Land Rover Freelander Owners Handbook Lrl 18 02 50 501 Rover

							Roof Bars
151
4.With assistance, lift the roof bars up and 
rearwards off the vehicle.
Fitting
NOTE: The following procedure must be 
repeated for the right hand side of the roof bars.
1.With assistance, carefully position the roof 
bars onto the vehicle.
H5197
H5198 
						

							Roof Bars
152
2.Screw the correct bolt into the rear fixing 
and fully tighten using a Torx key.
3.Screw the correct bolt into the front fixing 
and fully tighten. Ensure that the roof bars 
are rigid.4.Align the pegs on the underside of the 
front finisher with the holes at the front of 
the roof bar and push down to fit.
H5199
H3438
H3439 
						

							Taildoor
153
T aildoo rOPENING AND CLOSING
Opening the taildoor
When the release catch is pulled (as shown in 
illustration), the taildoor lock is released in two 
phases:
1.the taildoor glass drops clear of its 
retaining channel.
2.the electronic door latch is released and 
the door can be opened.
Initially, the door opens approximately half way 
until resistance is felt; this prevents the door 
swinging fully open and possibly hitting an 
obstruction, yet still enables access in a 
situation where there is not enough room to 
open the door fully. Pull against resistance, to 
open the door fully.
NOTE: The taildoor latch will not operate if the 
glass is frozen to the door seals, as the glass 
needs to drop slightly before the door can be 
opened. Defrost the glass with warm water 
first.
WARNING
You are advised NOT to carry loads which 
require driving with the taildoor or taildoor 
window open - poisonous fumes will be drawn 
into the vehicle! If driving the vehicle in this 
condition is unavoidable, switch the heater to 
face level vents with all vents open, close the 
sunroof and windows and turn the air blower 
to position 4.
Closing the taildoor
WARNING
When closing the taildoor, push on the handle 
- NOT on the taildoor glass.
Load carrying
Long loads should be carried on the roof rack. 
If it is necessary to carry a load that protrudes 
through the taildoor window aperture, the 
weight of the load must NOT rest on the glass. 
Damage to the glass or window mechanism 
may occur. (See also ‘Accommodating long 
loads’, page 47).H5037 
						

							Load Carrying
154
Lo ad  Carry ingLOADSPACE SIDE POCKETS
3-door models: The side-pocket panels* in the 
loadspace (illustrated above) can be removed 
to accommodate wider loads, by pulling the 
release catch towards the rear of the vehicle 
(see inset).
LUGGAGE ANCHOR POINTS
Four fixing points are provided in the rear 
loadspace floor, to assist in safely securing 
large items of luggage. Land Rover provide a 
range of approved luggage retention 
accessories.
WARNING
DO NOT carry unsecured equipment, tools or 
luggage, which could move and cause 
personal injury in the event of an accident or 
emergency manoeuvre either on or off- road.
STOWAGE BOX
The stowage box, set into the loadspace floor, 
can be used to secure small or valuable items. 
On some models the box has a lockable lid, on 
others the lid is secured by turnbuckle fixings.
To lock or unlock: Press the flap (see inset) to 
access the lock. Insert the ignition key and turn 
through 90° clockwise or anticlockwise.
NOTE: The stowage box may become hot when 
driving - do not store items in the stowage box, 
that could be damaged by heat.
NOTE: Do not store damp items in the stowage 
box for prolonged periods - condensation may 
cause mould to form.
On some models the audio system is equipped 
with a subwoofer housed in the stowage box. In 
this case, the box should not be used for 
carrying other equipment, and care should be 
taken to avoid knocking the underside of the 
subwoofer or disturbing the speaker harness 
and connection.H5117
H3330 
						

