It replaces the loop of bicycle brake cable hanging out the side of the trim that I fitted when I brought the car, a mod I'd also done to my D3.
I've decided it will be easier to get in and out of the tailgate when sleeping in the back of the car than manoeuvering my way out the rear side doors.
For the price it just seemed far easier to buy the kit than the plan I had of making something up myself.
Just some points worth noting for those doing the same mod:
I’ve got far too many tools, but most people considering themselves capable of fitting the kit will probably have all the tools required.
But, it’s really worth reading the instructions above to judge if you are capable of fitting it.
The usual instruction of having to pull on trim pieces to remove them far harder than you think you’ll have to applies.
The ‘Shield’ mentioned in section 4.3 of the instructions wasn’t present on my 65 plate D4.
Watch your hands on the sharp edges of the internal tailgate sheet metal.
When using the supplied template to cut the hole in the trim piece the instructions say to draw round it showing a light coloured interior.
That obviously isn’t possible if you have a Black interior like I do.
But it’s easy enough to cover the area in masking tape and draw on that.
I used a Dremel to cut the hole, not a jigsaw.
The handle assembly is nicely finished in Black, but it’s really easy to scrape the finish off the edges passing it behind the sheet metal of the tailgate, so keep it in it’s bubblewrap bag or cover the edges in masking tape.
I’m really pleased with the result, but forgot to take any pictures.
It’s currently covered up by the canvas load space cover I have fitted, but that’s easy enough to rip off it’s Velcro if needed.
I am however going to have to remember it’s there under the cover when loading stuff in and out of the boot.
Good LuckHeaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
Last edited by Nasher on 15th Apr 2024 9:02 am. Edited 1 time in total
15th Apr 2024 8:15 am
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 14075
Hats off to u mate and indeed making life easier when camping
great idea with regards to using a dremel , Thks for sharing the added extra details
15th Apr 2024 8:44 am
itsaguything
Member Since: 20 Dec 2023
Location: Manotick, On
Posts: 229
Nice writeup.2015 LR4 HSE Lux Aintree Green
2013 LR2 HSE Radiance Red
2007 XKR Jaguar Racing Green
2005 XJR Jaguar Racing Green
2002 S-Type R British Racing Green
15th Apr 2024 11:12 am
Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2802
If anyone is considering buying one of these based on this thread - Hold off a few days.
As of lunchtime today the upper tailgate won't open using the outside button, but will open using the newly installed inside latch.
I can hear the Solenoid moving with the outside button but it's not unlocking.
I'm going to assume at the moment that the cable hasn't broken, and the problem is either something I've done, or that the new unit is somehow stopping the Solenoid moving far enough to work.
Note it has worked OK probably 20 times since I installed the LRP unit.
I'm not ruling out me having done something daft at this stage.
I won't get a chance to dive back into the tailgate for a few days, but will report back ASAP.Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
17th Apr 2024 2:33 pm
skunk38
Member Since: 05 Jan 2024
Location: South Wales
Posts: 109
I was thinking of getting one of those kits for my D3, but I'm going for a much cheaper and possibly easier option that I think someone else on here did a version of, using a reclining chair latch that can be bought for £8.99 on Amazon.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B7RWDHV5?psc...ct_details
I also picked up a 2nd hand subwoofer plate for £15 on ebay to modify and test the setup. It will mean fabricating a bracket, which is an easy job for me, but some might not want to go down that route and use the Powerful UK one, which does look well made, but you still have to do a lot of modification work.
Just another project to add to the other mods many owners have already done. Volunteer driver with 4x4 Response South East Wales
Volunteer Rider for Blood Bikes Wales
Land Rovers owned -
Disco 1 - 300 Tdi - dead
Disco 1 - 200 series - 3.5 V8 on LPG - dead
Disco 2 - TD5 - sold
Disco 1 - 300 series - 3.9 V8 on LPG - sold
Disco 3 - TDV6 HSE - current
17th Apr 2024 5:18 pm
Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2802
Yep, as posted on here before that's exactly the same part that rocks up in the LRP kit.
But with the Bracket, fasteners, cable clamp, and template to cut the hole in the trim.
Oh, and it has the nice little image printed on it, not that that's important.
Like you I was reluctant to buy the kit knowing I was more than capable of making the bracket myself, but kept putting it off and end the end just brought the kit to move the project along.
.Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
18th Apr 2024 7:44 am
Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2802
Sorry all, I should have updated this a few days ago.
Over the weekend I stripped the lower tailgate down again, removed the Solenoid with the LRP kit still attached and plugged it back in outside the tailgate where I could see it operate.
