Tow Bar and Wiring Harness Recommendation for a 2003 Land Rover Discovery
Question:
I have a three-part question: 1. I hope to tow my 2003 LandRover Discovery behind my motorhome. I understand Ill need push plates, tow bar and aux brake system. Which kit is most appropriate for my needs, C59496 or rm-154? BTW, my Motorhome has a straight 4 pin setup. Im very concerned about backfeeding the system. Also, ignition nees to be set to the IIinch position when being towed. 2. My 03 Discovery has a European pin set-up for towing, as well as a 3 wire system for lights seperate turn and brake light. Do you also offer this type of conversion? 3. Finally, tow bar question. A tow bar with 4pin set-up vs. no pin set up? For example, your rm-586 or other similar product? I understand the 586 is a 6 pin set-up, but there are others on the market for a 4 pin set-up, correct?
asked by: G. R
Expert Reply:
I did some research on your 2003 Land Rover Discovery and I could not find any information regarding the ability to flat tow your vehicle. I recommend checking your owners manual to make sure it is safe to flat tow your vehicle behind your motor home. Vehicle manufacturers will often place restrictions on vehicles when towing them behind another vehicle or motor home.
If you find that it is okay to tow your Discovery, then you will need tow bar wiring like the Roadmaster Universal Wiring Kit, # RM-154. This system uses 4 Hy-Power Diodes to prevent any back-feeding to the vehicles electrical system. I have attached a diagram that shows how to wire the # RM-154 kit to your vehicle.
You will not want to install a trailer wiring harness like the Curt harness, # C59496. The purpose of a trailer wiring harness is to power lights on a trailer that is towed behind your Land Rover, not the tail lights of the Land Rover.
For a tow bar, you can use a tow bar that does not come with wiring because the Roadmaster wiring kit # RM-154 comes with all of the wiring that you will need. At this time we do not offer a tow bar with a 4-wire setup. The important factor to consider when choosing a tow bar is that the weight capacity of the tow bar exceeds the weight of your Land Rover Discovery. Based on my research, your Discovery weighs approximately 4,500 lbs without any cargo loaded in the vehicle. I would recommend looking at the Roadmaster Falcon 6,000 lb Tow Bar, # RM-520, or the Blue Ox Alpha 6,500 lb Tow Bar, # BX7380, depending on the brand of the base plates that you choose.
In addition to a tow bar, you will need safety cables. The Blue Ox Alpha comes with safety cables, but if you choose a tow bar without safety cables, I recommend part # RM-643.
If you have not already purchased a base plate kit or a supplemental braking system for your vehicle, then I can recommend some options for you. For a base plate kit, you can choose from the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit, # 1910-1, or the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BX2902.
For a supplemental braking system, I recommend either the Roadmaster InvisiBrake, # RM-8700, or the Blue Ox Patriot, # BLU37TR. The InvisiBrake is a great option if you plan on towing your Land Rover frequently. It will only need to be installed once and it does not need to be set or adjusted for each trip. It will permanently install out of sight under a seat or in the rear cargo area. The Blue Ox Patriot is a removable unit that is easy to set up and use and does not require a permanent installation.
I have attached links to each of the products that I have referenced for you to check out as well as a few help articles on flat towing. If you are new to flat towing, these help articles will provide useful information that you may not be aware of.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6500 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Pole Flat Connectors
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System - Preset
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Pre-Set System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Powered Tail Light Converter w/ 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- 8 Feet Long
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
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