							Load Carrying
155
VEHICLE LOADING
When loading a vehicle to its maximum (gross 
vehicle weight), consideration must be given to 
the unladen vehicle weight and the distribution 
of the load, to ensure that axle loadings do not 
exceed the permitted maximum values.
It is your responsibility to limit the vehicle load 
in such a way that neither the maximum axle 
loads nor the gross vehicle weight are exceeded 
(see ‘VEHICLE WEIGHTS’, page 267).
ROOF RACK
A range of roof rack systems are available as 
Land Rover approved accessories. For further 
information about roof rack systems approved 
for use with your vehicle, and advice as to 
which system would best suit your vehicle, 
please consult your Land Rover Retailer.
The total roof rack load must NEVER exceed 
that given in ‘TOWING WEIGHTS’, page 268.
WARNING
To avoid the risk of personal injury or even 
death, DO NOT permit people to travel on the 
roof rack, or stand in the rear of the vehicle 
(even if holding on to the roof rack) when the 
vehicle is being driven.
A loaded roof rack can reduce the stability of 
the vehicle, particularly when cornering and 
encountering crosswinds.
IMPORTANT
•It is recommended that Land Rover 
approved load carrying accessories are 
used wherever possible.
•Only carry loads on cross-rails - do not 
attach loads directly to the roof bars.
•Use webbing straps (preferably with a 
ratchet clamp) to secure loads to cross 
rails - do not use elastic or bungee 
straps.
•All loads should be evenly distributed 
and secured within the periphery of the 
rack.
•Position the roof rack and load so that it 
does not impede the opening of a 
sunroof.
•Any roof load will reduce the stability of 
the vehicle, particularly when cornering 
and encountering crosswinds.
•If it is necessary to stow luggage on a 
roof rack while driving off-road, all 
loads MUST be removed before 
traversing side slopes.
•Driving off-road with a loaded roof rack 
is not recommended. If it is necessary 
to stow luggage on the roof rack while 
driving off-road, all loads must be 
removed before traversing side slopes.
•Check to ensure the roof rack and load 
are secure after 30 miles (50 km) of any 
journey. 
						

							Load Carrying
156
Fitting the cross rails*
A pair of cross rails should be fitted to the roof 
bars before carrying roof loads.
Unlock the clamps (1) (turn the key in the lock 
a quarter turn clockwise) at each end of the 
cross rail and pull the clamp covers (2) down.
Position the cross rails over the roof bars. The 
outside rubber edge of each clamp should be 
touching the roof bars. If this is not the case, 
loosen the bolt (3) with an Allen key and slide 
the clamp assembly along the cross rail until 
the correct fit is achieved, then retighten the 
bolt.NOTE: On 3-door models, it is recommended 
that the cross rails are positioned towards the 
front of the roof bars to keep the weight 
towards the centre of the vehicle.
When the rail is in the desired position, push 
the clamp covers up. If no resistance is felt at 
the point where the line and arrow on the side 
of the clamp casing line up (see inset 2), tighten 
the grub screw (4) until there is resistance.
NOTE: Do not overtighten the screw as it will 
then be impossible to close the clamp cover. 
Push the clamp cover fully upwards, check that 
the rail will not move and lock with the key (turn 
a quarter turn anti-clockwise).
H3338
1
2
H3339
43 
						

							Towing
157
Towing
TOWING
It is the drivers responsibility to ensure that the 
towing vehicle and trailer/caravan are loaded 
and balanced so that the combination is stable 
when in motion. When preparing the vehicle for 
towing, pay careful attention to any instructions 
provided by the trailer/caravan manufacturer as 
well as the following information.
WARNING
In the interest of safety, the maximum 
permissible trailer weight, the maximum rear 
axle load, the gross train and tongue weights 
must not be exceeded (see ‘TOWING 
WEIGHTS’, page 268).
The tongue weight plus the combined weight 
of the vehicle’s load area and rear seat 
passengers must never exceed the specified 
maximum rear axle load (see ‘TOWING 
WEIGHTS’, page 268).
DO NOT exceed the gross vehicle weight, 
maximum rear axle load, maximum trailer 
weight and tow hitch load (nose weight). 
See ‘TOWING WEIGHTS’, page 268. 
Exceeding allowable loads will increase the 
risk of tire or suspension failure, increase 
stopping distance, and adversely affect 
vehicle handling and stability.
WARNING
To preserve the vehicle’s handling and 
stability, it is recommended that you fit only 
towing accessories designed and approved by 
Land Rover.
DO NOT use the rear towing eyes to tow a 
trailer or caravan- serious damage to the 
vehicle may result.
Balancing the combination
To ensure optimum stability, it is essential that 
the trailer adopts a level aspect. In other words, 
the trailer must be level with the ground, with 
the towing hitch and trailer drawbar set at the 
same height (note the illustration at the top of 
page). This is particularly important when 
towing twin axle trailers. Adjust the height of 
the hitch point if necessary
H5017 
						