I first checked that I'd carried out the instructions to the letter with regard to where and how to connect the cable, which I had done.
It was very sluggish, and actually after 3 or 4 attempts to activate it with the button it stopped completely.
10 seconds later it would work again for 3 or 4 attempts.
I suspected that I wasn't pushing the electrical connector fully home, but that wasn't the case.
So I got out my handy can of spray silicone lubricant with a 'straw' on, and lubricated the catch mechanism in the lower tailgate.
From that point on it worked perfectly, and continues to.
It had worked before I fitted the kit, and I don't believe in coincidences of this type.
So I can only conclude that the kit is putting extra load on the solenoid to the point that it's not able to deal with a 'sticky' latch mechanism.
I don't understand how in reality, because it doesn't appear that way, and Yes, I do understand that ultimately the latch needing lubricating is what was wrong, but the conclusion has to be that the kit is somehow putting additional load on the Solenoid, accelerating the point at which the Solenoid can't overcome a sticky latch.Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
24th Apr 2024 12:40 pm
Panoramix
Member Since: 16 Dec 2008
Location: Milan Area
Posts: 3249
Thanks for your excellent write up.
Check latch tension if you can, usually solenoid works free, without extra load
Discovery 3 "Tank", 2.7 TDV6 - Fully Land Rover Passion edition
LR4 "Enterprise", 5.0 V8 Petrol: now factory style but it will be like that for a long time
L322 "Centurion 3.6 TDV8", Land Rover Passion edition in progress
13th May 2024 12:51 pm
itsaguything
Member Since: 20 Dec 2023
Location: Manotick, On
Posts: 229
However, I do not thank you for showing me all the toys at 4X4Overlander.com…
I think I have just about justified buying everything.2015 LR4 HSE Lux Aintree Green
2013 LR2 HSE Radiance Red
2007 XKR Jaguar Racing Green
2005 XJR Jaguar Racing Green
2002 S-Type R British Racing Green
14th May 2024 9:49 am
Lrstaylor
Member Since: 03 Oct 2018
Location: Kent
Posts: 611
I fitted this kit yesturday to our D3 it's been sitting hear in a box for 6 months thought it about time.
Simple enuff todo and peace of mind if the original fails so we can get the dogs out
14th May 2024 10:56 am
ClassikFan
Member Since: 02 Nov 2016
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1046
So this kit opens the top glass part of the tailgate as well as the lower section?
I don’t relish the thought of our dogs being stuck in the boot either!Just 'cause you got the power... that don't mean you got the right.
15th May 2024 5:11 pm
Lrstaylor
Member Since: 03 Oct 2018
Location: Kent
Posts: 611
No it only releases the upper tailgate but once open you can unlock the bottom door via the button and or by pressing the side locks in with your finger
15th May 2024 5:23 pm
kim0785b
Member Since: 12 Feb 2021
Location: London
Posts: 141
BUMP - no need for this, just add a switch and connect to the electrics in the tailgate -
Discovery 4
Oct 2015, 2016 build
SDV6 Santorini Black SE
New engine at 42k
Car camper
17th May 2024 1:16 am
Worms
Member Since: 24 Sep 2023
Location: Highlands
Posts: 367
That's a neat solution and I might think about that for the ease of opening in a camping scenario. But I presume this still relies on the electric actuator functioning and doesn't solve the problem of emergency opening when (not if) the actuator fails?Previously:
2010 FL2 TD4e GS
‘93 Defender 110 200TDi CSW - still got this, non-runner on SORN.
‘87 Defender 90 4 cyl Petrol
‘83 110 CSW V8 - best ever!
Range Rover 2-door V8 (not sure of year - 4-speed box and vacuum diff switch)
Series III SWB Diesel
17th May 2024 5:37 am
Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2802
I still don't believe in coincidences.
HOWEVER, I continued to have issues with the actuator becoming sluggish and eventually giving up about once a week.
Again, these issues only started since I fitted the manual kit, which was obviously coming in very handy.
It got to the stage where once the lower tailgate was open and the edge of the trim panel lifted I could force my hand in, disconnect the actuator, plug it in again, and all would be good for about a week.
About 3 weeks ago I happened to ride past the ever useful/helpful Keith Gott LR just outside Alton on one of my Friday afternoon Motorcycle rides, and thought 'Sod it' I'll stop for a new actuator. (@£79)
1/2hr after I got home the new actuator was fitted and it's been fine ever since.
I don't know if the actuator itself was on it's way out, or if as I suspect it was actually just something to do with the moulded in connector part of the housing, but I'm happy it's all working again as it should, and that I have the manual backup if required.Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
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