No adjustment with the electric one.

There's some adjustment on the 'fixed' one, but not sure how much.

Thanks for a quick reply.

I looked at the electrically retractable when I ordered mine, but understand that it's not just a lower noseweight off road, but a lower weight capacity too. That's definitely not what I want!

I currently use a 3 point mounting, adjustable height, but fixed in position tow bar on the D4 that allows me to fit a combined tow ball and jaw. Not sure what to fit to the FF, especially as I'd prefer to avoid anything that's removable or retractable.

I fear I might be out of luck...

As far as the manual goes - weight capacity is the same

It appears that it's still a fairly healthy nose weight, albeit reduced slightly.......

'unrestricted' nose weight is still 150kg
'restricted' nose weight is only 200Kg vs 250 for the non-retractable one.

However, if I read it correctly, the 'restricted' only applies if there's a speed limiter on the vehicle - but maybe it's OK as long as you stick below 60 anyway.....

Click image to enlarge

I have the LR removable one. Square section male connector on the hook that slides into a square section female connector on the car - this has a rubber push in cover when the hook is not in place. Large 'L' shaped pin with R spring clip to retain it. Came in a little zip bag. You can adjust height as there are 4 bolts holding the towhook to the plate that is on the end of the male connector. 17 MY Corris Grey 4.4 VAB
Silver MB R231 SL350

How high is the top of the tow ball from the floor ?
And what would it be on the other setting / how far apart are the holes ?

Any chance of someone with a LR removable tow bar for the 405 please posting some photos of the rear of the car with the tow bar removed and the rubber cover in place? I've seen the stock LR brochure pictures but would find it helpful to see a real world example.

Cheers. 2016 SDV8 AB

Alistair wrote:

Click image to enlarge

On road you're getting a very straight pull. Off-road, the pull will be at all angles and often switching angles quickly. If your towing area is flat/smooth, it shouldn't be a problem. Also, the slower you go, the less stress, so low range and set it something like rock crawl if you get to anything uneven.

It shouldn't be a problem for those going to level and smooth campsites, with no traction problems but, for anyone using it as a Land Rover is intended, to have to say "sorry, I can't recover your Nissan Navara from that boggy field you've got it stuck in", or "that trailers going to have to stay where is is, because the field you've got it stuck in is a bit bumpy because my tow bar is too weedy and it might snap off" would be a bit rubbish!

I'd be a lot happier if it mentioned the use restrictions in the sales particulars, rather than the small print in the manual and if they provided some properly robust alternatives

I'm not sure about using 'rock crawl' for towing, as this automatically puts the car on the high suspension setting, which having a trailer connected would block from happening. 'Grass gravel snow' might be better.

Red Merle, does your new car have 'Advanced Tow Assist'? I have seen it demonstrated on a D5, apparently it adjusts the height of the car to suit the trailer, so e.g. your two axles are level, I think it can also test weight. If I were buying a new 405 I would specify that plus the non-electric towbar, that should be the best set-up though that towbar does stick out rather and might be better removed when not needed, to aid departure angle and parking space issues. My guess is that with decent tyres such as Goodyear Duratrac 255/55R20 you should still be able to do normal off road towing as you do in your D4, the practical limit is more likely to be on your own traction rather than the towbar mount, assuming you are not in Australian outback - type conditions. Only Range Rovers since 1988

I would upload a picture of the tow hook with rubber cover but can't get the upload to work!  17 MY Corris Grey 4.4 VAB
Silver MB R231 SL350

Alistair wrote:

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

Looks like main dealer only - I've not seen one anywhere else - so maybe try Matfords or Dan ?

It doesn't't seem to be a Westfalla like the L322 was - that one now looks different and I've not seen one on a car - here's a link to PF Jones who used to be the best source of L322 tow bars.

Thanks Alastair, I shall follow those up.