							Towing
158
Points to remember
•When calculating the laden weight of the 
trailer, remember to include the weight of 
the trailer.
•The trailer nose weight plus the combined 
weight of the rear seat passengers and the 
vehicles load carrying area must never 
exceed the GVW or the individual maximum 
axle loads.
NOTE: When towing, the gross vehicle weight 
can be increased by a maximum of 220 lbs (100 
kg), provided road speed is limited to 60 mph 
(100 km/h). See ‘VEHICLE WEIGHTS’, 
page 267.
•Where the luggage load can be divided 
between trailer and tow vehicle, loading 
more weight into the vehicle will generally 
improve the stability of the combination. 
However, ensure that the GVW and 
maximum rear axle load are not exceeded 
and that the combination remains level. 
•For maximum stability, ensure that loads 
are securely anchored and unable to shift 
position during transit. Also, position loads 
so that most of the weight is placed close to 
the floor and, where possible, immediately 
above or close to the trailer axle(s).
•If the loaded trailer weight exceeds the 
maximum trailer weight, (see ‘TOWING 
WEIGHTS’, page 268), the towing vehicle 
payload MUST BE RESTRICTED by at least 
the same amount to ensure that the GVW 
and rear axle load are not exceeded. This will 
require passengers and/or luggage to be 
removed from the vehicle.
•Check that the correct trailer flasher unit is 
fitted to the fuse box (consult your retailer) 
and check the operation of trailer brakes and 
lights.•Towing regulations vary from country to 
country. Always ensure national regulations 
governing towing weights and speed limits 
are observed (refer to the relevant national 
motoring organisation for information). The 
vehicle’s maximum permissible towed 
weight refers to its design limitations and 
NOT to any specific territorial restriction 
(see‘TOWING WEIGHTS’, page 268). 
NOTE: When towing, do not exceed 100 km/h 
(60 mph). 
Vehicle weights
When loading a vehicle to its maximum (GVW), 
take account of the load distribution to ensure 
that axle loads do not exceed the permitted 
maximum values. It is your responsibility to 
limit the vehicle load in such a way that neither 
the maximum axle loads nor the GVW are 
exceeded. The most accurate method of 
determining load distribution is by using a 
public weigh station.
Nose weight should be approximately 7% of the 
actual trailer laden weight to maintain optimum 
stability. Nose weight can be measured using a 
proprietary brand of nose weight indicator.
Gear range selection
To avoid overheating the transmission, it is not 
advisable to tow heavy trailer loads at 
prolonged speeds of less than 20 mph 
(32 km/h). 
						

							Towing
159
Towing on severe inclines 
If a journey includes severe inclines and the 
Gross Train Weight (the maximum permissible 
weight of vehicle, plus trailer, see ‘TOWING 
WEIGHTS’, page 268) is towed, ensure that the 
grille and radiator are free from obstruction and 
that only high quality fuel is used. This enables 
the engine and the cooling system to operate 
more efficiently.
Correct gear selection will improve vehicle 
performance: On vehicles with manual 
transmission, select the highest practical gear 
that can be maintained without causing the 
engine to labour. On vehicles fitted with 
automatic transmission, select D (Drive) and, 
where possible, maintain a speed that 
minimises automatic gear changes.
If severe inclines are encountered when towing 
at high altitude and in a high ambient 
temperature (86°F (30°C) or greater), the 
effective Gross Train Weight will be reduced by 
up to 882 lb (400 kg). Therefore, it may be 
necessary to reduce the vehicle and/or trailer 
weight to help counter the reduced engine 
performance caused by the thinner atmosphere 
experienced at high altitudes.
Trailer socket
The vehicle connector provides a 5 amp output, 
which must NOT be exceeded.
If it is required to exceed 5 amps, a 12S and a 
13 pin accessory harness kit is available from 
your Land Rover Retailer, increasing the output 
to 15 amps.Trailer coupling
A breakaway cable or secondary coupling 
MUST be attached. If the trailer/caravan is fitted 
with brakes, it is usual for an attached 
breakaway cable to operate the brakes in the 
event of the coupling becoming detached.
See your trailer manufacturers literature. If 
your trailer does not have a breakaway cable, a 
secondary coupling must be attached. Use a 
suitable point on the towing bracket to securely 
attach the coupling. It is not advisable to loop 
cables or couplings around the neck of the tow 
ball as they could slide off.
Trailer nose weights.
It is recommended that the nose weight should 
be approximately 7% of gross caravan/trailer 
weight up to maximum of 310 lb (140 kg). If the 
vehicle is loaded to the Gross Vehicle Weight 
(GVW), the nose weight is limited to 310 lb 
(140 kg).
TOW BARS
WARNING
Only fit towing accessories that have been 
approved by Land Rover.
If the maximum drawbar length (as 
recommended by the tow bar manufacturer) is 
exceeded, it may have an adverse effect on 
the vehicle handling whilst towing. 
						

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