'13 Defender 90 tow bar wiring "loom"

[Pickles2]

Our Defender will arrive at the dealer's soon. We will be having a factory towbar fitted RAA623.
I have scanned the forum, & there seems to be some confusion/difficulty in deciding how to access the "plug" for the trailer wiring, that is located in the rear wheel arch. As I am keen(rightly or wrongly!), on "O.E.", I'm keen to utilise this plug, but I cannot see why there should be any difficulty or confusion, as on page 44 of the '13 Defender catalogue, just above the listing for the RAA623 towbar is listed the part LR005920 "towing electrics" to connect to the plug.
Is there something wrong with this set up, does it not work, why would one not use this "plug in" arrangement.
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks, Pickles.

[voltron]

Only reason I didnt was because I bought a Hayman Reese instead of the Genuine Tow bar, and the installers didnt see the plug cable, so didnt use it. Wasn't till after the fact I realised there was a plug that could be used.

[Rig110]

If you want to use the genuine electrics, my suggestion would be to purchase them from the uk. Just search the genuine LR part numbers on uk ebay. That's how I got mine at about half the price and in half the time vs genuine from the local dealer (I think it ended up being about $80-$90 landed, vs around $150-160... so not quite half...). Dealer told me they could go any lower than 5% off RRP because there is "no margin in accessories" (not sure what LRA are doing to their dealers if this is the case as it gives them NO incentive to sell them).

Super easy job to do yourself (both the bar and the wiring - can be done in about 30 mins if you know how to use a socket wrench and power drill), but you will want to get some longer bolts for the plug if you want to put it in the recessed hole (very difficult to get your hands in to the cross member once the rubber seal is in there)...

[Pickles2]

G'Day Rig, So was the p/n LR005920 for the loom, which then plugs straight into the plug behind the rear wheel, & the other end of which is the normal trailer socket/plug?
Cheers, Pickles.

[Rig110]

That's the one. Here's a link:

Land Rover Defender 'N' Type Towing Electrics KIT 2007 ON OE | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/260941423407)

Seems to have gone up a bit (might be the exchange rate). I would suggest you check pricing at a few dealers too (being in Melbourne you'll like have more luck in getting a better price - and you won't have to wait over a week for something to come from Melbourne...).

Cheers,

Dave

[FeatherWeightDriver]

Only reason I didnt was because I bought a Hayman Reese instead of the Genuine Tow bar, and the installers didnt see the plug cable, so didnt use it. Wasn't till after the fact I realised there was a plug that could be used.

I thought the genuine Australian tow bar was Hayman Reese - is that not the case?

[Pickles2]

I thought the genuine Australian tow bar was Hayman Reese - is that not the case?
I believe that to be the case, I think I read that it has both the L.R. & H.R. names on it...but it doesn't have the loom to connect to the plug on the 90.
Cheers, Pickles.

[Loubrey]

I believe that to be the case, I think I read that it has both the L.R. & H.R. names on it...but it doesn't have the loom to connect to the plug on the 90.
Cheers, Pickles.

Yes, that is definitely the case. Made by Hayman Reese specifically for Land Rover so the aftermarket Hayman Reese has to be just a bit different not to breach the supply agreement. The loom is an extra part you need to buy (Land Rover only) if you buy either of the tow bars and do not want to splice your own electrics.

Its very much the same as the gear Mantec makes for Land Rover (RAI/snorkel, steering guard, winch bumper etc). You can clearly see the similarities, but Land Rover charges up to 5 times the price Mantec charges for a product with the same engineering just a slightly different "look".

Cheers,

Lou

[Spencer72]

I was quoted around $580 for genuine LR towbar & $240 for the wiring loom. Does that sound about right?

[voltron]

I was quoted around $580 for genuine LR towbar & $240 for the wiring loom. Does that sound about right?

I was quoted $830 by landrover everything fitted, if that helps.

