Member Since: 12 Dec 2014
Location: Somerset
Posts: 21
Towbar electrics cover mod
This may already be on here, I'd be surprised if it wasn't but thought I'd share what I did anyway.
This cover I think is a design flaw but never the less I've got it. Not wanting to have such a large hole when my trailer is plugged in I cut out a smaller hole in the cover (see photo). I bought another cover for when I want the rear to look neat but when I'm working and towing, it does help stop mud and general dirt entering the bumper / electrical area, I think it looks a hell of a lot neater too. Took 2 mins to cut the hole, £20 for a new cover. Sorry the picture is not very clear, scratched lens on my phone but sure you'll get the idea.
Click image to enlarge
D4 SDV6 Landmark LE
D1 TD5 GS - Gone to a new home
Defender 110 - Gone but remembered fondly!
Last edited by quantockhome on 18th Dec 2014 7:55 pm. Edited 1 time in total
18th Dec 2014 7:53 pm
Disco dazboy
Member Since: 02 Dec 2013
Location: Leicestershire
Posts: 1782
The picture is so blurred its invisible! D3 x2 now gone
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18th Dec 2014 7:55 pm
quantockhome
Member Since: 12 Dec 2014
Location: Somerset
Posts: 21
yeh, yeh, ok, I'm new to this, think you'll find the focus somewhat better now! D4 SDV6 Landmark LE
D1 TD5 GS - Gone to a new home
Defender 110 - Gone but remembered fondly!
18th Dec 2014 7:57 pm
Landie71
Member Since: 23 Oct 2012
Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Posts: 1019
Nice, simple idea - I like it
18th Dec 2014 10:00 pm
galwaygreen
Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: plymouth
Posts: 6525
clever idea..thanks for sharing
18th Dec 2014 10:22 pm
Riccarton Disco
Member Since: 24 Jan 2013
Location: Scottish Borders
Posts: 565
When I had the D3 it annoyed me to have the cover off so..
I got a trailer socket and mounted it on the towbar (fixed), like a say a Deafener, and then wired the other end of the cable into a trailer plug but left the cover off for the sake of space. This cover-less plug will fit into the D3 socket behind the bumper panel and then the panel is fitted as normal.
Ok - so I had a towing socket on show but then again I had a fixed towbar. If you're determined to stick with the detachable it wouldn't be very difficult to carry out the same mod but mount the socket higher out of sight but still not needing the panel removing.
18th Dec 2014 10:34 pm
galwaygreen
Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: plymouth
Posts: 6525
why have you got two cables going into plug ?
18th Dec 2014 10:36 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
Not that unusual to have 2 leads going into a 13 pin.Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 06 Nov 2004
Location: Hook Norton
Posts: 18457
... since a single plug replaces two 7 pin plugs. It's relatively common to use a 13 pin plug with twin cable entries to change a cable set from 12N+12S to 13 pin 06 D3 SE / 15 LR D90 XS SW / 88 LR 90 Td5 / 68 BMW 2000 ti
Any issues with the site let me know!
18th Dec 2014 10:39 pm
galwaygreen
Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: plymouth
Posts: 6525
thanks learnt something there..take it 13 pin is a new idea,,perhaps EU...
18th Dec 2014 10:41 pm
Martin Site Admin and Owner
Member Since: 06 Nov 2004
Location: Hook Norton
Posts: 18457
Not that new, it's a 2004 standard but I'm sure it's been around longer. All new UK caravans and trailers from 2009 are supposed to have been 13 pin.06 D3 SE / 15 LR D90 XS SW / 88 LR 90 Td5 / 68 BMW 2000 ti
Any issues with the site let me know!
18th Dec 2014 10:43 pm
D4mation
Member Since: 29 Jul 2011
Location: Ruralshire
Posts: 593
In the Winter I charge the battery from time to time via the tow electrics, but I don't like leaving the cover off all the time cos it looks a mess, and it's a PITA to remove and replace the cover every time I do the charge.
The OP's solution is a nice compromise - just need to find a cheap source for a spare cover.MY12 D4 HSE Ipanema Sand
19th Dec 2014 2:22 pm
Singh
Member Since: 15 Dec 2014
Location: Leicester
Posts: 135
To take it a step further, you could probably find a circular rubber lipped grommet big enough for the connector to pass through, and then use a circle cutter to cut out the right sized hole so that you can cover with the grommet when you remove the cables.
Still a very neat idea though. Is there no easy way to make the door hinged (I have not looked at mine at all so no idea if even possible)?
19th Dec 2014 4:53 pm
quantockhome
Member Since: 12 Dec 2014
Location: Somerset
Posts: 21
A couple of answers
A couple of answers - The cover was £20 from LR bought on eBay, 13 pin plug is relatively new, I had to use an adapter for my trailer also bought on eBay, its so fog lights and internal lights like you have in a horse box work and yes it is EU ruling for new trailers apparently.D4 SDV6 Landmark LE
D1 TD5 GS - Gone to a new home
Defender 110 - Gone but remembered fondly!
20th Dec 2014 1:52 am
cliveaff
Member Since: 05 Sep 2006
Location: Eastbourne
Posts: 328
Thanks for sharing this, what a good idea, that's my next job. My cover is showing a lot of wear, so this will help.Land Rover Dicovery 3. 5 Seats.
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