G’day everyone, welcome me to the family!

[Baytown]

Hi everyone;

‘My partner and I are just about to purchase a 2018 L494 RRS HSE in Grey, Cream interior, 15,000kms city car from Melbourne.

‘I’ve just sold my Discovery 4 HSE and will always own my 2012 Defender 110 re powered by LS3 6.2 V8 with 6 speed Auto, but want the RRS 225/700nm as a business, private and towing vehicle for when we buy another off road caravan. (Sold my 20.6 ft Zone off road and are kicking myself due to 16 month lead times thanks to COVID).

First thing I’ll be looking at changing is the 21 inch rims to 20 inch for touring/towing duties.

Ive read about the slow infotainment unit function. Can this be improved on or isn’t it a real problem?

What are the other must change/mod priorities for this vehicle for long range towing duties? It’s not going to be a Toorak Tractor.

I look forward to information, banter and tips here from members, and are more than a bit excited about this vehicle, that’s just a little different to my Defender!

Best wishes from Tassie every one.

Ken

[Tote]

Relax and enjoy.... I put a set of 20" rims on mine but they came with Pirellis with 60% tread so I'm too much of a tightarse to buy 275/55 tyres for it yet. Even with the 2014 I can't think of anything dramatic that I would like to change, although I'm not sure what role mine will have at the moment as we still use the 130 for the serious offroad stuff.
I bought a cheap set of aftermarket mudflaps but they are still sitting in the box, that paint is so pretty its a shame to damage it.....
I have a large plastic box in the boot held down with srtetchy straps that holds bits and pieces that I carry around. I got sick of them sliding around uncontrolled and rubber mats weren't enough to hold stuff in place.About $45.00 from Bunnings.

Regards,
Tote

[Baytown]

GDay Tote,

‘Thanks for the reply mate.

I thought it must be a pretty clicky sub group here after seeing 60 views with no reply!

I know what you mean re the 130 being kept for the heavy stuff. Our RRS is a business car, slash tow week end vehicle, and looks like we may up spec to a 2019 HSE, just going through the process at the moment after the original car wasn’t in the condition the Melbourne seller stated it was. (Surprise!)

I think seeing we’re spending so much, factory warranty and the newer media, adaptive cruise and heated seats etc is needed.

More to follow.

Best wishes Tote.

Ken

[Tins]

Welcome. I don't know anything about the infotainment system on a RRS, but these guys do:

Retrofitting missing factory options to new-ish LR's; FL2, Evoque, D3/D4, RRS, etc... (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/communications-car-audio-and-electronics/231941-retrofitting-missing-factory-options-new-ish-lrs-fl2-evoque-d3-d4-rrs-etc.html)

There are some smart guys over there who seem to exist in their own little corner. I highly recommend you check it out.

[SBD4]

GDay Tote,

‘Thanks for the reply mate.

I thought it must be a pretty clicky sub group here after seeing 60 views with no reply!

I know what you mean re the 130 being kept for the heavy stuff. Our RRS is a business car, slash tow week end vehicle, and looks like we may up spec to a 2019 HSE, just going through the process at the moment after the original car wasn’t in the condition the Melbourne seller stated it was. (Surprise!)

I think seeing we’re spending so much, factory warranty and the newer media, adaptive cruise and heated seats etc is needed.

More to follow.

Best wishes Tote.

Ken
G'day Ken, welcome to the L494 family...well almost.[thumbsupbig]

It's a lot quieter in here than in the D3/D4 area ... as I found out 5 years ago. The 60 views that you saw were likely folk from all parts of the forum not just the L494 so don't worry about whether or not it was the RRS2 folk not responding (I know you aren't really)

Anyway mate, good luck with the purchase you'll definitely enjoy the vehicle, completely different to the D4. I bet you get caught out on the 1st U turn you attempt. The D4's turning circle is brilliant!

Look forward to hearing about it all when you get it.

[Baytown]

Thanks Sean, good on you, and re the vehicle, bracket creep is well and truely set in, we’re even looking at 2020 HSE’s now! Warranty is a very comforting option!