Cheers

[Pickles2]

I was quoted around $580 for genuine LR towbar & $240 for the wiring loom. Does that sound about right?
Was the loom part number LR005920, and did they have it in stock?
I reckon this loom is the way to go, without splicing etc etc, just a straight plug in, at both ends, can't understand why most Dealers, including mine, don't seem familiar with it, & don't use it?.....If it's factory, & designed for the job,...why not?
Cheers,

[flywheel au]

Hi, for your info I purchased a LR towbar and wiring loom from Lyntons on the Gold Coast in June . Towbar $461.00
Loom $182.00
The loom came with a large round 7 pin socket which I replaced with a 7 pin flat socket.
The lot took about an hour to fit.
Jim.

[flywheel au]

Looked at the invoice, Those figures did not include GST.
Jim.

[Pickles2]

Looked at the invoice, Those figures did not include GST.
Jim.
Thanks, was the loom p/n the same as the one I'm quoting?
Cheers, Pickles.

[flywheel au]

Hi, Loom, part No RO-LR005920 N TYPE TOWING

Jim

[Pickles2]

Hi, Loom, part No RO-LR005920 N TYPE TOWING

Jim
Thanks, that is the one I'm looking at.
Pickles.

[FeatherWeightDriver]

Hi, Loom, part No RO-LR005920 N TYPE TOWING

Jim

According to the current brochure that part number (and LR005921 for S type electrics) are not compatible with LED trailer lights.

If my trailer has LED lights on it does that mean I need to go aftermarket / custom to make it work? Or are they covering themselves for trailers wired with positive / negative earths?

[voltron]

According to the current brochure that part number (and LR005921 for S type electrics) are not compatible with LED trailer lights.

If my trailer has LED lights on it does that mean I need to go aftermarket / custom to make it work? Or are they covering themselves for trailers wired with positive / negative earths?

Apparently this was another reason the Hayman Reese was a good option as they give you a box that allows you to have led trailer lights.

So I was told.

[FeatherWeightDriver]

Apparently this was another reason the Hayman Reese was a good option as they give you a box that allows you to have led trailer lights.

Is it part of the price of the bar? Otherwise the factory bar and HR electrics may be an option... :confused:

[Leroy_Riding]

Apparently this was another reason the Hayman Reese was a good option as they give you a box that allows you to have led trailer lights.

So I was told.

what is this 'box' for LED trailer lights? ive used LED trailer lights on my 2012 puma 90 with no special 'box' i jstu replaced the plug on the 'hidden plug' with my own and made my own loom with both 7pin round and flat's and plug in whatever trailer I want, have never had an issue. . . Id has it a guess its just a ballast to make the trailer light flash on the dash maybe? that said mine flashes with LED lights on the trailer and no fancy box. . .

all the mentioned prices seem high here, I got a OEM LR towbar RA00623 from MR Auto for $420 inc GST Im pretty sure, came with a loom to 'splice' which i fitted waterproof plug to and then the other end to replace the 'hidden plug' the new connectors cost me about $25 from autobarn.

I would say inflation must be a factor here?

Leroy

[Loubrey]

My car has the "flat" towing electrics connector and I bought a couple of "adapters" at the Perth 4WD show (flat to round etc on a short piece of wire). The plug is the OEM one connected to the hidden plug and I just use the appropriate adapter to connect to what ever the trailer is fitted with.

I've towed all sorts of hired and borrowed trailers (don't own one myself) as well as a couple friend's boat trailers over the past couple years with all sorts of electrics and lights (LED and other) without any hassle.

Sounds a bit like salesman "storm in a tea cup" issues...

Cheers,

Lou

[Camp Oven]

Pickles way to go with the LR-005920 kit cost me $200 up here, so try UK.
still worth it for the time I saved.

[Spencer72]

Got a quote for HR for bar n electric s 900 fitted. I think ill go genuine n get the n thpe loom off net. Famous last words will install myself. Just wondering where the wire runs from the connection to the rear towbar

[JayBoRover]

Got a quote for HR for bar n electric s 900 fitted. I think ill go genuine n get the n thpe loom off net. Famous last words will install myself. Just wondering where the wire runs from the connection to the rear towbar
If you're SOR, you're welcome to have a look at how mines done. You're even welcome to come around home and I'll help you fit it. Well ... my advice, trolley jack and tools will help you - I'm a bit "handicapped" by a broken foot and broken hand at the moment:D.

