Highly optioned vehicles

[BobD]

I have a HR hitch, which the dealer organised for the same price as I could get from the same after market supplier that they use. I don't know why you would need an extra switch for the reverse sensers when one is already on the dash board with or without a towbar. My HR system came with its own interface for the lighting that sits in the left rear well behind the wheel. It doesn't disable the sensors automatically and I don't know how it ever would as the HR system does not seem to have any provision for a switch that would let the system know when the ball holder is in place.

The main problem with mine, which is the same as the one in Tornado's photo but without the rear step that he had added, is that the ball is way too low for a caravan. I got my ball holder swapped for the one with the biggest rise possible and it was just high enough. It actually needs to be about another 20mm higher than this higher ball holder to be level with a normal caravan.

The other problem is that the light plug hits the ground first over any sort of large level difference and gets damaged. I have now relocated mine to the top of the bar.

[MultiplexMan]

Sorry I should have been more explicit.

PDC is deactivated once the rear hitch plug is engaged (with the VAG harness).

My Kombi PDC is rear sensors only and does not have the switch on the dash.

Cheers, MM

[Tornado T5]

The main problem with mine, which is the same as the one in Tornado's photo but without the rear step that he had added, is that the ball is way too low for a caravan. I got my ball holder swapped for the one with the biggest rise possible and it was just high enough. It actually needs to be about another 20mm higher than this higher ball holder to be level with a normal caravan.

I have avoided this problem to a point (not by deliberate forethought I should add) because I optioned heavy duty rear springs which raised the rear by almost 20cm. This might not be desired in a Multivan as it does look "different" when empty, however I have avoided the need for polyair inserts like in my old T4 which sagged too much when loaded and now when I have 500+kg in the rear the T5 sits level.

[mangoburger]

I recently purchased a used Multivan, which conveniently came with an HR towbar with both plug types, as well as a very neat roof rack which adds very little height - great for garages. The tow hitch is too low and scraped when I entered a friend's driveway last week.

Today I went to the local Pedders shop today to enquire if I might be able to have an airbag system fitted to manually raise and lower each axle as required. Too hard it seemed, although they recommended a trick-looking custom shop for the job.

Does anyone know if ARB air locker can be fitted to the 4motion set-up? I understood that the air lockers were super versatile due to their simplicity and suitable for most vehicles, and this would also give me a compressor to power an eventual airbag system.

[gregozedobe]

Does anyone know if ARB air locker can be fitted to the 4motion set-up? I understood that the air lockers were super versatile due to their simplicity and suitable for most vehicles, and this would also give me a compressor to power an eventual airbag system.

Why not ask ARB or have a look on their web site ?

I was wondering a bit about your need for an ARB air locker for a Transporter - air lockers are a fairly serious bit of gear more usually seen on heavy duty off roaders. Transporters aren't really designed for rough off road work where good ground clearance is needed, and their long wheelbase (even on a SWB) severely limits their ramp-over ability. OK on sand and (shallow) mud though. IIRC it isn't very practical to raise them too much either (ie more than 75mm).

They certainly do as the label claims - completely lock a differential when activated, and the one I had (on a modded Landcruiser 80 series) was very effective and also very reliable. Most useful in conditions where there was poor traction on one wheel but good traction on another (eg rocky fire trails with uneven ledges).

Were you intending to fit rear only or both front and rear ?

[Deeceer]

An alternative (and more cynical) view is that all the extra options add extra profit for VW and the dealer, and if you are impatient you might pay more to get a vehicle now rather than wait for a cheaper vehicle with less options

Not cynical - just correct.

I severely annoyed a salesman once when he said they had the ute with the specs I wanted in stock but it also had a six stacker CD and when I asked if they'd throw it in for nix and he said no, I replied 'then I'll wait for one from the factory'. For $500 on an accessory I don't want, I can wait an extra few weeks. Many people can't, after all, it's hard to wait once you've committed to something as exciting as a brand new vehicle.

[Transporter]

You can also fit King springs at the back, apparently it gives more ground clearance at the back.

[Devilish]

I am intrigued by the tow bar issue and cost.... how much does a Hayman reese bar and wiring loom cost for a T5 then?? some people say it costs a bomb and needs special wiring, other say it doesn't???

my T5 won't have rear sensors....

[Tombi]

My HaymanReece tow pack with correct wiring set up ( I hope) was $1000. arranged at the time I purchased my T5 from the Dealer.

Don't have any pic's, but it is the same as Tornado's without the step. No parking sensors either. I am saving up some cash to install a reverse camera.

Tombi

[Transporter]

I am intrigued by the tow bar issue and cost.... how much does a Hayman reese bar and wiring loom cost for a T5 then?? some people say it costs a bomb and needs special wiring, other say it doesn't???

my T5 won't have rear sensors....

For the difference in the price between genuine one and aftermarket, it's not worth of the troubles, at least to me. I paid around $900 5 years ago. Be prepared for $1,200-$1,500 today.
Tow bar properly wired with genuine wiring will integrate with your ABS while towing. Also you have, no issues with warranty, if you go for genuine one.