Any problems with the Hayman Reese hitch for a T5?

[dct]

Hi Guys

I'd like to fit a towbar (or really, a hitch receiver) to my T5 Transporter. Its mostly going to be used to cart pushbikes around.

I've read the earlier threads on VW's extortionate charges for the stock towbar.

I've had two companies quote around $795 fitted including harness for the Hayman Reese hitch receiver.

Any reason to go for the VW OEM part over the Hayman Reese?

Thanks

David

[gregozedobe]

I believe the really expensive bit is the control unit that connects the trailer electrics to the van's can-bus electronics. But I have also read somewhere (can't remember where) that you only really need this if your van has ESP, otherwise any competent sparkie can just connect it up using relays.

A search may thow up some useful threads (but go into advance search and change the date to any date, otherwise you only get threads less than 6 months old).

[dct]

Thanks for the comments. I did read the older thread (with people being quoted > $1600 for a VW Towbar fitted!), and there was one person with a Hayman towbar he used for towing a caravan as he wanted the full 2500Kg towing capacity.

I'm curious if there is any difference electronically between the VW bar and the Hayman Reese bar. My van does have ESP but I'm not sure how much this would be affected in my case (I'll have a number plate bar attached but no trailer).

Both suppliers stated that the installed cost included the harness - and at $800, this seemed a hang of a lot better than the VW costs.

Is there any reason to pay the extra for the VW bar?

David

[Transporter]

Thanks for the comments. I did read the older thread (with people being quoted > $1600 for a VW Towbar fitted!), and there was one person with a Hayman towbar he used for towing a caravan as he wanted the full 2500Kg towing capacity.

I'm curious if there is any difference electronically between the VW bar and the Hayman Reese bar. My van does have ESP but I'm not sure how much this would be affected in my case (I'll have a number plate bar attached but no trailer).

Both suppliers stated that the installed cost included the harness - and at $800, this seemed a hang of a lot better than the VW costs.

Is there any reason to pay the extra for the VW bar?

David

Peace of mind? Knowing, that it is going to work with the ESP.

[Ivo]

What is ESP?

[gregozedobe]

What is ESP?

Electronic Stability Control - the car has various sensors and applies the brake on individual wheels to stave off impending disaster, and will also reduce engine power if it deems necessary. Basically it tries to save idiots from the consequences of their bad driving decisions, but it can't save anyone from the basic laws of physics (go too fast around a corner and you WILL crash).