G'day Ken, welcome to the L494 family...well almost.[thumbsupbig]

It's a lot quieter in here than in the D3/D4 area ... as I found out 5 years ago. The 60 views that you saw were likely folk from all parts of the forum not just the L494 so don't worry about whether or not it was the RRS2 folk not responding (I know you aren't really)

Anyway mate, good luck with the purchase you'll definitely enjoy the vehicle, completely different to the D4. I bet you get caught out on the 1st U turn you attempt. The D4's turning circle is brilliant!

Look forward to hearing about it all when you get it.

[Baytown]

Done.
‘We just put a deposit with Hobart Land Rover on our New 2022 RRS HSE in White, Black roof, pano glass, tow pack, flash head lights, cream interior with wood grain trim (I really do need to re read the build sheet!) upgraded Meridian sound system, driver assist package, auto tail gate etc etc.
‘July delivery.
‘Pretty happy to say the least.

Best wishes all.

Ken

[Bails]

Hi everyone;

‘My partner and I are just about to purchase a 2018 L494 RRS HSE in Grey, Cream interior, 15,000kms city car from Melbourne.

‘I’ve just sold my Discovery 4 HSE and will always own my 2012 Defender 110 re powered by LS3 6.2 V8 with 6 speed Auto, but want the RRS 225/700nm as a business, private and towing vehicle for when we buy another off road caravan. (Sold my 20.6 ft Zone off road and are kicking myself due to 16 month lead times thanks to COVID).

First thing I’ll be looking at changing is the 21 inch rims to 20 inch for touring/towing duties.

Ive read about the slow infotainment unit function. Can this be improved on or isn’t it a real problem?

What are the other must change/mod priorities for this vehicle for long range towing duties? It’s not going to be a Toorak Tractor.

I look forward to information, banter and tips here from members, and are more than a bit excited about this vehicle, that’s just a little different to my Defender!

Best wishes from Tassie every one.

Ken

Well I have ordered a zone 20.5 and believe the RRS SDV8 will be a great tow vehicle.

Welcome aboard , site is slow because their isn't a lot of new RRS on the road yet.

[Baytown]

Hi Bails;

Thanks mate and yep, it’s seriously slow in here compared to the Defender (original) page, I suppose I’m just use to that group and it’s banter.

Re the 2022 RRS, I’ve a bit of a serious hiccup at present re towing capacity. The Land Rover Australia web site advertises a tow ball weight of 350kg for the RRS, but then on the web page for the vehicle with generic specs, colours, wheels etc, a tow ball max weight of only 150kg, which is useless for towing a tandem caravan. My Zone RV 20.6 Off Road has a tow ball weight of 190Kg.

Ive e-mailed the dealer in Hobart but not received a reply as of yet. This will be a deal breaker if infact it’s correct that they’re only rated to 150Kg, and Land Rover Australia need to correct their web information badly.

More to follow as I’m sure this will interest many.

Best wishes mate.

Ken
169853169854


Well I have ordered a zone 20.5 and believe the RRS SDV8 will be a great tow vehicle.

Welcome aboard , site is slow because their isn't a lot of new RRS on the road yet.

[SBD4]

Hi Bails;

Thanks mate and yep, it’s seriously slow in here compared to the Defender (original) page, I suppose I’m just use to that group and it’s banter.

Re the 2022 RRS, I’ve a bit of a serious hiccup at present re towing capacity. The Land Rover Australia web site advertises a tow ball weight of 350kg for the RRS, but then on the web page for the vehicle with generic specs, colours, wheels etc, a tow ball max weight of only 150kg, which is useless for towing a tandem caravan. My Zone RV 20.6 Off Road has a tow ball weight of 190Kg.

Ive e-mailed the dealer in Hobart but not received a reply as of yet. This will be a deal breaker if infact it’s correct that they’re only rated to 150Kg, and Land Rover Australia need to correct their web information badly.

More to follow as I’m sure this will interest many.

Best wishes mate.

Ken
169853169854
The manual refers to the limits in Europe. The RRS is engineers for 350Kgs here in Aus (as is the new Defender and D5 ). There's supplemental documentation to support it. Your dealer should be able to confirm that when they get back to you. You can relax, you're still getting the RRS[thumbsupbig]

[Baytown]

Thanks Sean mate and you're right, I was pretty concerned re the advertised discrepancies so would have been really upset to have needed to have cancelled the order.