[FeatherWeightDriver]

I was quoted $830 by landrover everything fitted, if that helps.

Cheers

I was quoted nearly double that for "factory" bar and electrics :eek:

Obviously my response was no...

[Pickles2]

There seems to be a MASSIVE variation in Dealer pricing of a "Tow Kit"...from around $500 to $1200, which I can't work out. I suppose some prices include fitting & wiring etc, but there still seems to be a big variation.
Anyway, I do like "O.E." stuff, so I will use the original "plug in" loom if I can.
Cheers, Pickles.

[Loubrey]

There seems to be a MASSIVE variation in Dealer pricing of a "Tow Kit"...from around $500 to $1200, which I can't work out. I suppose some prices include fitting & wiring etc, but there still seems to be a big variation.
Anyway, I do like "O.E." stuff, so I will use the original "plug in" loom if I can.
Cheers, Pickles.

Pickles,

I appreciate your comments on the OEM stuff, but do keep in mind Land Rover's marketing is solidly focused on the premium market and their accessories brochure is priced accordingly. I agree that things like wiring and switches make sense to use OEM, but be careful with the rest of the honey trap that is their accessories brochure!

A number of companies manufacture the OEM stuff for Land Rover and sell the same product (albeit slightly altered for licensing purposes) at a fraction of the price. Not even the iconic Camel Trophy used OEM products...

You've on a number of occasions pointed out that it will be the wife's daily drive and not a mud plugger so horses for courses, but you can easily spend up to 20% of the new car value by sticking to OEM accessories from our local dealers.

Friendly advice to a new Landie owner... the Land Rover badge on OEM accessories might as well be a Rolls Royce badge and in many cases the after market equipment is significantly better quality and looks a whole lot better.

Cheers,

Lou

[Pickles2]

Thanks Lou. Pickles.

[MonsterMan]

Hi all, my first real post. I have been researching tow bar and trailer plugs here for a few nights now and puurchase the RAA608 tow hitch and LR005920 yesterday for my new Defender 110.

I've been scratching my head all day looking at this LR005920 wiring kit and can't work out where to cut in the trailer brake controller.

Trailer Wiring Diagrams @ ExplorOz Articles (http://www.exploroz.com/Vehicle/Electrics/TrailerWiringDiagrams.aspx)

suggests



Pin 1 - Yellow - Left-hand turn indicator
Pin 2 - Black - Reversing signal
Pin 3 - White - Earth return
Pin 4 - Green - Right-hand turn indicator
Pin 5 - Blue - Service brakes
Pin 6 - Red - Stop lamps
Pin 7 - Brown - Rear lamps, clearance and side marker lamps

But pin 5 seems to go back through the plug into the vehicle. Could there be a plug up at the drivers position to wire in the brake controller?

Advice appreciated.

Thanks

Geoff

[Banjo_pluker]

what is this 'box' for LED trailer lights? ive used LED trailer lights on my 2012 puma 90 with no special 'box' i jstu replaced the plug on the 'hidden plug' with my own and made my own loom with both 7pin round and flat's and plug in whatever trailer I want, have never had an issue. . . Id has it a guess its just a ballast to make the trailer light flash on the dash maybe? that said mine flashes with LED lights on the trailer and no fancy box. . .

all the mentioned prices seem high here, I got a OEM LR towbar RA00623 from MR Auto for $420 inc GST Im pretty sure, came with a loom to 'splice' which i fitted waterproof plug to and then the other end to replace the 'hidden plug' the new connectors cost me about $25 from autobarn.

I would say inflation must be a factor here?

Leroy

search for it in the D3 and D4 forums it is a real problem with discovery's from memory tricking the computer components. May not be such an issue with defenders but may be the same loom?

[Leroy_Riding]

search for it in the D3 and D4 forums it is a real problem with discovery's from memory tricking the computer components. May not be such an issue with defenders but may be the same loom?

I am aware of the issues with D3's and D4's with the trailer wiring, but the defender does not have this issue. I think the puma shares more in common with a D2 than a 3/4

Leroy