Hi, I want to try & get a tow bar for my 2012 Westy, it's not something we 'need' as such but more for just in case or to use for a bike rack so I don't want to spend a fortune fitting one. I've been looking for a second hand one on the usual online auctions but although there are quite a few listed that fit the earlier models there's never many listed for 2010 - 2012 models so my question is what is different between the one I need & the earlier ones ? My car has the westfalia brackets / towing eye so would the earlier cross bar fir to these or not ? Also the plug in electrics, are the kits for earlier cars different ?
TIA
Phil

I’ve learnt from Craig on here that electrics from 09 onwards are different to earlier ones. No module just plug it in PF Jones do them or Dan at Duckworths for Genuine with some forum discount
http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic23827.html
It might also need hooking up to a diagnostic to tell the car it hasn’t towing electrics fitted now
No idea on tow bars  Gone to a good home: 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
2025MY Defender D350 90 in Silicon Silver on coils
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
Many, many other Landies over the years
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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Hi Phil

On the P F Jones website they have a lot of info you can browse and make a decision on what you require. I'm not recommending them, didn't buy from them and you will have to assess their customer service and check prices elsewhere. This info should, I hope, assist in buying used if you so decide. Prices new may make you take a deep breath!!

Westphalia bars are listed as under 02-09 and then 09-13 for Fullfats. The diagrams do not appear to show any differences, but I suggest there may be, knowing how manufacturers like to alter things. I don't think the Westphalia bar has a simple bolt on cross piece, it appears welded in. Thus you would have to replace the brackets with a complete unit. Westphalia are I believe original fitment.

Witter appear to do a bar which seems a lot cheaper, but check what comes with it.

Also, I don't think gooseneck fittings will support a cycle rack. Westphalia have a flange fitting which may do the job for you. None of these new are cheap, and if you buy secondhand, make sure it is EC marked.

Your car build sheet should inform if the electrics are tow prepared and as DrRob says they plug in to a socket in the left hand rear of the spare wheel well.

Info links

https://www.pfjones.co.uk/tow-bars/towbars...rs-en.html

https://www.pfjones.co.uk/tow-bars/towbars...wbars.html

https://www.pfjones.co.uk/landrover-range-...w-bar.html

https://www.pfjones.co.uk/range-rover-towb...-only.html

https://www.pfjones.co.uk/landrover-range-...-only.html

Hope this helps. Cheers
Richard

(there are no such things as an ordinary FullFat, an ordinary cat or too many tools)
2011 TDV8 Vogue Santorini Black
Gap IIDBT

As above the brackets your car has come off and go in the bin. They are replaced by the tow bar.

The westfalia tow Bar comes in two parts

The main frame
The bar bit

For originality I would go with a westfalia and a removable farmers flange bar. This slips in and out of a square hole in the main frame leaving a neat appearance when removed.

There are cheaper but they tend to be a bit clunky looking in comparison.... There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
KIA E-Niro 4+
2021 Discovery 5 D300 MHEV commercial

We went for a tow-trust detachable on our 2011 Autobiography. We had it fitted locally and was £515 fitted which was is a lot cheaper then what they list it on their site for!

https://www.tow-trust.co.uk/towbars/landro...002+-+2012

Pic of ours fitted its very sturdy and a doddle to detach the swan neck etc...

Click image to enlarge

Hi, thanks for taking time to reply everyone, much appreciated
Plenty of info to look into, I did wonder about the suitability of the swan neck type if I wanted to use my cycle carrier so will check on that too. Seems crazy to have the westfalia brackets on the car but can't just buy the crossbar though
Will have a good look through the links, thanks again.
Cheers, Phil

PF jones for Westfalia one , wiring is plug n play , put one on for a customer a few weeks ago and easy DIY job .