‘Thank you for the clear info.

Ken


The manual refers to the limits in Europe. The RRS is engineers for 350Kgs here in Aus (as is the new Defender and D5 ). There's supplemental documentation to support it. Your dealer should be able to confirm that when they get back to you. You can relax, you're still getting the RRS[thumbsupbig]

[Baytown]

I received a call from my selling Land Rover dealership (Hobart) this morning, officially confirmed by Land Rover Australia, Max tow ball weight capacity for a 2021/22 RRS HSE of 350Kg, so ignore the poorly maintained tech information on the official Land Rover Australia web sites.

I wonder how many sales they have lost due to issues like this vs them focusing on their shinny advertising web content/Web Ambassadors etc that surely mean nothing to most people when you factor in production, photography, etc etc fees and cost?🙄

I haven’t even had a reply on the official Land Rover Australia Face Book site. Pretty poor real world support for a $170K purchase!


3073791 (tel:3073791)[/URL]]Thanks Sean mate and you're right, I was pretty concerned re the advertised discrepancies so would have been really upset to have needed to have cancelled the order.

‘Thank you for the clear info.

Ken

[Disco4SE]

Hi all,

Just wondering if it is advisable to tow in 'Sport' mode with the SDV8.
I will be towing a similar weight to Bails.

Cheers, Craig

[Baytown]

It’s my understanding that the 8 speed box used by Land Rover prefers to be in Sport mode when towing and as such, will mostly never be in top gear.

This also gives you the opportunity to shift gear via your paddles etc as you feel the need for hills etc.

I did see formal advice re this some time ago but can’t find it now sorry. I’ll certainly only be towing my 20.6 Zone Off Road in Sport mode, as I always did in my Discovery with the same box.

Does it say anything in the Owners manual re towing?

I realise the software for the box and engine power is different to the Discovery.


Ken


3074983 (tel:3074983)[/URL]]Hi all,

Just wondering if it is advisable to tow in 'Sport' mode with the SDV8.
I will be towing a similar weight to Bails.

Cheers, Craig

[Baytown]

Hmmm, no mention of Sport mode for towing, or not using 8th gear in the 2021 Range Rover Sport Owners manual on line though.

I wonder if it automatically chooses the correct gear box setting to prevent top gear use? My vehicle has Tow Assist so it wouldn’t surprise me.
170096

[Disco4SE]

Does it say anything in the Owners manual re towing?

Thanks for your reply.

Checked the owners manual and there is nothing in there about towing in 'Sport' mode, however there is this..............
"When towing a trailer over 2,000Kg, a smoother start can be achieved by moving off in Low range then changing to High range while on the move"

This is not related to a particular engine.

Note: Spoke to a client of ours today who happens to be a well recognized name within Landrover, world wide. His own personal vehicle has the 4.4Lt SDV8. His advice was to put it in drive and let the gear box sort it out. His mate tows a 3.2 ton boat at ridiculous speeds up the east coast, problem free.
As a side note................The guy that tows the 3.2 ton boat has a mate that follows him with a similar weight boat but tows with a Landcruiser 200 series. The 200 Series uses almost twice the fuel as the Range Rover.

Cheers, Craig

[Baytown]

Wow, that’s really interesting re your mates comments about driving in D when towing heavy loads.

I’ll change my attitude to this after this conversation, thanks Craig.👍

[Disco4SE]

Wow, that’s really interesting re your mates comments about driving in D when towing heavy loads.

Keep in mind that the conversation was about the 4.4 SDV8. The towing in D may be different with the V6.....................Just sayin!

[Bails]

Just got back from a trip towing a boogie trailer about 1 ton. Trailer had a high covered cage which added a lot of wind resistance, Fuel went to around 12 / 100.

[SBD4]

Also, don't forget that when you hook up the trailer the vehicle adjust engine and transmission parameters accordingly to accommodate it.

[Bails]

Hi everyone;

‘My partner and I are just about to purchase a 2018 L494 RRS HSE in Grey, Cream interior, 15,000kms city car from Melbourne.

