Golf Mk7 Towing/Towbar Thread

[doc_777]

What I don’t understand is why can you get a towbar legally and VW approved on a normal golf but not on a golf R? They’re essentially the same car (body/structurally) apart from suspension and engine upgrades.

Those are the rules of vehicle compliance.

[gregozedobe]

What I don’t understand is why can you get a towbar legally and VW approved on a normal golf but not on a golf R? They’re essentially the same car (body/structurally) apart from suspension and engine upgrades.

Some possible reasons:

VW couldn't be bothered doing the calibration required for the ESP of the R (because of it's increased performance over a regular Golf)

Tyre load limitations

There is an undesired interaction with the R rear wheel drive

Didn't want owners to get in trouble with the extra power of the R and a trailer.

[genebaby]

Has anyone seen an Ecohitch in action in Australia?

Torklift Central | Select Your EcoHitch Style

I'm most interested in the Stealth model, otherwise the Hidden will probably do. This will be for the bike rack on the GTI, no real towing to do so will not get a harness.

They don't ship overseas, but you can use a service to buy it and ship it over.

[DV52]

What I don’t understand is why can you get a towbar legally and VW approved on a normal golf but not on a golf R? They’re essentially the same car (body/structurally) apart from suspension and engine upgrades.

might have something to do with the route of the OEM exhausts

[Hillbilly]

If you are going to buy a towbar at least get a euro one which has some cross certification here. Buy one of those something goes wrong and trailer disconnects and causes damage you could possible be sued for millions
Westfalia bars are the best for VW and while they are hard to get here at present they can be imported and used LEGALLY

Australia Tow Bars & Performance - CAN bus module wiring LED OEM kits - Brake controllers - Accessories - ECU remaps - Performance upgrades - Australia Tow Bars & Performance store


https://etowbars.com/au/au/index.php...facturer_id=11

[genebaby]

Euro style towbars are fine if you are just towing a small trailer. I have a very good four bike rack and it needs a hitch.

If I was happy with just a ball I'd get an original even.

[Hillbilly]

Euro style towbars are fine if you are just towing a small trailer. I have a very good four bike rack and it needs a hitch.

If I was happy with just a ball I'd get an original even.

Seems some are rated to 2500kg and 250kg on the ball Nothing wrong with that and will tow a 19 ft caravan at that limit

[genebaby]

How will they go with the 2" receiver on my bike rack?

[Hillbilly]

How will they go with the 2" receiver on my bike rack?

Was referring to your comment about only small trailers Obviously if you have a bike rack like that you need the ugly 50mm hitch.

Remembering also that hitting a bump with 4 bikes on an extended hitch will put up to 7 times or more with 4 bikes of the static weight on the towball area

Have seen a few bikes lying on the road after they have broken off bike racks on the rear of vans for that very reason

[genebaby]

I can only imagine what kind of setups they might have had.

A good rack won't have that problem.