Hello, is anyone using the actual Land Rover tow ball? P/N VPLEY0116 (for air suspension). I picked up a used one, and the fitting instructions say that in order to install the right sized ball, you have the little center locking section up, put the ball down on the mount, push down the center locking section, rotate the ball itself until you hear a click, and then when the center section is slightly raised, turn it with a flat blade to lock it.

When I turn the ball itself, it just spins ... and the center section is pretty much raised as soon as I put the ball onto the mount, and then the center section does about a quarter turn and locks into place. The ball itself will then spin freely on the mount - which I am not sure if that's right.

Looking at the design of the ball and quick-change mechanism, I don't see any way that the ball would spin and "click" - so I think it's working fine? The ball sure doesn't want to come off... Here are the instructions I'm using. https://accessories-instructions.lan...ender/G2432134

I have a 2023.5 Defender 110 X w/ the advanced towing package and tow hitch receiver the factory. The VPLEY0116 is designed for my vehicle.

Thanks! -Matthew

 

Yep. I have it (Well... technically I have the same thing, different PN from my old Range Rover Sport because the tow bar is slightly different dimensions-- but it's the same ball mechanism you're describing).

On mine, the ball does spin freely once it's engaged, that's how it is designed. Also, foggy memory, but the ball doesn't really "click" it just is that little button in the center (push down, pops up and turns a quarter turn or half turn, can't recall).

I remember wondering if this was a good system when I bought it. Seemed stupid and flimsy to me, but I've towed lots with it on the RRS and now the Defender, and no issues at all.

The biggest thing I'd recommend is getting an anti-rattle pin for the tow bar... mine rattled like insanely crazy. Fixed with the anti-rattle

 

Perfect - thank you so much! I had asked my dealer, and they didn’t know (they didn’t even have any of them which is why I ended up with mine second hand) and just referred me to the instructions - which I guess maybe we can agree are poorly written / IKEA style diagrams

I’m just going to be towing a small 4x8 U-Haul trailer across a couple states, but I still don’t want it flying off on the highway hehe

Thanks again! -M

 

My 23.5 w/air suspension came with the advance tow package also. Not by choice, as I did not order the vehicle. A pretty pricey option! It would be nice if they included the tow ball kit with it. I guess I will be looking to purchase one myself in the near future. How does it differ in your opinion from just a regular non LR tow ball? Also I have not towed anything as of yet, How’s the advance tow package in your opinion?

 

I can't offer much insight as I've only had my Defender since December 2022, and in the next couple weeks will be the first time I've towed anything with it. Other posts / threads seem to indicate the Defender tows like a dream though!

 

yes, everything I have read says it tows great. I am just wondering about the advance tow package? Please keep us posted.

 

Hi Guys,
Long time lurker (6 months while the truck was being built and shipped) 1st time poster :-)
Figured I would join in on the convo ... I live in Alaska, picked up my Defender from LR Spokane on 7/26 ...Had a great experience with the guys there BTW.
Drove to Calgary, AB on the 28th, picked up a jet boat, and towed it 2,000+ miles back home to Alaska with the Defender.
My experience towing with the Defender was great! ... It is an SUV and not your typical full-size tuck, and you do hear a lot of the noises the trailer makes inside the Defender while driving, but the P400 has plenty of power and tows very nicely on and off the highway. Navigating gas stations and parking lots was a breeze.
I'm interested in the difference between the LR branded ball mount and an everyday one you find at any auto parts store. I used a standard Reese 2" drop, ball mount from Auto Zone with a locking hitch pin and it worked fine.
The Advanced tow assist is pretty cool, you use the left AC dial to steer the vehicle/trailer while reversing. It works great backing up in a straight line, I haven't quite got it down enough to use it to back up a 90 degree turn effectively.

 

I have the LR tow kit. The only advantage of the setup is that you can easily switch the ball without having to get out the big wrench and unthread / rethread a replacement. So if you change ball sizes a lot … it can be an advantage.

 

Thx for the useful info. Much appreciated!