I just bought my FF and am glad to have had to buy my own tow bar so at least I know the car wasn't used as a tow truck before I bought it. Being such a big and powerful vehicle there is a risk that pervious owners could have done a lot of heavy towing. I think the £500 or so is worth it to know I will be the first to tow with it.

[quote] Being such a big and powerful vehicle there is a risk that pervious owners could have done a lot of heavy towing

These perves get everywhere

Quote:

think the £500 or so is worth it to know I will be the first to tow with it.

Agreed Graham. Mine spent most of it's life on the Isle of Wight and there are a lot of pervs with boats there - if it had a tow bar I think it would have been dipping in and out of the salty stuff all the time.

Dolphinboy - thanks for the PM.

I've looked a bit more on PF Jones and they also have this which is cheaper http://www.pfjones.co.uk/range-rover-2005-flange-tow-bar-1.html

...they describe it as a Westfalia OEM Flange Tow Bar (stop sniggering at the back)

I'll call them tomorrow but anyone know if / why this is worse? Presumably it is still detachable from the armature? And in many ways I'd prefer a height adjustable one (always had them on the Defender).

Thanks
Beau

That's the one I've just bought although I haven't fitted it yet. It looks a really good quality piece of kit. The only thing I have read is that the hitch is prone to rattle or knock slightly as it is located with a removable pin rather than being nipped in with a bolt. Personally I don't think this will be a problem as whatever you are towing is often noisy and rattley anyway. I picked the flange type as it is more versatile with the standard 2 bolt tow ball which will make things like bike racks etc easier to fit. It also looks neater when removed as the whole thing comes off whereas the removable swan neck type still has an ugly great fitting that sits under the bumper

I think the only reason to go for a swan neck over flange is some think it looks nicer and it fits into the cubby box next to the spare wheel. It you want a bike rack the flange is the best option. The have been issues with the Swan neck one getting worn out and breaking. Some also say it's quicker to install but the flange is held in by a bolt and R clip so can't really be any quicker.

From what I understand because of the lock people think the Swan is more secure but as far as I know it is installed in the same way as the flange... So not really.

Thanks - think I'll go for the flange then.

Does the cycle rack fit on to the ball or slot into the armature as a replacement for the ball assembly?

Kind regards,

Beau

The one I have has a bracket that fits between the ball and the flange. You then just slot the rack into that bracket and it's held in place with a pin. You can just pull the pin out and the rack complete with bikes hinges down and lies on the floor which allows you to open the tailgate. I got it from Halfords a few years ago and I'm sure it was only about £50 or so

Thanks Graham - sounds good.

Same as mine. Got a maxxraxx off a forum member and that has a bracket between tow ball and flange.

http://www.pfjones.co.uk/range-rover-2005-flange-towbar.html

Price will be higher as you add appropriate electrics  Geoff

PF Jones is the place to go, and westfalia are the OEM for land rover, if you want to save more dosh, and future proof yourself, get the 13pin westfalia wiring kit, but add it on from the main page I think its under accessories, don't add it to the tow bar on the tow bar page. There's about £20 difference!
When you fit the tow bar, you have to remove 2 brackets from the car, one with the tow rope eye and rear silencer mount. If you look closely at it you'll see the name Westfalia on the data tags!!
Oh and FYI the 13 pin wiring kit is the only one that will work with LED lights with no mods, and you can get 13 pin to 7s and 7n adaptors from about £7 upwards.
I spent 2 days sifting the net to find the best deal, as it was for my business venture I wanted the best, just not at L/R prices, think I saved around £300 in all!
My adaptor is a sold one with both 7s and 7n sockets, locks in place, and is fantastic. Well worth the £13 ish off fleabay. Yesterday I couldn't spell Engineer... Today I are one!
Inventor of the 'Guide-o-Matic automatic wheel alignment tool'
Former long term L322 owner, Up/Down graded to a Classic Tractor!

I couldn't agree more about the 13 pin electrics. Even if you only tow a standard trailer rather than a caravan and don't need the full functionality of the 13 pins the plug and socket are far superior to the 12N & 12S. They have a thread on them so you just twist the plug and it pulls itself into or out of the socket. I just carry an adapter with me in case I have to tow something without a 13 pin plug.

Right I have just looked it all up and the savings are greater than claimed!!!!!!!!!

PF Jones > click on trailer wiring kits and then the land rover link, then click on the l322 pic and its the top right kit part number eBay Item No. 323064900113 £84 inc. vat. bargain!!!!! if you use the link in the tow bar section it will cost you £129, OUCH!!
As for the tow bar I used 323074-323063 at £283.50, goes under the heading of complete westfalia tow bar, it has the adjustable 3 hole plate and is removable, very very heavy (don't drop it on your toes, cos without steelies you'll be off to A&E) and has 3 different hight settings so that you can tailor it to your towing needs!
Oh and 1 last thing when you hook up to your trailer do not plug it in to the car straight away, give it a minute to sort its self out. Because when you plug it in, it will lock the suspension hight. And when you have finished towing unplug first, or the car will rise with jockey wheel and will not let go! If you need to know away thing else you know where I am. Towing is my business. Yesterday I couldn't spell Engineer... Today I are one!
Inventor of the 'Guide-o-Matic automatic wheel alignment tool'
Former long term L322 owner, Up/Down graded to a Classic Tractor!

++1 on 13 pin over 12n and s! There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
Fiat 500x 1.4 multiair Lounge 2015
2010 LR D4 Commercial 2.7 TDV6

that is not a fleabay item number I didn't type that honest

PF Jones eBay Item No. 323064300113 £84.00 & 323074-323063 £283.50 Yesterday I couldn't spell Engineer... Today I are one!
Inventor of the 'Guide-o-Matic automatic wheel alignment tool'
Former long term L322 owner, Up/Down graded to a Classic Tractor!