Member Since: 27 Jun 2013
Location: Staffordshire
Posts: 40
New vehicle and fitting towpack
Hi All,
We will shortly be taking delivery of our first LR, a Disco 4,
This has been purchased primarily to aid the towing of our twin axle caravan. I have decided I will fit the towing pack myself as I believe with the aid of the well know auction site there is a significant saving to be made here and I have fitted these kits to previous vehicles.
I have already acquired the detachable tow bar c/w the cubby bracket /holder to secure it in. I am now researching the 13 pin electrics and have seen this for around £80 to £85. I will be buying the dedicated version and have seen this kit on line.
I will need the 12v charging circuit for the leisure battery and the 12v supply to feed the fridge.
First question, I've read that this requires an additional kit to the standard kit as the standard only provides the lighting, indicators etc. is this correct and will this plug directly into the vehicle wiring like the standard part or will this require a cable or cables to be ran directly from the battery terminal & along the length of the vehicle via some type of relay?
Does anyone know if the LR kit has all of this included and that's why it a lot more expensive?
I understand that the management software will require updating, is this simply selecting the towing function within the system i.e. check the appropriate checkbox or is it a new software upload? I was wondering, during the dealer PDI do they need to connect to this system to check it? I'm thinking, if I can convince them to activate this function and then I will fit the electrics upon receipt and then not have to take to be done later. Am I correct in thinking, switching this on has no effect until the trailer lead is connected?
Also my caravan has some external LED lighting on it, I need to check to what extent, may just be high level stop light, does the issue still exist where the vehicle electrics for a trailer does not support LED lighting?
Sorry for so many questions but I only have one weekend to sort this after receiving the Disco, as we will be on our annual fortnight in Cornwall and I'm trying to buy these items up front and complete across the one weekend.
Easy to fit, just plug and play. Never had to get anything enabled. That wes on the D3.
I removed it when the car was sold and fitted to the RRS that I have at the mo.
That was plug and play as well.
Click image to enlarge
6th Jul 2013 3:48 pm
Bodsy Site Sponsor
Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
Location: In the Clubhouse
Posts: 21361
On a d4, the LR kit comes with everything you need. You will need it enabling though, which I can do. (Along with other mods if you wish ) Bodsys Brake Bible
Note to self..Read the thread before posting, didn't see it was a D4.
I'll get me coat……..
6th Jul 2013 7:17 pm
Magwhy
Member Since: 27 Jun 2013
Location: Staffordshire
Posts: 40
Thanks for the responses,
At Bodsy : How much do you charge for this and where are you based?
Also to confirm the LR kit includes provision for Leisure battery charge & fridge circuit?
Thanks
Nick
7th Jul 2013 9:22 pm
Trackman
Member Since: 16 Apr 2010
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 430
Yes the LR cable set does provide the battery charge and fridge connections.
A word of warning regarding caravan battery charging if you end up with a flat battery, the D4 does not output a continuous voltage eg 14.4V or 13.8V. It can switch off the alternator once it detects the car battery is charged and only tops up the car battery. I regularly see an average of 13V which is insufficient to charge a caravan battery that is being discharged in daily use.
I do not know of a solution to this other than disabling the battery management system (don't know how to !!)
Ian.
8th Jul 2013 12:00 am
character
Member Since: 01 Jan 2008
Location: wiltshire
Posts: 5781
also have yer got LED's on the van...if so will need an inline solution I believe to stop um pulsating..
8th Jul 2013 12:22 am
Magwhy
Member Since: 27 Jun 2013
Location: Staffordshire
Posts: 40
Yes, I have high level stop light that's LED, I can see this being disconnected if it a problem as I will have very little time to sort out before we go to Cornwall.
Can anyone recommend where best LR dealer or alternative to get the original 13 pin tow electrics from preferably on-line.
Regards,
Nick
8th Jul 2013 6:40 pm
Hairy Dan
Member Since: 19 Jan 2011
Location: Co. Durham
Posts: 12319
Drop Nick AKA TLO a line, he's Parts Manager @ Yeovil Land Rover and will sort you out and get it delivered to you asap Cheers Ian
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Discoless
8th Jul 2013 9:54 pm
Magwhy
Member Since: 27 Jun 2013
Location: Staffordshire
Posts: 40
Thanks Hairy Dan,
PM sent to TLO
8th Jul 2013 10:26 pm
Trackman
Member Since: 16 Apr 2010
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 430
Have a look in my Gallery and you will see some photos of mine when I fitted the tow electrics.
Ian.
8th Jul 2013 10:31 pm
Magwhy
Member Since: 27 Jun 2013
Location: Staffordshire
Posts: 40
Hi Trackman,
Thanks for the pointer towards your photos, helps a lot. Do you have instructions on how to remove bumper cover?
Noticed the outer wheel arch trim has to be partially removed, was this easy to do?
Nick
10th Jul 2013 7:47 pm
Trackman
Member Since: 16 Apr 2010
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 430
Nick,
Remove the rear light clusters - top and bottom screw on the inside edge when the boot lid is open then unplug them.
To remove the bumper is very easy. If you have mud flaps - remove them. Then remove the wheel arch plastic rivets under the wheel arch. You then just tug the wheel arch and it will pop off. Be careful not to break the plastic legs onto the wheel arch which the rivets went through. You do not need to remove the arch completely.
The bumper has screws below at the bottom edge and has more plastic rivets on the top under the flap when the tailgate is down. Remove them - Just pull the bumper side out and down and it will pull out of the mounts, you can see them on the photos at the edge of the wing. ( to refit its just a case of align and hit back in with your hand)
If you have reversing sensors be careful with the wires - the connector is on the near side.
Some fit the cable without removing the bumper but I found the cable fouled on the swinging weights and there are clips on the cable to retain it to stop this.
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