‘I’ve just sold my Discovery 4 HSE and will always own my 2012 Defender 110 re powered by LS3 6.2 V8 with 6 speed Auto, but want the RRS 225/700nm as a business, private and towing vehicle for when we buy another off road caravan. (Sold my 20.6 ft Zone off road and are kicking myself due to 16 month lead times thanks to COVID).

First thing I’ll be looking at changing is the 21 inch rims to 20 inch for touring/towing duties.

Ive read about the slow infotainment unit function. Can this be improved on or isn’t it a real problem?

What are the other must change/mod priorities for this vehicle for long range towing duties? It’s not going to be a Toorak Tractor.

I look forward to information, banter and tips here from members, and are more than a bit excited about this vehicle, that’s just a little different to my Defender!

Best wishes from Tassie every one.

Ken

Hard to answer this without your vehicle specs,

[Graeme]

I understand that the 8-speed programming when mated to the 4.4 in the L405 & L494 is an improvement over the programming for the 4.4 in the L322 but I find manual shifting in the L322 for the first few gears taking off from lights far superior to allowing the gbox to change out of 1st very quickly then slip the TC for 2nd and 3rd when towing my 2.5T van.

[Bails]

Also, don't forget that when you hook up the trailer the vehicle adjust engine and transmission parameters accordingly to accommodate it.

Recognition of trailer must be dependant on trailer light resistance, the trailer I am using isn't recognized by the car . Trailer lights are LED and all work as required. My own trailer is recognized this trailer is a loaner.

[Discodicky]

Hmmm, no mention of Sport mode for towing, or not using 8th gear in the 2021 Range Rover Sport Owners manual on line though.

I wonder if it automatically chooses the correct gear box setting to prevent top gear use? My vehicle has Tow Assist so it wouldn’t surprise me.
170096


For what its worth I tow in Sport mode and (mostly) using the paddle shift in the 8 speeder with my D4.
It is an absolute joy using the paddles when towing my 3.1T Caravan and using my Scanguage I watch the trans and engine temps and drive accordingly and also mindful keeping revs uppish to avoid high exhaust gas temps.
Usually run around 2,500-2,800 ish revs which it loves.

When using Sport mode the trans does not shift automatically and thus it expects you to do it, so it is virtually a 'manual' which is great.
Great for holding gears descending steep hills.
However if you forget to change down at a traffic light for instance, the 'puter accepts the fact that you have had momentary brain fade [bigwhistle] and overrides your decision & changes gear accordingly.

If I say, drop to 2nd or 3rd up one of those steep West Coast (Tassy) hills the engine and trans temps will rise to around 104/6 deg (at 106 the engine fans come in) but as soon as I start descending and with no load on the engine I paddle shift (short shift) up to say, 7th or 8th and the temps will drop down to early 90's within a klm.

Brilliant!

[SBD4]

Recognition of trailer must be dependant on trailer light resistance, the trailer I am using isn't recognized by the car . Trailer lights are LED and all work as required. My own trailer is recognized this trailer is a loaner.

Yes that's right. This from the manual explains the minimum current/wattage requirements on the indicator/brake light circuits for the trailer to be recognised.

https://www.ownerinfo.landrover.com/document/LX/2016/T22693/18677_en_GBR/proc/G1800995

Might be good to keep an inline LED trailer light shunt handy in the car for LED based trailers that don't have the resistors installed.

[Baytown]

We just bought our brand new MY22 D350 Range Rover Sport HSE Black with Black pack, 225Kw 700Nm today, as you do on a Saturday morning, on a whim. And yes, it’s officially a MY 22 RRS.

The service from Ian the Salesman at Buckby Motors from Launceston TAS could not have been more professional, we didn’t want a black car, and it was the only HSE on the floor or available, so we needed to make a design, so bit the bullet due to the uncertainty with vehicle availability at present, our need for Robyn to have a car ASAP and the ongoing computer chip issues etc etc etc.

What a lovely vehicle!

5 Years unlimited kms warranty and 150,000km/5 year Land Rover Service plan.

We’re very happy!

171506171507171508171509171510171511171512