Tow bars

[vanDub]

Here are pictures and details of the genuine VGA towbar fitted to my car before delivery. The only advertising on it indicates that it was manufactured by Best Bars Ltd probably in NZ.

Picture 1 = bar receptical with cover in place and electrical connection on the left viewed from behind
Picture 2 = bar receptical with cover removed viewed from ground up
Picture 3 = tongue with vertical lug and pin in place
Picture 4 = tongue mounted in place and pinned (closeup)
Picture 5 = tongue mounted in place and pinned

[vanDub]

Picture 6 = 13 pin Electrical connector for vehicle with 7 pin flat connector for trailer / caravan.
Picture 7 = placard (bottom line reads "Manufactured, designed and tested in accordance with AS 4177.1-1994 by Best Bars Ltd")
Picture 8 = Dust cover for use with tongue removed.

Note the placarded maximum towball downweight is 85 Kg which is well below the usual australian standard of 10% of max tow weight so anyone planning to tow a 1500Kg caravan (which in Aust will normally have a 150Kg ball downweight) had better investigate their towing options carefully. When I have time I may take VGA up on this but I only intend to tow a trailer.

[Lance B]

Wow. That looks like a bloody good way to fit a tow bar. Nice and descrete so as you can't see the socket for the bar itself when not installed.

[DubDub]

I had the genuine VW towbar fitted to my wagon before delivery and it looks exactly like the one on VanDub's sedan. The tongue is not the easiest thing to fit as you have to push the vertical part of the tongue upwards (see VanDub's picture 3) with significant pressure into the socket against a thick rubber grommet (to stop rattles, I guess), while getting your other hand a long way up the side of the socket to insert the pin. There's not a lot of room, so be prepared for a grazed knuckle or two. I've therefore decided to leave the tongue in place even though it sticks out a fair way. It has also scraped a couple of times on deep driveways.

One other niggly issue is that VW recommend that the trailer's safety chain should be attached to one of the rings under the car either side of the socket (see VanDub's picture 1) rather than the larger ring under the tongue (see picture 4). This is quite a long way, and the chains on neither of my trailers reach that far, so I'm a naughty boy and use the ring on the tongue. Hopefully the tongue's retention pin won't come adrift.

For your $1400 or more (obscene, isn't it!) the tongue does come with a rubber edge to ease the pain when you bang into it, a genuine imitation chrome towball cover, a real leatherette pouch to store the bits 'n pieces, and the adapter cable to convert the Euro 13 pin plug to the Aussie 7 pin flat connector. Be aware that the adapter cable just flops around, and can drag on the ground, so I use a short occy strap to hold it in place against the tongue.
I'm also surprised that with all the fancy Canbus software mods when they fit the towbar, the rear parking radar still beeps constantly when you reverse with a trailer connected.
All minor issues I guess, but for $1400, I expected a work of art.

Cheers dears
DubDub

[Richard]

Thanks Dubdub (and vanDub) - I'm now approaching a level of comprehension (with concurrent disbelief, if that's possible) regarding exactly what you get (and don’t get) for the requisite $1400 (or in my case a quoted $1900 = $1100 for the parts and $800 for installation). I have confirmation from Hayman Reese who seem to be the largest local manufacturer that they don’t make a part, yet I see that the genuine part fitted prior to delivery is made by Best Bars (of NZ - no offence but it’s hardly Krupps steel forged by a Teutonic craftsman in Wolfsburg, is it). I’ve trawled the internet and worked the phone and never even heard of Best Bars! I assumed "genuine" was...well at least German or European or ..... pretty much

The photos are excellent (thanks again vanDub) and really tell the story - a neat job, if at a price.

Well if nothing else is perfectly clear, I’ve learn the value in this forum - thanks

[vanDub]

One other niggly issue is that VW recommend that the trailer's safety chain should be attached to one of the rings under the car either side of the socket (see VanDub's picture 1) rather than the larger ring under the tongue (see picture 4). This is quite a long way, and the chains on neither of my trailers reach that far, so I'm a naughty boy and use the ring on the tongue. Hopefully the tongue's retention pin won't come adrift.

Attached is a photo of my solution (about $25 for bits at Bunnings). The largest D shackles are 13mm and the whole assembly as shown feeds through the hole in the draw bar (only needs to go half way). I then attach the trailer chains with the smaller (10mm) D shackles as I would normally (ie I cross them under the tow ball).

Most importantly (to me) I cannot be accused of not following manufactures directions regarding chain connections when towing and have VW or Insurer deny any claim if I have a problem / accident (Heaven forbid).

[vanDub]

I'm also surprised that with all the fancy Canbus software mods when they fit the towbar, the rear parking radar still beeps constantly when you reverse with a trailer connected.

Mine does the same but I can't connect the electrics yet as trailer is still wired for other car (it will go to the tip rather than new one).

I found one solution is to turn Park sensors OFF manually.

Manual 3.2, page 25, Note (second Bullet) " If your vehicle has a factory-fitted towing attachment, the parking distance warning system is not switched on when the reverse gear is engaged if you are towing a vehicle". We have factory fitted towbars so this is False advertising if we have the same problem with the trailer wired and connected.

[richdave]

We have factory fitted towbars so this is False advertising

NEGATIVE... you have a DEALER fitted tow bar.... Subtle but important difference I'm afraid

[richdave]

Attached is a photo of my solution (about $25 for bits at Bunnings).

Looks like something to wear to a bondage party LOL

[Swallowtail]

NEGATIVE... you have a DEALER fitted tow bar.... Subtle but important difference I'm afraid

So if you specify it on order from the factory does it come factory fitted?