Hi All,

As the Defender tows our trailer, I decided to removed the Tow bar from the FFRR. As you can hopefully see in the pictures the main bar is fixed across the back between the two 'legs' via 2 meaty bolts. I've removed the bolts the main bar has slid out with a bit of effort.

Can I leave the underneath like it is now? Is this structually sound and safe? I may want to reattach it one day, but for now it's going into store.

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

not familiar with this one but it does look like you need something put back in its place...

I would suggest mabe disconnecting the electronic cable and maybe putting it all in the shed or garage. In its current state will make a hell of a noise and probably do a lot of damage should you try and drive with it hanging under the car like that @ 70mph. Just a thought.

joking aside i think the 2 legs where the hitch bolts to chasis look different to standard so maybe they have already done the structural stuff before the hitch was fitted. [img]http://www.fuelly.com/driver/rob2529/range-rover[img/]
04, 4.4V8, Vogue Oslo Blue with LPG.
"You can sleep in your car, BUT you can't race your house!!!!"

If something can't be fixed with a hammer....... You have yourself an electrical fault!

Last edited by Rob2529 on 30th Jul 2011 10:55am. Edited 1 time in total

Thats a non genuine towbar , but it looks like you are missing the supports that bolt were the brkts you have now go the ones with the tow eye attached have a look at a car with out a tow bar and youll see what i mean onto no6 Range Rover

Everyone needs a hobby

heres a pic of my bottom which shows the oe towbar ..obviously you havnt got this but you should have something there in its place..

Click image to enlarge

Yeah it's an aftermarket tow bar looks like you've lost the towing eyelet which is by the right hand side and have been replaced with angle iron.

I have the original non towbar side supports from when I fitted the OEM armature but you'd need to drop the back bumper to fit them.

Definitely remove the towing electrics (15 minutes max) and duct tape over both sides of the hole.

As far as I can see there's no additional structure required the exhaust hangers are in place (be pretty obvious if they weren't!) TBF the original straps aren't adding any real strength.

Cheers all for the quick reply's.

...yes, I was planning on tucking the electrics up out of the way

More Pics as it stands now. I think, structurally it's OK as it is, but I will nip it down to my friendly indepentent for him to take a look anyway. It's just the gap in between that now might be an issue...











God this iPhone is handy

Cheers Gavin

2005 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.2 Supercharged V8
1998 Defender 50th Anniversary - GB168 - preparing for sale

Follow my 4.2 Supercharged antics -
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No problem!

The OEM solution non-towbar doesn't have anything between the two side strips so you should be fine. It's not like I adds any rigidity.

Glad to help.

superspoons , a bit of black metal paint could be an good idea under there...

Can't see the bumper support / towing eye brackets


I have a set for sale if you want them

The bumper is rock solid and I can't see where extra supports would go...The angle iron each side of the tow bar I've just removed are holding the bumper in place

These were in the boot when I bought it -



These are surplus to requirements now that the 2 brackets shown above are in place Yes, no eye for strapping down but I could always raid the Defender parts bin and bolt one of those up there

I would like to get hold of a 'proper' quick release one with the swam neck, so if anyone has the bits please let me know.

cheers Gavin

2005 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.2 Supercharged V8
1998 Defender 50th Anniversary - GB168 - preparing for sale

Follow my 4.2 Supercharged antics -
https://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic63354.html
https://www.instagram.com/l322_supercharged/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8ChHNSdscnJarKjBLd_IAg

Last edited by Superspoons on 31st Jul 2011 9:55am. Edited 1 time in total

Sold my Swan neck, but have the removeable Fixed plate version available