number. I didn't fit the step as the exhaust exits in the step mounting position.

Allan

[Loubrey]

So what we're saying is that the Td5 tow bar fits on a Puma 90, but there is also a special bar available exclusive for the Puma? The resolution on the photograph is good enough to read the part number...

I bought the bar over the spares counter (they had 2 in stock), took it to Opposite Lock and 2 hours later I collected the car with it fitted as per the photographs. I still asked them if everything lined up (after all it is a Defender!:D) and they told me it was the easiest towbar fit they've ever done.

Works for me...!

[KarlB]

The part number can be found at the bottom of page 40 in the latest Au Defender Brochure: Defender (http://landrover.tagworldwide.com/defender/120/defender_120_en_AU.php)

I will post a photo of the towbar on my vehicle in the next day or so.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[Allan]

So what we're saying is that the Td5 tow bar fits on a Puma 90, but there is also a special bar available exclusive for the Puma? The resolution on the photograph is good enough to read the part number...

I bought the bar over the spares counter (they had 2 in stock), took it to Opposite Lock and 2 hours later I collected the car with it fitted as per the photographs. I still asked them if everything lined up (after all it is a Defender!:D) and they told me it was the easiest towbar fit they've ever done.

Works for me...!

I couldn't get a bar to fit TD5 90 so had to go 2.4 Puma 90 bar, thats what they told me at the time. I did ours at home and as you say, very easy as long as you fit the chassis mount bolts before fitting the four to the rear. I just jacked the bar up in place to fit those. I also like the fact it has recovery points built in also.

Allan

[Leroy_Riding]

So what everyone is saying seem that, i should go to landrover, order a towbar for a td5 90 then fit myself or take it to somewhere like opposite lock?

[Loubrey]

Print the photograph and tell them you want "one of those"...

Karl's information (which is correct straight out the manual) is that it's listed as the Td5 towbar on the part number stamped on mine, but Allan bought the same one as a 2.4 Puma towbar that fitted his late model Td5...

Confusion reigns...

The fact remains that mine's a 2010 2.4 Puma and that bar fits like a dream, so yes I would order it off the part number stamped on mine and have it fitted, or fit it yourself if you understand "electric string"...

[Allan]

Print the photograph and tell them you want "one of those"...

Karl's information (which is correct straight out the manual) is that it's listed as the Td5 towbar on the part number stamped on mine, but Allan bought the same one as a 2.4 Puma towbar that fitted his late model Td5...

Confusion reigns...

The fact remains that mine's a 2010 2.4 Puma and that bar fits like a dream, so yes I would order it off the part number stamped on mine and have it fitted, or fit it yourself if you understand "electric string"...


x2, they are a great bar and the price is a bonus. On my reciept from the same dealer as Lou got his from the part num. is RO-Raa621, Description is Towbar-Def90. No mention of model.

Allan

[Leroy_Riding]

Print the photograph and tell them you want "one of those"...

Karl's information (which is correct straight out the manual) is that it's listed as the Td5 towbar on the part number stamped on mine, but Allan bought the same one as a 2.4 Puma towbar that fitted his late model Td5...

Confusion reigns...

The fact remains that mine's a 2010 2.4 Puma and that bar fits like a dream, so yes I would order it off the part number stamped on mine and have it fitted, or fit it yourself if you understand "electric string"...

Sweet Ill do that, Electrics don't bother me, Diploma in electronics engineering ;) )
that and im a CAD systems support analyst so access to awesome engineering applications haha.

Ill call Austral tommorow and see if they can get me one.

[Nicholas]

Hi Leroy

I have a 2012 90 as well. The ULR people gave me the "better then the original" & "built tough for Aussie conditions" BS trying to flog me a Hayman Reese for something a little less than $700.

I went to the Rimmer Bros website and ordered these:

Combination Tow Ball/Jaw Unit - 3.5 Tonne - Genuine Land Rover LR008244 1 In Stock £131.18
Multi-height Tow Bar - Genuine Land Rover LR006309 1 In Stock £164.17
Subtotal: £295.35
Shipping: £97.99
Order Total: £393.34

So for $614 I got the Super HD original kit and fitted it myself.

Got to love the internet!

[Leroy_Riding]

Hi Leroy

I have a 2012 90 as well. The ULR people gave me the "better then the original" & "built tough for Aussie conditions" BS trying to flog me a Hayman Reese for something a little less than $700.

I went to the Rimmer Bros website and ordered these:

Combination Tow Ball/Jaw Unit - 3.5 Tonne - Genuine Land Rover LR008244 1 In Stock £131.18
Multi-height Tow Bar - Genuine Land Rover LR006309 1 In Stock £164.17
Subtotal: £295.35
Shipping: £97.99
Order Total: £393.34

So for $614 I got the Super HD original kit and fitted it myself.

Got to love the internet!

Thats not bad and a good option, but im really after the 50mm square hitch type, thats why i didnt get a towbar fitted on delivery of the car. my towbar setup will be usedrarely to tow the trailer/mates boat and more so for a motorbike carrier which slides into a 50mm hitch. . .

though at that price it is a very versatile unit and I could probably adapt something. . . now you have got me thinking. . .

Descisions Descisions!

[Loubrey]

Hi Leroy

I have a 2012 90 as well. The ULR people gave me the "better then the original" & "built tough for Aussie conditions" BS trying to flog me a Hayman Reese for something a little less than $700.

I went to the Rimmer Bros website and ordered these:

Combination Tow Ball/Jaw Unit - 3.5 Tonne - Genuine Land Rover LR008244 1 In Stock £131.18
Multi-height Tow Bar - Genuine Land Rover LR006309 1 In Stock £164.17
Subtotal: £295.35
Shipping: £97.99
Order Total: £393.34

So for $614 I got the Super HD original kit and fitted it myself.

Got to love the internet!

One thing you have to keep in mind - Land Rover makes a host of additional products specifically to meet the standards of the many countries they sell their products in.

Therefore OEM equipment out of the UK does not neccesarily meet Australian Standards and towbars being a critical engineering item, there is a big chance (almost certain) that the UK supplied bar doesn't have AS certification, regardless of its obvious strength and design.

Without certification you are not covered by waranty or insurance.

There are however many people who have imported their own vehicles from the UK and a number of non-conformances have made it past the inspecting engineer, but IMO its not worth the risk to fit non-AS rated equipment. Especially when the Australian OEM parts are as reasonably priced...

[Leroy_Riding]

One thing you have to keep in mind - Land Rover makes a host of additional products specifically to meet the standards of the many countries they sell their products in.

Therefore OEM equipment out of the UK does not neccesarily meet Australian Standards and towbars being a critical engineering item, there is a big chance (almost certain) that the UK supplied bar doesn't have AS certification, regardless of its obvious strength and design.

Without certification you are not covered by waranty or insurance.

There are however many people who have imported their own vehicles from the UK and a number of non-conformances have made it past the inspecting engineer, but IMO its not worth the risk to fit non-AS rated equipment. Especially when the Australian OEM parts are as reasonably priced...

though for the bar he has 'linked' to LRA want $1395.00 for (well form my local dealer anyway. . .
hence why ive looked elsewere.

[Loubrey]

Leroy,

Allan and I've appeared to have bought by absolute chance the 2 units in stock a couple days appart. We bought them from Barbagello Land Rover in Perth for circa $350 (Allan still has the recept, so he'll be able to quote the exact price).

