Thread: Fl2 Towbars

Yeah, I've used it. When the electrics are connected, a little green icon lights up when you use your indicators. And I think the reversing sensors are disabled as you can't really use them anyway.

I'll try to take a pic and post it up soon.

I've been thinking some more about these hayman reese ones. Wouldn't the dealer fit LR badged bars be made by Hayman Reese anyway seeing they are unique to Aus?

As for the electrics, my only concern is the different resistance if you tap into the current wiring may play havic with the electrics. I'm not concerned about the parking sensors or the pretty light on the dash(although, the sensors will get annoying)

Anyone got one yet or do I have to be the Guinnea Pig

Originally Posted by djhampson

I'm looking at getting a towbar fitted to my FL2.

The Land Rover Delear price is ridicouls (no big surprise there) so can anyone recommend a after-market option?

I called around and got quotes of $1500 - $1700 fitted. I tried the local Hayman Reese dealer and they quoted $650 fitted. I started asking about the wiring and the parking sensors and got stories about how they haven't had any problems yet, it'll just beep with the trailer behind you.

Asked for a supply price only, $400, things were looking up.

A few hours, ok days, research on the internet revealed that I needed the LR wiring kit, Part # LR003106. Found this at lrdirect.com for $364(AUD) delivered, a bit exxy but worth it for the piece of mind. The cheapest Genuine au stock I found was $500.

The towbar install was pretty straight forward and the instructions provided were ok, but not great. This did involve removing the rear bumper, tow hook, crash beam and bolting it up with 4 bolts, replace tow hook, replace crash beam them bumper, swear for 20 minutes trying to get the stupid mud flap bolt back in. Don't forget to cut the little bit out of the bumper, I used a hacksaw and stanley knife.

The wiring kit had pretty pictures and no words, DON'T FORGET TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BEFORE YOU START!! I didn't...
You need to install 3 fuses in the rear fuse box, remove the side trim panel, no instructions on how to do this, but it is just held in by clips.
Bolt up the earth wire to the same point as the parking sensor control box, stick the wiring module to the side just behind the strut(all in the pictures).
Connect the plug to the plug that is already installed on the floor and push out the bung and feed all the cables through. Tie them all up with the zip ties supplied.

I ditched the twin large 7 pin round plugs that are supplied and installed a 7 pin flat to au wiring standards. If I had my time again I would install a 12 pin just so you have somewhere to connect all the wires, as it was I wrapped them all up and tucked and tied the unused wires behind the bumper. There is a wiring legend in the install manual.

So off I went to the LR dealer to get the module programmed in, also had to get the heater recall done so it was timed well.

When I picked the car up they informed me that the couldn't talk to the module as it wasn't genuine(same manufacturer, just no LR sticker) nothing they can do etc etc.

Well, as it turns out. Just finished re wiring the trailer and hooked it upto test and take round the back and Guess what.....



IT WORKS!

All the lights work fine and the parking sensors are disabled when the trailer is connected. Still not sure what the problem was with the programming, however some idiot didn't disconnect the battery when the plugged the kit in with bare wires everywhere. I'm going to give them a call tomorrow to see exactly what the issue was.

So all up, towbar for your FL2 for $764. Gotta be happy with that.

Hi nosliwedaw

Have you had any issues with your aftermarket towbar? I am looking at getting the hayman reese bar put on too and will also get the LR wiring harness put on. In the end it sounds like yours works just like the factory product - is that right? Also just to confirm, did you need to get LR to programme the wiring module in the end? It seems that you can save a bit of money this way.
Thanks

First time posting a photo bu hopefully here's a quick shot of my FL2 with HR aftermarket towbar. If you want a close up let me know. Very neat. Std 50mm hitch not 40mm like LR OEM. Had wiring done by dealer prior to fitting bar. Approx $800 all up. If you are fitting electric brakes or aux power be aware that the LR 7 pin (the black socket) has the back filled with silicone. My caravan guy ended up just fitting a new plug rather than trying to dig out the silicone. He also removed the white Euro socket. I couldn't figure anything else to do with it.

Third time lucky????

Thanks, that looks good. I'm going to go ahead with the HR bar and have ordered the wiring kit from overseas ($340 or so delivered). The towbar installers said they could wire it up. I'll let you know how it works out.

Originally Posted by oldwhippet

The towbar installers said they could wire it up. I'll let you know how it works out.

I think LR will still need to apply a software update. This disables the rear sensors and lights up the pretty green trailer on the dash when indicating.