Unfortunately my Defender didn't come with a hitch. Is there a good solution other than spending 5K at the dealership?

 

Buy your parts, new or used. DIY or Indy. 5 hours work ex.CCF work ( 20 minutes)

Towbar VPLET0273 NAS Towbar Original.
VPLYT0295 Towbar module.
LR146117. Wiring loom. ( This could be a different part number, check before ! )

Get yourself a GAP IIDTOOL BT v4 and program your CCF

CCF Towbar

EUCD-076 Tow bar With Trailer Tow Attachment
MultiCAN-504 Trailer Light Mod Fitted
MultiCAN-579 Tow Assist Tow Assist 2
MultiCAN-635 Towing Not supported
MultiCAN-678 Hitch Assist Towbar 5 Seat NAS Towbar
MultiCAN-696 ATCM TA2 Switch Tow Assist 2 feature selection switch not fitted
MultiCAN-793 TA2 Input Control HVAC rotary
MultiCAN-795 TA2 Select In FCPB Rotary used for selection within touch screen

You can modify the lower skidplate.

 

Check your local U-Haul location for hitch installs.

 

U-Haul will install without programing? are there any issue if no programing?

 

You can always have it programmed by the dealer if you are planning to hook up the electrical wiring for the hitch. If you just want the hitch for the purpose or putting a bike rack on it, there is no need for electrical wiring.

 

I would use a factory hitch. It replaces the rear aluminum bumper core with a steel bumper core. An aftermarket hitch will not be as well-built. That being said, I installed mine on a Saturday. If you're somewhat mechanically inclined, do your own install.

 

Agree with all. As long as you have some mechanical skills and some automative tools, it’s really not that hard to do. Both Lucky 8 Off-road and PowerfulUK have some great YouTube videos on step by step.

you can procure the kit in US from various sources, but I got the kit from Lucky 8 which came with Land Rover tow hitch, factory wiring loom, and factory computer.

Make sure you get the GAP ID Tool V4 if you don’t already have. This in itself is a must for any Defender owner.

i did the install by myself, but would have been easier if I had a helper. Lastly I bought a cordless ratchet which helped me a ton. Got one on sale at big box store for $80.00.Good luck!

 

Hmm... I would never let any U-Haul tech touch my Defender. Either the physical part or the electrical part. Asking for problems. Ever.

Also the hitches they install are rubbish compared to the stout factory stuff. This is an aluminum body / chassis. Different than days of old. Not a bolt on crossbar and cut a hole in the bumper thing.

Unless it’s just for a bike rack or something. For a trailer .. factory all the way.