I can't possibly see that your local dealer has quoted you for the correct item... If he has I would personally avoid them for ever...

[Leroy_Riding]

Leroy,

Allan and I've appeared to have bought by absolute chance the 2 units in stock a couple days appart. We bought them from Barbagello Land Rover in Perth for circa $350 (Allan still has the recept, so he'll be able to quote the exact price).

I can't possibly see that your local dealer has quoted you for the correct item... If he has I would personally avoid them for ever...

My dealer was quoting on the wierd style setup towbar, the one that has all the odd bolts and pintle hook style thing, he said a 50mm hitch style was not availible for my model, but now with the part number supplied I will get another quote, though there last quote i got for a winchbar (no winch) was just over 2K and $430 for front mudflapps. . so maybe im being taken for a ride here?

Does anyone know what my Dealer options are in Brisbane? ther service I got from my local Dealer was great looked after me well always kept me informed but theese aftersales prices seems exorbadent?

I like the idea of getting the bar for circa $350 then going to my local OL to have it fitted (could do it myself but i guess the waranty on fitting would be worth paying somone else to do it?) what was the cost to ahve oposite lock fit the bar and plug?

[Allan]

Leroy,

Allan and I've appeared to have bought by absolute chance the 2 units in stock a couple days appart. We bought them from Barbagello Land Rover in Perth for circa $350 (Allan still has the recept, so he'll be able to quote the exact price).

I can't possibly see that your local dealer has quoted you for the correct item... If he has I would personally avoid them for ever...

I just checked the recept the price all up with GST was $308.58 so someone is having you on.

Allan

[Loubrey]

Leroy,

$185 to fit the full towbar with electrics as well as 2 spotties on the bulbar they fitted a month earlier (I don't do electrics...)

[Leroy_Riding]

Leroy,

$185 to fit the full towbar with electrics as well as 2 spotties on the bulbar they fitted a month earlier (I don't do electrics...)

Not a bad price, I need the Mantec steel a frame support brackets before i can fit my spot lights :(

[KarlB]

Not a bad price, I need the Mantec steel a frame support brackets before i can fit my spot lights :(

With the OAM A-bar you have just under 55 mm from the plastic radiator grill to the centre of the bolt affixing the top bracket of the A-bar. The Mantec stainless brackets will not change that. To mount your LightForce 240XGTs you will need at least 107 mm clearance (dist from rear of light to centre of mounting bolt) so you will need some 'special' brackets to fit them. You may have already considered this. The Mantec brackets are amply strong for mounting a UHF aerial or similar. I fount Mantec good to deal with when I ordered my brackets.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[Leroy_Riding]

With the OAM A-bar you have just under 55 mm from the plastic radiator grill to the centre of the bolt affixing the top bracket of the A-bar. The Mantec stainless brackets will not change that. To mount your LightForce 240XGTs you will need at least 107 mm clearance (dist from rear of light to centre of mounting bolt) so you will need some 'special' brackets to fit them. You may have already considered this. The Mantec brackets are amply strong for mounting a UHF aerial or similar. I fount Mantec good to deal with when I ordered my brackets.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

Yeah im aware of this, but i dont want to make the additional brackets ive designed in my head tot he Abar untill i have the Mantec ones fitter jsut to make sure my idea will still work.

gonna make some sort of hanging bracket of Aframe to bolt the XGT's to like a right angle flat steel that bots in the same place as the supprt bars then with triangles welded int eh corners for strengthand the spotlights mounted to that? i dunno. . need the mantec ones fitted so i cna play around to mount the spotlights and uhf arieal.

did you order direct form Mantec?

[KarlB]

Yeah im aware of this, but i dont want to make the additional brackets ive designed in my head tot he Abar untill i have the Mantec ones fitter jsut to make sure my idea will still work.

gonna make some sort of hanging bracket of Aframe to bolt the XGT's to like a right angle flat steel that bots in the same place as the supprt bars then with triangles welded int eh corners for strengthand the spotlights mounted to that? i dunno. . need the mantec ones fitted so i cna play around to mount the spotlights and uhf arieal.

did you order direct form Mantec?

If I recall, I contacted them by email. They replied quickly. I payed via credit card. Had the brackets within a couple of weeks of first contact.

[nosliwedaw]

I know this has been coverd in a few threads but nothing 100% tells me what will work and what wont.

I want a 50mm square hitch style towbar that i cna use for a recovery point, and to tow my big arse trailer with my mini on it, and the mates 2 tonne boat, I dont want to loose the rear step either.

So i called speedy towbars and they cant find a listing for a bar for the Defender90 but they have a listing for a mid wheelbase Defender form Hayman Reese that fits with the rear step on.
Now im going to assume this is for the 110?
Its $640 fitted. . .

Now she said they can 'Mod' it slightly if needed but thye dont make them from scratch.
Can anyone give me other options or shed some light on this for me, I really want to keep my rear step and I need the square hitch style for the Motorbike Carrier im getting aswell.

also is $640 a good price if it will work?

Thanks in advance!

How about this one?

It looks like it is different again, still HR hitch style, I have seen a few of these now. This on on an MY11.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/678.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/679.jpg

[Nicholas]

One thing you have to keep in mind - Land Rover makes a host of additional products specifically to meet the standards of the many countries they sell their products in.

Therefore OEM equipment out of the UK does not neccesarily meet Australian Standards and towbars being a critical engineering item, there is a big chance (almost certain) that the UK supplied bar doesn't have AS certification, regardless of its obvious strength and design.

Without certification you are not covered by waranty or insurance.

There are however many people who have imported their own vehicles from the UK and a number of non-conformances have made it past the inspecting engineer, but IMO its not worth the risk to fit non-AS rated equipment. Especially when the Australian OEM parts are as reasonably priced...

I couldn't agree more....

The height (on the lowest setting) is 10mm above the Australian Maximum so I know I am out of the money there but I gave up on the ADR rules when they told me a couple of years ago that I could not import an Isofix baby seat into Australia because they were not compliant even though the wifey's six year old Range Rover Sport had the fitting points. Apparently it was better to have the seat wobble around 'secured' by the lap seat belt.

The tow bar is really nicely made (in Germany... with the TUV approval etc) and as we are on a farm the pin comes in very handy for attaching ropes etc.

Hilariously, the fitting instructions DEMANDED (German instructions) that several of the important bolts be tightened to 250nm. I know very little about such things so I asked a mate who is a mechanic if I could borrow his big torque wrench and he just laughed his head off. Ended up using a long bit of pipe in the wheel brace!

So I am in loads of trouble when it comes to the regs!

[KarlB]

How about this one?

It looks like it is different again, still HR hitch style, I have seen a few of these now. This on on an MY11.


That is the same towbar as I have on my D90: P/N RAA623.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[Loubrey]

That one does look a bit nicer than mine I must admit.

As long as it fits and does the job though, hey...?:D

[LARO]

I have had the stock Land Rover tow bar put on my 2012 Puma 90. Great quality!

[carlschmid2002]

Me too. I had to wait a few weeks as they diidnt have any but it is finally on. Now I am building a trailer and intend to fit saw tooth alloys to match. I haven't asked the dealership yet if they have any, but I know they are in short supply.

[Leroy_Riding]

Well I'm waiting on a quote from my local dealer now on the part number supplied, see what I get back. . .

