WK2 Towbar questions

[JnK]

Hi All,
I've just joined the forum, already found there is some valuable information in here.
We have ordered a WK2 with quadralift - and delivery date advised is February 2012 so have plenty of time to sort bits and pieces. Our present Nissan Patrol is pretty well sorted and hopefully we will be able to kit out the new machine.

My question relates to the towbar and wiring.

Based on experience my preference is for a HR bar but at order time the salesman offered a Mopar bar only and claimed HR do not do a bar for the WK2 - I didn't think this was right so did not order the bar for dealer supply and fit.
I've since been to a couple of HR suppliers - there is a bar part no R02770W, but both were a bit tentative re supply and fit due to past issues with late model Chrysler vehicles and bus wiring. HR say their smartclick plugin wiring will do the job, but the suppliers weren't so sure.
Made me very nervous.

Can anyone advise if in fact it is a simple wiring plugin or does the WK2 need an ICU or dealer flash of one of the many computers in the vehicle??
many thanks
John

[David Scott]

Hi there
I had the genuine tow bar fitted for $900. This comes with a waranty. From what I learned prior to having the genuine bar fitted the Hayman Reece bar was very close to the same amount fitted and no problems. Go the genuine bar. I am handy and have fitted a second battery, brake controller and anderson plug. To save a small amount of money it is not worth it.Go genuine. The mopar bar is a very well made product.

[JnK]

GDay David,
thanks for your reply....
I did in fact check with Jeep World in the US - who will supply a Mopar bar and harness for a very attractive price.

They confirmed today however that the WK2 must have the PCM reflashed by the dealer so the vehicle canbus will recognise the new harness.

I don't want to get into any position to compromise the comms and raise warranty issues so your advice to go the dealer fit bar I think is on the mark.

If I actually had the new vehicle to hand I wouldn't spend so much time poodling around on the internet and finding things to worry about.
Its going to be a long four months....
John

[pmac]

So how much did your dealer quote for the towbar?

Also out of interest, what model (Laredo/Limited/Overland) and motor are you getting?

[zzkazu]

Mine was $1220 but really not relevant as I negotiated a total price which was very competitive.

I'm awaiting confirmation that my towbar harness is from the factory or dealer install; if the later I doubt any reflash will be done.

[Ballypinball]

buy the towbar kit from spare parts $550
and service charge $300 to fit
don't buy when you buy from the salesman

[pmac]

That's a good point. The salesmen make substantial dollars for any extra that you put on. I had a mate who worked in the car A/c industry. This was about 15-20 years ago, but he said that cars didn't come from the factory with air (this was Mazda). Even "factory fitted" air was still installed aftermarket. You could get it done yourself for $600 from the same company the dealer sent the car to and charged $2k.