Evening

Has anyone had a tow hitch retro fitted to a 405. Is there such a thing and is there a detachable version.

Thanks 2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo Hybrid (V FAST)
2017 Range Rover Autobiography 5.0 V8
2018 JCW Mini Cooper
2018 Skoda VRS

You can buy the deployable kit from Dan @ Duckworths. (if you're loaded)

Also you can have the farmer's hitch version which is removable. Still need to be fairly wealthy.

Westfalia (via PF Jones) do a removable version like the L322 for about 40% of the cost of the LR farmer's hitch version. Westfalia make the genuine LR ones too so no issues with quality.

Fitting instructions
http://topix.landrover.jlrext.com/topix/co...oupId=1671

EDIT. Beware of the S/H ones on the bay of fleas. None of the current listings have the required boot floor frame included which makes them scrap essentially. You cannot buy the frame separately and it is essential with the aluminium bodyshell. What these people are selling would probably end up distorting the body and definitely invalidate the insurance in the event of a problem. Can't see the warranty people being overly impressed either.

Thanks, i will be looking at the Westfalia version i think  2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo Hybrid (V FAST)
2017 Range Rover Autobiography 5.0 V8
2018 JCW Mini Cooper
2018 Skoda VRS

As above - the electric one is but a seriously expensive retrofit.

I searched around until I found a car with one fitted

I don't have experience of the fixed removable one, but I did see this in a car park a few weeks ago that made me worried you'd need to remove the panel to get to the electrics - but I could be mistaken -

I very rarely tow anything these days but you can bet your bottom dollar that if i have a car without one i'll need 6 times in a month. Quite happy to remove the panel when required.

Thanks for the heads up.

Craig if you read this do you have an option for me.  2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo Hybrid (V FAST)
2017 Range Rover Autobiography 5.0 V8
2018 JCW Mini Cooper
2018 Skoda VRS

Jay, the Westfalia removable one on PFJ requires that you change the under-tray-cover thingy at the back. It is pre-cut to allow the towbar to be fitted without removing stuff first.

JAYBOY wrote:

I very rarely tow anything these days but you can bet your bottom dollar that if i have a car without one i'll need 6 times in a month. Quite happy to remove the panel when required.

Thanks for the heads up.

Craig if you read this do you have an option for me.

Have done several now Jay... Let me know if the car you choose is less a tow bar and i will get a quote up together for you

Be nice if we could have a comparison table of pros and cons of the different versions vs the RRP from LR or Dan.

Anyone got the info?

I want to add one in next 4 weeks and really unsure of what to buy and go for but I plan to use it a lot which makes me think I might go for deployable even if its the dearest.

My last Cayenne had it and it was really hassle free whereas SWMBO has hers detachable and it's a pain when using.

Any info much appreciated (and I did search before anyone jumps in...lol)

P all smug in my new plug!

2021 Westminster Black D300
2013 Vogue SE - gone
Some Porsche Cayenne guff pretending to be a 4x4!!
2006 Vogue
2004 Vogue
2001 Vogue

I had removable on my L322 & have deployable on my L405

Removable
pro's - cost - I was quoted £1k for an L405 by a MD - so only a pro vs deployable
Height adjustable (a bit)
cons - visible 50cmx50cm square receiver when not in use - see pic below - even with the panel fitted, you see the square reciever - it's not obtrusive, but it's there....
Heavy component to be fitted when you need it with no obvious place to store - you'd probably need to tie it to a D ring in the boot as you wouldn't want it moving about.
Not sure if the L405 one is held in place with a pin or needs a bolt tightening - if the former, probably a bit rattly, if the later a PITA



Deployable
pros - invisible when not in use - deploys at the touch of a button
cons - cost - I was quoted £3k by a MD
Reduced nose weight capacity when towing off road (if that's a concern)
Fixed height

I had a Westfalia detachable bar fitted and it looked like this above when in use. I did buy a cover with the section cut out to tidy up the look but it didn't fit so just carried on with it looking a bit ugly.
To be honest when fitting or removing the tow ball it's a 10 second job to insert key, twist the knob, remove detachable section and refit cover. In reality takes a few moments that's all but all at a very low cost relative to a deployable retro fitted version.
It might be a hassle to do once a week every week but for occasional use I found it perfectly do able.

cheers chaps

I wouldn't mind 1k for a deployable tbh as it was what I paid for the Cayenne from the factory as it was new.

I'll call MD Peatland tomorrow as I get a discount on their parts etc. all smug in my new plug!

2021 Westminster Black D300
2013 Vogue SE - gone
Some Porsche Cayenne guff pretending to be a 4x4!!
2006 Vogue
2004 Vogue
2001 Vogue

You won't get near £1000 for the deployable unless the dealer is paying towards it. The parts cost alone is £1700 at super discount from a forum sponsor. I do agree it is the best option but so far the best I can get is £1800 fitted, and that's from a good friend who is DP at a main dealer.

Agree - deployable is a £1k factory option, but £3k retrofit......

I'll see if I can work some magic this week with Pentland MD. all smug in my new plug!

2021 Westminster Black D300
2013 Vogue SE - gone
Some Porsche Cayenne guff pretending to be a 4x4!!
2006 Vogue
2004 Vogue
2001 Vogue

Does anyone know if there is any height adjustment on an L405 electrically deployable bar, I have a big mismatch in towball/hitch height (about 60mm) low on car side. Thinking new low profile tyres on trailer may be required. 4 tyres & spare.