[Witchdoctor]

Could one of the 90 owners with a tow bar tell me the measurement from the centre of the ball to the ground?

I'm working on a design for a camper trailer, thanks for the help.

Cheers
David

[Yorkshire_Jon]

Could one of the 90 owners with a tow bar tell me the measurement from the centre of the ball to the ground?

I'm working on a design for a camper trailer, thanks for the help.

Cheers
David

Surely this depends on tyre sizes and suspension configuration...

Careful when comparing measurements.


Just saying'
J

Sent using Forum Runner

[carlschmid2002]

Sorry Mate. away with work. If you can wait 2 weeks I will give you all measurements

[Sue]

Could one of the 90 owners with a tow bar tell me the measurement from the centre of the ball to the ground?

I'm working on a design for a camper trailer, thanks for the help.

Cheers
David


Surely this depends on tyre sizes and suspension configuration...

Careful when comparing measurements.


Just saying'
J

Sent using Forum Runner

That's the first thing I thought too.. it's not reliable.. (and we manufacture caravans so have an inkling about it).. :)

But if David still really needs the measurements I would be happy to measure mine..

[Leroy_Riding]

Seems my dealer doesnt want to reply to me about anything other than what they want to sell me (i.e. the most expensive bits they have)
Can anyone recomend a good Landrover dealer in Brisbane or anywere that will ship me a part number I order at a good price?
I want to get a towbar on pretty quick, but the budget is limited so im not going to pay speedy towbars $640 bucks if I cna get a LR one for $350ish and fit it myself.

[Sue]

Seems my dealer doesnt want to reply to me about anything other than what they want to sell me (i.e. the most expensive bits they have)
Can anyone recomend a good Landrover dealer in Brisbane or anywere that will ship me a part number I order at a good price?
I want to get a towbar on pretty quick, but the budget is limited so im not going to pay speedy towbars $640 bucks if I cna get a LR one for $350ish and fit it myself.

I'm not sure if he can help but have you tried Ricks 4WD centre at Nerang?

Rick's 4WD Centre - Land Rover, Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery, Defender, Freelander, Land Rover Mechanics, Land Rover Repairs, land rover, landrover spare parts, land rover accessories (http://www.ricks4wdcentre.com/) His website says he sells parts and I know that a lot of the mechanical shops buy from him too..

As a matter of interest I used Land Rover at Southport to fit my tow bar as I was led to believe that if you don't fit a genuine LR towbar you could have insurance problems if there was an accident.. (but then again the salesman told me a lot of other stuff that turns out not to be the absolute truth either so there may be nothing in it).. we do a lot of towing so I went with that option.. but the silly buggers put the electrics in the lowest point possible so it was the first thing that got hooked when I went offroad we fixed that ourselves..

British off road might be able to help you too..

British Off Road - The Land Rover spare parts specialists - Home (http://www.britishoffroad.com/)

[Loubrey]

Seems my dealer doesnt want to reply to me about anything other than what they want to sell me (i.e. the most expensive bits they have)
Can anyone recomend a good Landrover dealer in Brisbane or anywere that will ship me a part number I order at a good price?
I want to get a towbar on pretty quick, but the budget is limited so im not going to pay speedy towbars $640 bucks if I cna get a LR one for $350ish and fit it myself.

Over here in Perth the parts counter is well away from the sales people and service manager (separate building) and they'll sell you anything you like regardless of what you drive.

Just phone the dealer, ask to speak to the parts counter and order the kit using the part numbers KarlB posted...

Same as Sue, when I ordered my car I had just arrived from the UK where I drove new Defenders daily and the amount of rubbish the salesman in Perth talked about Defenders (spec, options, colours, ability etc) clearly showed that he had no idea...

[Witchdoctor]

Thanks for the tip.

Most of the 90's i've seen in this post have the standard wheel & tyre package, i'm just looking for a number to start with.

Thanks for the help.

Cheers
David

[Sue]

Thanks for the tip.

Most of the 90's i've seen in this post have the standard wheel & tyre package, i'm just looking for a number to start with.

Thanks for the help.

Cheers
David

Do you still need it?

[Witchdoctor]

Thanks Sue that would be great.

Your setup is very much what i will end up with.

My drawings have started & centre of hitch is 340mm of the ground.

Thanks again.

David

[Sue]

Thanks Sue that would be great.

Your setup is very much what i will end up with.

My drawings have started & centre of hitch is 340mm of the ground.

Thanks again.

David

I've just measured from the ground to the centre of the ball and its 520mm..

Hope that helps.. :)

[First90]

Well I'm waiting on a quote from my local dealer now on the part number supplied, see what I get back. . .

dropped my 90 off for a service this morning and asked for a towbar price, part only, and the stealer quoted $460 for the RAA623. That's in Malvern VIC. Didn't 'see what the best he could do'..

[KarlB]

dropped my 90 off for a service this morning and asked for a towbar price, part only, and the stealer quoted $460 for the RAA623. That's in Malvern VIC. Didn't 'see what the best he could do'..

When I got my towbar, it was boxed with the tongue and the electricals. so the price quoted may be for the same, not just the towbar.

Cheers
KarlB

[Leroy_Riding]

My dealer hasnt gotten back to me with a price yet. . . Starting to become rather disapointed in tehre after sales service :(

Looks like I may end up calling one of the dealers mentioned and asking if they could ship me the towbar. . .

On another note, still waiting on a reply from Mantec regarding there winch bumper and snorkel :( Seems none wants my buisiness.. . .

[wannabeexplorer]

I noticed on one of the posted pictures it states 'only for towing', so my question is; could you safely use it for recoveries?
(Obviously using a recovery hitch and NOT the tow ball.)

I can't see why not since it's secured to the chassis, maybe upgrade the bolts, or is the bar itself not strong enough?

[Loubrey]

Purely to indemnify themseves...

No vehicle manufacturer will condone or approve high energy recovery (snatching).

The OEM towbar is rated at 3.5 ton and does the job fine...

[TheTinnie]

just to clarify, you do not need to order RAA623 and RAA624, RAA623 is the complete kit for $450. (vs $450 + $134 for the tongue on it's own)

from Artarmon (Sydney) Land Rover:
"The kit RAA623 comes complete with wiring (7 pin flat connector) & the tongue (RAA624). I have had a look & RAA621 is no longer available from LandRover, there isn’t even any price on their system now. The best I can do for RAA623 is $450.00 inc gst.

regards



file:///C:/Users/AMCCOR%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.jpg
Tony Mutch – Parts Interpreter
tmutch@alto.com.au
D |02 8817 7858
"

[Leroy_Riding]

Thanks,
Once my Tax money comes in ill order the part,
I take it its rather straight foward to install beeing a genuine LR part? just bolts on?

I don't mind doing the Wiring just dont want to drill holes or weld anything.

[JayBoRover]

I got mine a few weeks ago and fitted it myself in a few hours. Only drama I had is that the kit came with a 7-pin flat trailer light socket and the mounting holes for it did not align with the holes in the bracket for it. It didn't worry me too much as I simply bought a 7-pin round socket and a ready made bracket and fitted that instead. The best thing I did though was instal the trailer wiring extension loom that plugs into the "hidden" socket in the drivers side rear quarter panel behind the rear wheel:thumbsup:. Sure beats trying to solder into the cramped space or using those horrible crimp blade connectors.

