Fitting towbar to new model Freelander

rodgers · Nov 19, 2009

Hi there,

My wife just bought a new model Freelander (not sure of the exact model, but it's one or two steps up from the base and it's a diesel!) and I'm looking to install a towbar to tow a trailer.

We're a bit concerned about who should do this, as the electrics are no doubt fairly complex and we dont want a cowboy messing up the systems due to poor wiring. So, if anyone can answer the following we'd be really grateful -

1. Is fitting the towbar a dealer only job?

2. Would the warranty be affected by anyone other than a dealer fitted it?

3. If the answers to 1 and 2 are "no", what sorts of places are good for fitting? I'm guessing caravan suppliers would be the place to start?

4. Are there any aftermarket suppliers of towbars for this new model? A quick search on ebay shows only towbars for models pre-2007. Are we going to have to buy from the dealers or is there an alternative? Any reputable suppliers you can reccommend?

Thanks very much for any help you can give - if I do this right I can hopefully avoid a good shouting out for breaking her new toy!

Cheers

Tom

buckshot · Nov 19, 2009

rodgers said:
Hi there,

My wife just bought a new model Freelander (not sure of the exact model, but it's one or two steps up from the base and it's a diesel!) and I'm looking to install a towbar to tow a trailer.

We're a bit concerned about who should do this, as the electrics are no doubt fairly complex and we dont want a cowboy messing up the systems due to poor wiring. So, if anyone can answer the following we'd be really grateful -

1. Is fitting the towbar a dealer only job?

2. Would the warranty be affected by anyone other than a dealer fitted it?

3. If the answers to 1 and 2 are "no", what sorts of places are good for fitting? I'm guessing caravan suppliers would be the place to start?

4. Are there any aftermarket suppliers of towbars for this new model? A quick search on ebay shows only towbars for models pre-2007. Are we going to have to buy from the dealers or is there an alternative? Any reputable suppliers you can reccommend?

Thanks very much for any help you can give - if I do this right I can hopefully avoid a good shouting out for breaking her new toy!

Cheers

Tom

try towsure (not sure of spelling) they are a big supplier of tow bars etc , i'd say if it is still under warranty either go to the main stealers or find a local garage you have confidence in (but nothing stopping you from getting the best deal possible on the hardware ) probably half the cost the stealers will charge

The Mad Hat Man · Nov 19, 2009

I think the electrics just plug in - so should be no problem for a do-it yoself jobby.

iannotts · Nov 19, 2009

The Mad Hat Man said:
I think the electrics just plug in - so should be no problem for a do-it yoself jobby.

As i have found out recently, if the motor is post aug'98 the towbar cannot be a DIY jobby, bloody eu

Missing Link · Nov 19, 2009

I am in the process of doing the same for my 03 plate Td4. Bought all of the parts from here PF Jones Witter Tow bars and Westfalia Towbars, Price Promise all Tow bars. Eberspacher Main Dealer , reasonable choice and had all the options I wanted.
Later models need reprogramming

Optimus Prime · Nov 19, 2009

iannotts said:
As i have found out recently, if the motor is post aug'98 the towbar cannot be a DIY jobby, bloody eu

is this something that was flagged on the new bit of the MOT ?

not had any problems with the towbar fitted to my 53 plate freelander which I fitted myself.

I thought as long as it had the type approval for the vehicle, and the vehicle is designed to have a tow bar fitted, you're ok.

e.g. Ford Ka has no facility, so even if one was made, it is illegal to use.

Missing Link · Nov 19, 2009

When you say new is it newly registered or is it new to you?

iannotts · Nov 20, 2009

EC Type Approval At a Glance

Implementation date - 1st August 1998.
Applies to all passenger carrying vehicles from 'S' registration.
All towbars must carry a Type Approval label or plate, with a Type Approval number.
Type Approved Towbars have been subjected to and passed a 2 million cycle push pull fatigue test.
Witter Type Approved towbars are certified by the UK Vehicle Certification Agency.
Watch out for misleading labels. Ensure that the unique Type Approval number is clearly marked on the label.
Type Approved towbars must fit to all of the vehicle manufacturers designated mounting points.
Fitting a Type Approved towbar will not invalidate the vehicle manufacturer's warranty.
Fitment of a non Type Approved towbar for a vehicle registered 'S' and onwards could result in prosecution.
If a non Type Approved towbar is fitted, the driver's insurance may be invalidated in the event of an accident.

the towbar HAS to be stamped up for type approval.

ianda12 · Nov 23, 2009

Easy to fit yourself. Check this thread

www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f9/towbar-fitting-instructions-51094.html

freelance · Nov 23, 2009

easy to fit, certain makes require the rear bumper to be cut, wiring just plugs in, but the vehicle has to go to stealers or indy, connected to autologic to enable the system, and if it has reversing sensors the switch on process, reprogrammes them as well so they don't work when towing

Fitting towbar to new model Freelander

rodgers

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buckshot

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The Mad Hat Man

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iannotts

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Missing Link

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Optimus Prime

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Missing Link

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iannotts

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ianda12

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freelance

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