Tow bars

[richdave]

I want a tow bar on my wagon...

I was quoted $1400.00 to fit it prior to delivery and balked at that

I visited another dealer today who quoted $1900.00 to fit. The service rep was kind enough to show me the wiring/controller etc and explain the complexity of connecting to the CANBus etc. And also tell me to ensure if I get it done aftermarket, it is wired correctly.

I have a quote for a Hayman Reese aftermarket bar, fitted and wired for about $600.00.

My guess is that this is wired the traditional way by splicing into the lights loom which does not impress me much... may be a warranty nightmare waiting to happen.

Has anyone had their towbar fitted after delivery?

If so by whom and what sort of price did you pay?

[Bora Sport]

I know that all 'genuine' VW towbars that I have seen have been Hayman Reese. The mark up sounds typical for a dealer. Make sure that the quote includes the correct wiring/controller and go for it IMHO. There was a thread on here a while back about troubles experienced by some one with a tow bar on a MK5. I can't recal whether it was dealer fitted. Do a search.

[richdave]

Thanks Bora Sport...

My understanding is that the "genuine" bar is Hayman Reese also.

I have done a search and read on the various threads inc the one you speak of.

I am now awaiting details from the aftermarket company with details on the wiring etc they do....

[Passat]

I got a dealer fitted towbar 6 months ago, paid also $1400. At that time unfortunately no Hayman Reese or other was available (and I asked at many places).

Remember: For $1400 you get also a protector cap for your towball AND a bag to store the towing tongue when not in use!!

[richdave]

Remember: For $1400 you get also a protector cap for your towball AND a bag to store the towing tongue when not in use!!

That makes it all the worth while I guess...

[vanDub]

IRemember: For $1400 you get also a protector cap for your towball AND a bag to store the towing tongue when not in use!!

I have ordered a VW accessory towbar to be fitted when the car is delivered for $1430. I was advised that it has a fixed tongue (standard 2 bolts) as is common for many lighter weight towbars. The aftermarket quote I got also stated that their (TJM) towbar also has a fixed tongue.

It sounds like you got one with a removable hitch as is commonly used for the higher rated towbars on SUV's etc.

Is this correct, and if so what is the rear ground clearance like?

[richdave]

I was advised that it has a fixed tongue (standard 2 bolts) as is common for many lighter weight towbars. The aftermarket quote I got also stated that their (TJM) towbar also has a fixed tongue.

The original VW one I was shown has a removable tongue that attaches to a "J" shaped bracket that pushes UP into the recepticle behind the rear bumper and is held in place with a couple pins.. Quite slick really but for $1900

[vanDub]

The original VW one I was shown has a removable tongue that attaches to a "J" shaped bracket that pushes UP into the recepticle behind the rear bumper and is held in place with a couple pins..

Dave, I thought those were euro only with the tow ball as an integral part of the J. The Aussie one looks like attachment from what I have been told / VW aust website.

[richdave]

Dave, I thought those were euro only with the tow ball as an integral part of the J. The Aussie one looks like attachment from what I have been told / VW aust website.

I saw the assy today.... Not sure if the towball wast PART of the "J" assy but the tongue or whatever was certainly attached to the "J" and it slid upwards into the bar assy attached to the car.

Not at all like the pic... in fact the guy who showed me forst went looking for a pic and fuond the one you attached... He then said it was nothing like that and took me into the spare parts area to see it in person.

Saw it at Barloworld Glen Waverly in Melbourne to be exact...

[Jmac]

I fitted Genuine tow bars back in the mother country and the VW/AUDI ones were made by BRINK. Genuine should have a swan neck or detachable swan neck , Hayman reese is a Flat tongue if i remember right.