The only real disappointment was that the price I paid seems ridiculously high compared to what some of you are suggesting they can be bought for. I see some quoting $450 or $460 while got stung $538:bat:! Southern Land Rover were friendly to deal with though ... smiled the whole time ... even carried it out to the car for me and waved me off. They must have found it difficult to suppress the laughter until I'd turned at the end of the driveway.

[Leroy_Riding]

I got mine a few weeks ago and fitted it myself in a few hours. Only drama I had is that the kit came with a 7-pin flat trailer light socket and the mounting holes for it did not align with the holes in the bracket for it. It didn't worry me too much as I simply bought a 7-pin round socket and a ready made bracket and fitted that instead. The best thing I did though was instal the trailer wiring extension loom that plugs into the "hidden" socket in the drivers side rear quarter panel behind the rear wheel:thumbsup:. Sure beats trying to solder into the cramped space or using those horrible crimp blade connectors.

The only real disappointment was that the price I paid seems ridiculously high compared to what some of you are suggesting they can be bought for. I see some quoting $450 or $460 while got stung $538:bat:! Southern Land Rover were friendly to deal with though ... smiled the whole time ... even carried it out to the car for me and waved me off. They must have found it difficult to suppress the laughter until I'd turned at the end of the driveway.

Where did you purchase the wiring extention loom for this 'hidden' plug?

thanks.

[TheTinnie]

Where did you purchase the wiring extention loom for this 'hidden' plug?

thanks.

It comes with the kit! Buy RAA623 from any dealer. That's all you need.

I don't understand why ppl have said "I don't do electricals" etc when it's so easy. Remove RHS Rear wheel, remove black plastic with 2 screws from memory and Plug it in the socket, simple.

If you have paid someone to install for you, sorry but you have been ripped off! Most dealers ( outside of LR) do a terrible job at it anyway poorly splicing straight into the tail light or even getting it wrong completely. I had park/number plate light come on instead of brakes from the Jeep factory :eek:

[TheTinnie]

here is the trailer socket, looking up into the RHS rear wheel arch towards the Rear Fog light (blue plug) and indicator. ignore the earth, was the thickest gauge wire i could find to tap into constant 12v (also on the same loom) while i was in there.

[JayBoRover]

It comes with the kit! Buy RAA623 from any dealer. That's all you need.

I don't understand why ppl have said "I don't do electricals" etc when it's so easy. Remove RHS Rear wheel, remove black plastic with 2 screws from memory and Plug it in the socket, simple.

If you have paid someone to install for you, sorry but you have been ripped off! Most dealers ( outside of LR) do a terrible job at it anyway poorly splicing straight into the tail light or even getting it wrong completely. I had park/number plate light come on instead of brakes from the Jeep factory :eek:
It didn't come with the kit on mine. The "loom" that came with my tow kit was just a 7-pin flat connector and a length of 7 wire trailer wiring cable like you buy from SuperA1EPCO. My understanding is that it is a "Europe only" item as it has wiring connections that we don't use. It's made for a 9-pin system. I bought my loom from someone on AULRO that had one from an import Disco. I then had to wire this up to the 7-pin round socket I bought, so there is a bit of wiring connections involved, but not a major job by any stretch of the imagination.

[Leroy_Riding]

It didn't come with the kit on mine. The "loom" that came with my tow kit was just a 7-pin flat connector and a length of 7 wire trailer wiring cable like you buy from SuperA1EPCO. My understanding is that it is a "Europe only" item as it has wiring connections that we don't use. It's made for a 9-pin system. I bought my loom from someone on AULRO that had one from an import Disco. I then had to wire this up to the 7-pin round socket I bought, so there is a bit of wiring connections involved, but not a major job by any stretch of the imagination.

Hrm, I wonder were i would be able to find one of theese plugs. . Im no stranger to wiring but if i can make a loow that just plugs directly into a factory connector on the Defender that would be the best option.

it didnt have a part number on it by any chance did it :S

Thanks

[Leroy_Riding]

It comes with the kit! Buy RAA623 from any dealer. That's all you need.

I don't understand why ppl have said "I don't do electricals" etc when it's so easy. Remove RHS Rear wheel, remove black plastic with 2 screws from memory and Plug it in the socket, simple.

If you have paid someone to install for you, sorry but you have been ripped off! Most dealers ( outside of LR) do a terrible job at it anyway poorly splicing straight into the tail light or even getting it wrong completely. I had park/number plate light come on instead of brakes from the Jeep factory :eek:

from my understanding a plug in loom does not come with the RAA623 just a trailer plug and wires that need to be termanated* with either with scotch locks, gel connectors or soldering to existing wires. which is fine.

but what im after is getting the loom or jsut a connector that will plug into the factory land rover trailer harness already on the car that i can then connect the supplied trailer plug to.

I know its not hard its quite easy but i cant seem to find a part number on this connector or where to purchase that part, as I would like to avoid cutting/soldering/scotch locking onto existing wires when there is a possibility to make a small cable and just plug it in.

[nedflanders]

Thought I would post a picture of the towbar I fitted to mine, NAS rear step with a 2" receiver (very rare in the UK) comes with a drop plate and also purchased a recovery hitch as well.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
Shot at 2012-07-07

Hopefully she'll be on the boat in just under 2 months!

[TheTinnie]

ok makes sense. if it doesn't have the male connector on the end we need this:

"YPC114860 - the Male connector that is fitted on the Land Rover 12N kit? (same as the Discovery II 12N kit)

It's a Sumitomo DL Sealed Series 090/187 (2.3/4.8mm) HYBRID 9-way Male Housing, Sumitomo Part No. - 6195-0173"

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/1522158-post30.html

[Leroy_Riding]

ok makes sense. if it doesn't have the male connector on the end we need this:

"YPC114860 - the Male connector that is fitted on the Land Rover 12N kit? (same as the Discovery II 12N kit)

It's a Sumitomo DL Sealed Series 090/187 (2.3/4.8mm) HYBRID 9-way Male Housing, Sumitomo Part No. - 6195-0173"

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/1522158-post30.html

Cheers,
Ill get myself one of theese connectors when I start on the towbar.

On a slight side note, whats the omst anyone has towed with a puma90 ? Its 'rated' at 3.5t but I dare say that would not be a fun experience?

thanks
Leroy

[Sue]

Thought I would post a picture of the towbar I fitted to mine, NAS rear step with a 2" receiver (very rare in the UK) comes with a drop plate and also purchased a recovery hitch as well.
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/9243/p1000474px.jpg
Shot at 2012-07-07

Hopefully she'll be on the boat in just under 2 months!

That's a neat looking towbar! I've not seen one here! :)

[nedflanders]

That's a neat looking towbar! I've not seen one here! :)
Thanks, was after a NAS rear step but with a 2in receiver, took awhile to find one as the 2in receiver isn't common in the UK, has high lift points built in, plus offers a lot of protection in a rear shunt!

[TheTinnie]

question for the gurus - what fits in the rear bar seen at the top right of the below photo? (circular cut out and square hole)

I found a couple of online UK stores to order the N Type harness from, but for $62 AUD + shipping, I'm thinking i'll just stop being lazy and solder the flat connector and wiring that's provided with RAA623 in. BTW best price i ended up with was $400 from the dealer that sold me the 90.

LR005920 N type: Towing Electrics 'N' Type 07- (OEM) LR005920 Island 4x4 - Specialists in Land Rover and Range Rover Parts and accessories for all models. UK and worldwide mail order. (http://www.island-4x4.co.uk/towing-electrics-type-lr005920-p-7341.html) $62 AUD + shipping

LR005921 S type: LR005921 | Towing Hook Kit (http://www.paddockspares.com/lr005921-towing-hook-kit.html) $86 AUD + shipping

for S type harness (powered trailer & reverse light) you'll also still need to run a switched ignition feed from the cabin.



https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[Leroy_Riding]

question for the gurus - what fits in the rear bar seen at the top right of the below photo? (circular cut out and square hole)

I found a couple of online UK stores to order the N Type harness from, but for $62 AUD + shipping, I'm thinking i'll just stop being lazy and solder the flat connector and wiring that's provided with RAA623 in. BTW best price i ended up with was $400 from the dealer that sold me the 90.

LR005920 N type: Towing Electrics 'N' Type 07- (OEM) LR005920 Island 4x4 - Specialists in Land Rover and Range Rover Parts and accessories for all models. UK and worldwide mail order. (http://www.island-4x4.co.uk/towing-electrics-type-lr005920-p-7341.html) $62 AUD + shipping

LR005921 S type: LR005921 | Towing Hook Kit (http://www.paddockspares.com/lr005921-towing-hook-kit.html) $86 AUD + shipping

for S type harness (powered trailer & reverse light) you'll also still need to run a switched ignition feed from the cabin.



http://assets.config.landrover.com/v219n2/lr/nz/l316/accoly_nz_l316_lr005920.jpg

Ive been wondering what that hole is for. . . . an Answer from those in the know would be great.

[TheTinnie]

Wow, I just received the shipping quote back on the $62 N Type towing electrics... $60 AUD to ship to Sydney - definitely getting the soldering iron out!

"LR005920 N type: Towing Electrics 'N' Type 07- (OEM) LR005920 Island 4x4 - Specialists in Land Rover and Range Rover Parts and accessories for all models. UK and worldwide mail order. (http://www.island-4x4.co.uk/towing-electrics-type-lr005920-p-7341.html) $62 AUD + shipping"

[Leroy_Riding]

Called Austral Motors today. . . $1130 for the towbar listed for the my12 D90. . asked for a quote on the Raa621. . . $430 plus GST.
can anyone tell me what the difference is? as the dealer told me the Raa621 wont fit a my1290? pulling my leg? should I just get it?

[JayBoRover]

Called Austral Motors today. . . $1130 for the towbar listed for the my12 D90. . asked for a quote on the Raa621. . . $430 plus GST.
can anyone tell me what the difference is? as the dealer told me the Raa621 wont fit a my1290? pulling my leg? should I just get it?
Something doesn't seem quite right here. The RAA621 is no longer offered and it won't fit your MY12 D90 - it is replaced by RAA623. The RAA623 ranges in price between around $430 and $490 +gst, so it seems to me that is what you've been quoted for. The RAA623 most definitely fit the MY12 D90, or at least it fitted mine with no real issues. $1130?? I didn't realise they did a Titanium version:D!
Good luck.

[Leroy_Riding]

Something doesn't seem quite right here. The RAA621 is no longer offered and it won't fit your MY12 D90 - it is replaced by RAA623. The RAA623 ranges in price between around $430 and $490 +gst, so it seems to me that is what you've been quoted for. The RAA623 most definitely fit the MY12 D90, or at least it fitted mine with no real issues. $1130?? I didn't realise they did a Titanium version:D!
Good luck.

Thanks.
I think ill order the towbar some time soon, just need to sell more suzuki parts to fund it (parting out my old vitara)

[KarlB]

The RAA623 towbar has been available in Australia for Defender 90s since 2010. It is not a new bar for MY12 D90s (I have one on my 2010 D90). The bar was engineered to meet Australian Standards when the Puma 90s were introduced to the Australian market. The tongue that goes with the bar is p/n RAA624.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[D9Oh..]

Here are some photos of rear bar fitted to my MY12 D90. Part numbers RAA623 and 624 as stated above, provides the 50mm square hitch and fits with the rear step. Got it from Barbagallo Land Rover. Managed to pick up the wiring harness just inside the left rear wheel arch so made fitting pretty easy. Moved the trailer plug up into that hole in the rear bar that no-one seems to use.

[digger]

SO MAYBE AN OBVIOUS QUESTION,... BUT
IS IT THE SAME PART NUMBERS AND FITTING TO A 110?
'12MY , '11 built

Im after the 2" "tube" style also

[digger]

I have just got the 2" square tube type, it will be fitted and wired for 7 pin round, and included in warranty (as fitted by dealer) at a cost of $560 fitted,

This is the landy product and included the tongue.

After my ring around I figured this was a good price so have ordered it fitted.

(I'll be quite honest the people at Bundy M/Grp have been brilliant,
and they will store the car inside undercover until I get there to collect it which could be mid december (which by the way is killing me!) )

[Leroy_Riding]

I have just got the 2" square tube type, it will be fitted and wired for 7 pin round, and included in warranty (as fitted by dealer) at a cost of $560 fitted,

This is the landy product and included the tongue.

After my ring around I figured this was a good price so have ordered it fitted.

(I'll be quite honest the people at Bundy M/Grp have been brilliant,
and they will store the car inside undercover until I get there to collect it which could be mid december (which by the way is killing me!) )

Thanks for that info.

hopefully ill sell some more of my old suzuki bits soon so i cna afford mine! i need ot move stuff and i cant tow my trailer! :|

[Leroy_Riding]

I know I keep asking this question but. . . Im at a bit of a crossroad. . I can get the RAA623 for the roughly $500 with tongue price

or $375 for a Terrafirma one. . . anyone know much about the Terrafirma towbar? tempting for the money save provided its any good that is.

[KarlB]

I know I keep asking this question but. . . Im at a bit of a crossroad. . I can get the RAA623 for the roughly $500 with tongue price

or $375 for a Terrafirma one. . . anyone know much about the Terrafirma towbar? tempting for the money save provided its any good that is.
The important question: is the Terrafirma towbar Au compliant. If not, then look at the risks you take to save $125.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[Leroy_Riding]

What sort of compliance needs to be done on Towbars? because you have those guys who come round and build towbars directly on your car? are they compliant?
Ill make sure I ask that to the supplier :|

[KarlB]

What sort of compliance needs to be done on Towbars? because you have those guys who come round and build towbars directly on your car? are they compliant?
Ill make sure I ask that to the supplier :|

In Australia towbars are required to meet a specific Australian Standard (Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 62/02 – Mechanical Connections Between Vehicles) 2007). You will find for example that the original equipment (ie Land Rover) towbars that are available in the UK are not sold in Australia as they do not meet the Australian Standard. Fit a non-compliant towbar and you are probably making you vehicle technically unroadworthy. That may mean no insurance (you will find you are required to maintain your vehicle in a roadworthy condition at all times). You will also find that it is unlawful to use the vehicle on a public road in an unroadworthy condition no matter what the reason for the vehicle being unroadworthy. Sometimes the authorities overlook minor issues (eg a tail-light globe failure), sometimes not. You may get away with it. Many people do. But I would spend the extra $125 without blinking.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[Leroy_Riding]

Cheers,
my intention was not to purchase the bar if its not AU approved, I jsut assumed if I coudl purchase it here from a local supplier then it would be approoved or they wouldnt be able to sell it.
ill do the checks first before purchase. if the terrafirma bar is not approoved ill grab the RAA623
:)

thanks agian.

[Leroy_Riding]

In case anyone was wondering, I ordered RAA623 from MR Automotive at $423 plus GST (so circa $460) came with towbar, tongue, ball, wiring harness and D shackles.

Will get some photos when fitted.

[Leroy_Riding]

Got my bar fitted up yesterday while I was of work, Electrics aren't done yet as I'm trying to source the connector for the 'hidden plug' as i like the idea of being able to remove the wiring when I want. took 15 mins to bolt it up. went on like a glove. .
though when down there I noticed that the bolts that hold my rear step on seem to be 'pulling' there mounts down. . . anyone else noticed this? thinking ill remove the step and trying and straighten the mounts then re attach. . .

anyway here is a photo.

came to $467.00
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[First90]

Got my bar fitted up yesterday while I was of work, Electrics aren't done yet as I'm trying to source the connector for the 'hidden plug' as i like the idea of being able to remove the wiring when I want. took 15 mins to bolt it up. went on like a glove. .
though when down there I noticed that the bolts that hold my rear step on seem to be 'pulling' there mounts down. . . anyone else noticed this? thinking ill remove the step and trying and straighten the mounts then re attach. . .

anyway here is a photo.

came to $467.00
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/1843/img20121206162536205.jpg
Thanks for the good post Leroy.

Do you think the tow bar will negatively impact your departure angle and clearance or is it insignificant? It looks like you would need to be on the limit to notice any problems.

The reason I ask is that I don't really have a great need for the tow bar it's just something I would like to have for that once a year usage. It doesn't seem like a proper vehicle without one... But I have off roaring as my main priority.

[Leroy_Riding]

Thanks for the good post Leroy.

Do you think the tow bar will negatively impact your departure angle and clearance or is it insignificant? It looks like you would need to be on the limit to notice any problems.

The reason I ask is that I don't really have a great need for the tow bar it's just something I would like to have for that once a year usage. It doesn't seem like a proper vehicle without one... But I have off roaring as my main priority.

The rear end of a 90 is so short as it is that you have to be going of a complete vertical drop off, at a decent height to even clip the back end on anything.

I haven't been off-road again yet since fitting (despite the mud all over my car. . . I really should wash it once in a while)
I doubt it will get in the way though and if It does its pretty solid and should be able to take the impact without too many issues.

I got the towbar for towing, as I need to move a few things around fairly often and borrowing the old mans car gets old quick.
I'm heading to Mt Isa from Brisbane on the 28th of December with a empty 7x5 in tow and will be returning with a loaded car trailer. . . so im sure ill get plenty of time to see how the 90 tows :eek:

I also agree, the tow bar makes it look much better :P

[tequesta]

Hi there, got to almost the same point for my install, only had to get myself a torque wrench.

Have wired the flat plug as follows;

Yellow - Left indicator - 1
Blue - fog? - 2
White - Earth - 3
Green - Right indicator - 4
Brown - Ser Bk? (Right Tail) - 5
Red - Brake - 6
Black - Left Tail - 7

And now the tricky part (which I'll probably go to an auto electrician to do), what colour goes to the 9 pin connector? Or even better, were can I source the 'hidden plug', with an installation diagram?

[Leroy_Riding]

Hi there, got to almost the same point for my install, only had to get myself a torque wrench.

Have wired the flat plug as follows;

Yellow - Left indicator - 1
Blue - fog? - 2
White - Earth - 3
Green - Right indicator - 4
Brown - Ser Bk? (Right Tail) - 5
Red - Brake - 6
Black - Left Tail - 7

And now the tricky part (which I'll probably go to an auto electrician to do), what colour goes to the 9 pin connector? Or even better, were can I source the 'hidden plug', with an installation diagram?


I wired mine up too two different 7 pins, so I have a round and a flat on the back of the car, I have no use for 9 pin. I cant remember the exact colour codes now as I worked them out with a multimeter as I went and cut the 'hidden' plug off and replaced it with water proof marine connectors which were easier to source. took about half hour to do due to me being a bit of a cabling nazi and heat shrinking and shielding and sheathing every single little bit, and combined with me running twin sockets aswell.

Ill post the colour pin out when I get home as I wrote it down on a bit of paper as I went.

[tequesta]

Hi there, got to almost the same point for my install, only had to get myself a torque wrench.

Have wired the flat plug as follows;

Yellow - Left indicator - 1
Blue - fog? - 2
White - Earth - 3
Green - Right indicator - 4
Brown - Ser Bk? (Right Tail) - 5
Red - Brake - 6
Black - Left Tail - 7


This is wrong...;)

go to
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/152298-trailer-lights-wiring-socket.html

Have not tested it yet, but from the thanks at the end, I'm assuming that it is right.

[Horatioau]

I got the towbar for towing, as I need to move a few things around fairly often and borrowing the old mans car gets old quick.
I'm heading to Mt Isa from Brisbane on the 28th of December with a empty 7x5 in tow and will be returning with a loaded car trailer. . . so im sure ill get plenty of time to see how the 90 tows :eek:

I also agree, the tow bar makes it look much better :P

Hey Leroy, how did you go with the towing? I'm looking at this same tow bar... I also got stuff all info from the dealer in Brisbane regarding the tow pack, only that the $1395 price tag wasn't negotiable!

[Leroy_Riding]

[QUOTE=Horatioau;1846363]Hey Leroy, how did you go with the towing? I'm looking at this same tow bar... I also got stuff all info from the dealer in Brisbane regarding the tow pack, only that the $1395 price tag wasn't negotiable![/QUOTE

The 90 towed well, until the engine died :| but that's a different kettle of fish and is being repaired under warranty.

my dealer quoted around the same price as MR Automotive $460ish you need to get a quote on the part number you want otherwise it seems they are quoting on a gold plated titanium version, as the $1395 is what the quoted me, and as soon as i gave them a part number it came right down. . .

let us know how you go.

[Horatioau]

Gave them the part no. and they brought it down to $1195. I think it's the same part but fitting it costs $600+. How long did it take you to fit? Is there some bracing to do up around the fuel tank?

Uh, what happened with your engine??? Have you already made another post about that? Link plox.

[Leroy_Riding]

Gave them the part no. and they brought it down to $1195. I think it's the same part but fitting it costs $600+. How long did it take you to fit? Is there some bracing to do up around the fuel tank?

Uh, what happened with your engine??? Have you already made another post about that? Link plox.

read back a few pages and I have said,
took 15-20 mins to bolt on, and about 1 hour to wire up, this was as I wired a flat and a round in parallel, and put new waterproof connectors on the harness, if you do a quick dodgy job like a dealer does 45 mins would be enough for wiring so bit over an hour to install,

take your time and do it nice neat and reliable 2 hours tops.

link to other thread
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/167078-some-puma-90-niggles-frustrations-warranty-3.html

[jimr1]

;)Hi Leroy . Read all your Threads , it looks like your all sorted with your towbar . You mention recovery point . If I can add a lot of people use the tow ball for recovery , including myself . I recantly saw a picture of a failed towball it had snapped and slammed into the back of a Land Cruiser . I would hate to think what would have happend if it had hit anyone . The point to us all is , Towballs can fail as a recovery point ...take care ..regards ..jimr1 ..

[Larry]

;)Hi Leroy . Read all your Threads , it looks like your all sorted with your towbar . You mention recovery point . If I can add a lot of people use the tow ball for recovery , including myself . I recantly saw a picture of a failed towball it had snapped and slammed into the back of a Land Cruiser . I would hate to think what would have happend if it had hit anyone . The point to us all is , Towballs can fail as a recovery point ...take care ..regards ..jimr1 ..

Tow balls should NEVER be used for recovery!! End of story! Any form of basic driver training will tell you this.:angel:

[jimr1]

Tow balls should NEVER be used for recovery!! End of story! Any form of basic driver training will tell you this.:angel:
Hi Larry ,This is something that we both agree on . I can only advise , I can't tell people what they can or can't do . As you know the four wheel drive market , has grown , and thereare now a lot of new inexperienced drivers out there , and yes , they do use there towballs for recovery , whether we like it or not . It's up to us to try to help drivers to understand ...It is interesting that tow bars have to be of Auatralian ADIs , but do tow balls . I've seen them for $9.00 , made in China at the local bargain centre ... regads ... jimr1

[Leroy_Riding]

Ill just jump in and say, I did not mean to say I was going to use the TowBall I couldn't think of a stupider thing to do in a recovery :S
I was meaning so I could use a proper hitch on the towBAR not towBALL.

I like my life and the back of my car the way it is thanks. . .

[.bp.]

Have read this whole thread twice and still cant be 100% can anyone answer if the raa623 will fit a 12 defender 110 wagon? And if i need some special computer or anything to go with the wiring? Im getting mixed answers and mixed quotes. Anywhere from $500-$1200 and see everyone on here getting theirs for way less. So if anyone can help that would be a big help.

Cheers ben

[KarlB]

Have read this whole thread twice and still cant be 100% can anyone answer if the raa623 will fit a 12 defender 110 wagon? And if i need some special computer or anything to go with the wiring? Im getting mixed answers and mixed quotes. Anywhere from $500-$1200 and see everyone on here getting theirs for way less. So if anyone can help that would be a big help.

Cheers ben

As far as I am aware, the RAA623 is a D90 towbar and it will not fit a D110 (despite what the LRAu webite says). The p/n for a Puma 110 Station Wagon should be RAA608. See Towing | Defender | Land Rover Accessories Online Catalogue (http://accessories.landrover.com/inter/mainlist.do'marketSC=au&langSC=EN&modelCode=L316&menuPhId=0C27BE794FEC415FAF8B6C85AC8DB32D&productHierarchyId=96B1F7DA851946BDBC51F2D39FF0DE0 5&dealerMode=null).

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[Tikka7mm08]

New Zealand Land Rover say the OME bar is unavailable here.

I spoke to a super helpful chap named Noel from Ritters:

Hi Bob
A genuine towbar is the most cost effective, $460.00 ex gst, it includes wiring & socket.
This is a Hayman Reece style of towbar, the ball mount is detachable & slides into a 50mm square receiver then located with a cross pin.
In regards to attaching recovery strap, this is fitted in place of the ball mount & secured with cross pin.Therefore no need for dedicated recovery strap attachment point.
Where as Hayman Reece cost more & don’t include wiring & socket.
I would have to work out freight quote.
Does NZ Land Rover sell genuine towbars? Australian P/N is RAA608 for wagon & RAA607 for ute. I hope this helps with what you are trying to achieve.

I'm now going to get this one:

TF876 - TERRAFIRMA 2 INCH RECEIVER HITCH DEFENDER 90 1998 ON - Defender 90/110 Parts (http://www.johncraddockltd.co.uk/land-rover-parts/tf876-terrafirma-2-inch-receiver-hitch-defender-90-1998-on.html)

From LRDirect (love that they quote shipping 'live').

[flywheel au]

Have been quoted $782.00 by Auto Barn Lismore to supply and fit a heavy duty Hayman Reese towbar and wiring to my MY2010 110 Defender. They advise that according to Hayman Reese a "relay box" is required to protect the computer system. I note that previously in this thread no mention has been made re this requirement. Is it necessary?. The towbar being fitted is rated to 3500kg with 250kg download.
Jim

[.bp.]

Have been quoted $782.00 by Auto Barn Lismore to supply and fit a heavy duty Hayman Reese towbar and wiring to my MY2010 110 Defender. They advise that according to Hayman Reese a "relay box" is required to protect the computer system. I note that previously in this thread no mention has been made re this requirement. Is it necessary?. The towbar being fitted is rated to 3500kg with 250kg download.
Jim


Im curious to know the exact question. I have been quoted $530 for the hayman Reese in dubbo for the bar and wiring which includes the computer.

[Leroy_Riding]

I'm struggling to see how the 110 can require a computer/controller when the 90 does not. . .

personally I would call your dealer, as for a quote to supply only, and ask what is included.
and fit the bar yourself, there are some other threads on here regarding the 110 and access to the 'hidden' plug and from what I have read and have seen there is no need to a control box.

edit: there is some information in this thread, though nothing about the electrics, but it gives you prices and part numbers
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/113088-my2011-puma-towbar-electrics-2.html

[Loubrey]

Opposite Lock fitted my OME tow bar (bought it over the counter from the dealer's spares department) while I waited in the show room (turned out a bot more expensive than I anticipated with the unplanned extras I ended up buying!:D) and it was literally 8 bolts and plugging the bespoke cable into the bespoke socket behind the RHS rear panel (Defender 90). No relay, no computer or any of the bits mentioned in the thread...

Considering the OME tow bar (Land Rover badged) has a compliance plate from Hayman Reece, it all sounds a bit like the suppliers are not sure what they're selling.

I agree with Leroy_Riding on checking with a dealer on what should be included in the kit. Mine's a 2010 2.4, so if the 2.2 has something odd going on with its wiring it might be different...

Cheers,

Lou

[Leroy_Riding]

Opposite Lock fitted my OME tow bar (bought it over the counter from the dealer's spares department) while I waited in the show room (turned out a bot more expensive than I anticipated with the unplanned extras I ended up buying!:D) and it was literally 8 bolts and plugging the bespoke cable into the bespoke socket behind the RHS rear panel (Defender 90). No relay, no computer or any of the bits mentioned in the thread...

Considering the OME tow bar (Land Rover badged) has a compliance plate from Hayman Reece, it all sounds a bit like the suppliers are not sure what they're selling.

I agree with Leroy_Riding on checking with a dealer on what should be included in the kit. Mine's a 2010 2.4, so if the 2.2 has something odd going on with its wiring it might be different...

Cheers,

Lou

mine is a 2.2. . . I cut of the impossible to find a mate for connector on the car, replaced it with 2 new water proof connectors which I put the opposing side's onto the wiring for the towbar, I also took the opportunity to wire both a flat and a round in at the same time so I would not need adapters.
100% removable aswell, I also mounted my plugs up high on the rear cross member, not down in the mud and crap were the 'mount' for the flat plug is.

no special electrics. . .

[Lagerfan]

Opposite Lock fitted my OME tow bar (bought it over the counter from the dealer's spares department) while I waited in the show room

+1. Exactly what I did. $400 for OEM tow bar (Melbourne City LR) and $180 to get it fitted by OL (Ballarat). Wired up using the connector in the offside rear wheel arch. No computers or anything either, 2.2 MY13 90.

[flywheel au]

I contacted Hayman Reese who advised that for MY10 110 Defender their listing for a towbar shows that a ECU is not listed or required however they recommend that their universal ECU 04916 is used with a RRP $161.20. Seems they are having 50c each way so we are no further advanced. Looks like a HR towbar at $530. plus ECU at $161. means the quote of $782. incl labour seems about right.
Jim

[Willow4]

Hi all,

I installed the factory towbar on my 2013 110. I purchased the original LR tow bar kit from the dealer - part #RAA608. It included:

1. tow bar (and all mounting bolts)
2. tongue
3. ball
4. wiring loom (including flat socket)

Took about 1 hour to install. Wiring was straight forward with no requirement for any 'computers' or modules, etc. As others have said, its easy wiring into the 'hidden socket'.

I have since towed the trailer many times with no issues. The trailer indicator on the dash works fine.

I got mine for $440 from MLR.

cheers,

Wayne

[Sandgroper]

I just fitted a towbar to my puma 90, part number RAA623, thanks to the generous and knowledgeable people on this terrific forum, I not only knew the right part number to quote but also the existance and whereabouts of the wiring plug tucked up under the rear guard, and the correct wiring pattern to wire it up myself. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread, which I read through several times, because of you all I gained the knowledge and confidence to have a crack at fitting this thing myself. I've hooked the plug up to a trailer and everything works the way it is supposed to. Cheers guys!

[Tikka7mm08]

Hi Lou and all - I put some photos in this thread of my solution. Very happy. Terrafirma kit from LR Direct proved great to fit.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/175143-towbar-conversion-achieved-photos.html

[Pickles2]

Top thread.
We will be optioning th"Tow Pack" on our D90 in due course.
So the "623" item is the correct number?...and can rear step still be used? We have an "initial" quote of $1200 fitted to option this item.....is there any "fat" here?
Cheers Pickles.

[Loubrey]

Hi Pickles,

Doesn't sound far off for a dealer install, but there is a lot of "fat" in the Land Rover labour.

I have the OME tow bar fitted which I bought from the local Land Rover dealer over the counter (Spares Department) for $450 and then I had the local Opposite Lock dealer install it for by for $180.

Big difference and well worth the research.

Cheers,

Lou

[Sandgroper]

Top thread.
We will be optioning th"Tow Pack" on our D90 in due course.
So the "623" item is the correct number?...and can rear step still be used? We have an "initial" quote of $1200 fitted to option this item.....is there any "fat" here?
Cheers Pickles.

RAA623 is the correct part number for the D90 towbar and you can still use the fold down step. Don't pay $1200 for it though, I paid $430 for it through work, so I did get it cheaper but the recommended retail on it was $550, that's still half the price you've been quoted. You can easily bolt this up yourself, took me about 20 minutes, and took me about an hour and a half to wire it up myself. You just need to match the landrover wires with the appropriate towbar wires, which I got from this thread. Do it yourself then go and buy yourself a carton of beer to celebrate, you'll still be $600 richer than if you went with your quote!

[Pickles2]

RAA623 is the correct part number for the D90 towbar and you can still use the fold down step. Don't pay $1200 for it though, I paid $430 for it through work, so I did get it cheaper but the recommended retail on it was $550, that's still half the price you've been quoted. You can easily bolt this up yourself, took me about 20 minutes, and took me about an hour and a half to wire it up myself. You just need to match the landrover wires with the appropriate towbar wires, which I got from this thread. Do it yourself then go and buy yourself a carton of beer to celebrate, you'll still be $600 richer than if you went with your quote!
As far as wiring goes, shouldn't there be a "plug" behind the RHS rear wheel, into which the kit wiring plugs?
Cheers, Pickles.

[Lagerfan]

As far as wiring goes, shouldn't there be a "plug" behind the RHS rear wheel, into which the kit wiring plugs?
Cheers, Pickles.

There is a plug right where you say but as far as I know no-one has ever tracked down the matching male connector to plug into it so you need to snip it off and wire up directly OR as some others have done replace it with a deutsch male/female (http://www.narva.com.au/products/browse/deutsch-connectors) pair.

[Larry]

As far as wiring goes, shouldn't there be a "plug" behind the RHS rear wheel, into which the kit wiring plugs?
Cheers, Pickles.

There is a plug on the car side, but not on the tow bar side. Still not hard to solder together though.;)

[specwarop]

Sorry to resurrect and old thread.
But I am after a towbar for a 110. So if I order the #RAA608 (which is the number given in the current Defender catalogue) from a british webshop - will I be sent the right item thats ADR compliant etc? Or will it be some crappy british version?
None of these british landrover shops like putting photos up for their sale items...

Also, when fitting an RAA608 (or the 90 version), what auxiliary/long range fuel tanks can be used?

Regards

[Dopey]

Specwarop,

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/1385606-post4.html
This post might answer your questions,

Regards, Mike.

[Sandgroper]

Part number is RAA623, I bought mine from Barbagallos in Osborne Park for $429 and fitted it myself using the wiring colours from the forum here, I can't remember where I saw the wiring chart but it gave the colour that landrover provide on the vehicle and the alternate colour wire to splice it into on the towbar kit. There is a plug located behind a small plastic cover in the rear of the drivers side rear wheel arch, it's easy to get to - only two screws and I just cut the plug off and wired the towbar into it.

[Sandgroper]

This is the plastic cover in the rear drivers side wheel arch, behind it is the towbar plug.

[specwarop]

Whats the difference between the RAA623 and the RAA608 then?

[Sandgroper]

Don't know what the difference is but I bought RAA623 as that was the part I was told I needed and it fitted straight up.

[specwarop]

Yeh I am unsure either. Is your Defender a 90 though? According to the LR catalogue the RAA623 is to suit the 90...

I was just hoping to find the right number for a 110, so I can order it from the UK without the $200 mark up haha.

[Sandgroper]

Yair mate, mines a 90. I don't know what the 110 is.

[specwarop]

Yeh sorry my original question was regarding the 110 (I know, hijacked a 90 thread)

[KarlB]

Yeh I am unsure either. Is your Defender a 90 though? According to the LR catalogue the RAA623 is to suit the 90...

I was just hoping to find the right number for a 110, so I can order it from the UK without the $200 mark up haha.
Have you actually got a quote from the dealer for a towbar. I think you will find that the price is not prohibitive. Indeed I would be surprised if you can import a basic towbar cheaper than you can buy one here. And to boot, it will be Au compliant which the UK import will not be. Fitting a non-compliant towbar has all sorts of insurance implications and you certainly could not legally use it on Australian roads for towing!

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[specwarop]

No I havent contacted a dealer as yet. However, I have found the RAA608 on UK sites for ~130GBP plus postage.

[noyakfat]

When I ordered my 110 in November 2013, the dealer quoted $990 for LR tow bar. I was confident I'd be able to pick up one for less than that, as I had a 5 month wait for the vehicle.

I ended up going with a heavy duty hayman reese one from ARB, which I ordered in February at a local 4WD show.

Price including bar, 7-pin plug, ECU kit and 50mm chrome ball was $685 (including GST).

This price does not include fitting.

Cheers

EDIT: I believe the Item Code for the bar was T02490R.