Towbar Information

[seanmau5]

I just completed the installation of a towbar on to my 2009 Passat CC. While it doesn't directly relate to the R36 I believe it may still be helpful to post some of my findings.

I originally found a second hand towbar and associated wiring on eBay that I managed to snag for $350 which is great value. The towbar is a 'Best Bars' towbar which I believe is a Kiwi brand? The wiring kit is from Westfalia - part #321534300143 (which is actually specifically suited to the B6 Passat).

I followed the PDF instructions located here: https://www.westfalia-automotive.com...5391105-06.pdf

The hardware was very easy to install, it's just a matter of removing the rear bumper and putting it all together like a puzzle. The wiring was also very easy when following the instuctions (only difference I found for the Passat CC is that the '3 core cable set' also needed to be routed up the same side as the 6 core cable set. Could possibly be the same for the AUDM B6?) The wiring kit was all the correct lengths and looked factory which was my main concern, even down to using the factory ground points.

Once the wiring is installed and you have connected it to the BCM and fuse box and followed the VCDS instructions in the link there are a few extra steps that I managed to stumble across that I think will assist everyone with issues.

Reverse camera coding - to deactivate the reverse camera when a trailer is connected go to module '6C-Back-up cam'. Next click on Coding-07 (which opens short coding) and we want to pay particular attention to the third digit in the 'Software Coding' box. If that number is 0 then the camera isn't coded for anything. If the number is 1 then the camera is coded just for a towbar. If the number is 2 then the camera is coded just for parking sensors. If the number is 3 then the camera is coded for both a towbar and parking sensors. Since I now have both installed I changed the code from 2 to 3 and wallah - camera off when trailer is connected.

Parking sensor coding - to deactivate the rear parking sensors when a trailer is connected go to module '10 Park/Steer Assist'. Next click 'Coding-07' then 'Long Coding Helper'. Select your type of hitch from the drop down menu next to 'Bit 0-3' then exit and click Do It! You can now close down that controller and wallah - rear parking sensors off when trailer is connected.

Hope some of you find the above helpful - I can provide screenshots from tomorrow to make sense of it all if need be.

Cheers
Sean

[ftaffy]

Hey Guys,
Looking at options to install a tow bar onto my 2014 Passat B7 that i am getting

Dealer quote: Towbar pack: $737, Electrics: $552 Labour: $660
Or course i can get the pack and electrics for ~$1300 and just install myself.

3 options from Towbars Australia - Which as a "universal European ECU Relaying wiring loom kit" - anyone used this? Does not give me the warm and fuzzy feeling with that description on a modern car.

Medium Duty: $

Heavy duty: 839.95

Euro: $894.70


Euro Car Upgrades - Comes with a wiring kit that others on here have used.
Westfalia Euro style: $1048, free Dec postage offer.


I am leaning towards Euro Car Upgrades option as its been used by guys in this thread but wanted to see if anyone had used any others?
Any pictures of how the medium/heavy duty options look? Guessing these will result in either a visible cut or hang below as per the look of the R36 earlier in this thread.

Thanks,
Taffy

[Euro Car Upgrades]

Taffy,
Westfalia Australia have continuously been informing us that the Polish euro hak option is not ADR approved. They have mystery shopped these tow bars and found them to be non-ADR tested or compliant. In case of an accident your vehicle may be uninsured.

[ftaffy]

I am guessing the polish hak jobs are the towbars australia euro option?

Thanks,
Taffy

[PranK]

Hey Taffy,

I have the Towbars Australia Heavy Duty bar and loom on my B6. It's fantastic. Was a bastard of a job to fit but I could do it in half the time if I had to do it again.

The "universal European ECU Relaying wiring loom kit" simply taps into your existing lights loom to control the trailer lights (error-free). Its easy to install and does the job. I've been told the main thing that the VW loom offers that this universal one doesn't is trailer braking control which apparently changes the characteristics of the braking in the car to make it safer. I'm not phased about that.

Hope that helps.

[ftaffy]

Hey Prank,

Thanks it does. Were does the tongue sit in regards to the bumper, does it come out and run below or is straight out of it?

cheers,
Taffy

[Hillbilly]

I was going to go with this one as mine has rear sensors

Passat Wagon (B7) includes Alltrack | Towbars Australia


Or alternatively this one as I am in Brisbane

Tow Bars :: VW :: Passat

[Hillbilly]

Hey Guys,
Looking at options to install a tow bar onto my 2014 Passat B7 that i am getting

Dealer quote: Towbar pack: $737, Electrics: $552 Labour: $660
Or course i can get the pack and electrics for ~$1300 and just install myself.

3 options from Towbars Australia - Which as a "universal European ECU Relaying wiring loom kit" - anyone used this? Does not give me the warm and fuzzy feeling with that description on a modern car.

Medium Duty: $

Heavy duty: 839.95

Euro: $894.70


Euro Car Upgrades - Comes with a wiring kit that others on here have used.
Westfalia Euro style: $1048, free Dec postage offer.


I am leaning towards Euro Car Upgrades option as its been used by guys in this thread but wanted to see if anyone had used any others?
Any pictures of how the medium/heavy duty options look? Guessing these will result in either a visible cut or hang below as per the look of the R36 earlier in this thread.

Thanks,
Taffy

Just remember that installing a Towbar that is rated higher than the cars limits does NOT allow you to exceed those limits

EG Car 1200kg & 90kg ball weight Towbar 1500kg & 120kg ball Limits are what the car has


Likewise if the towbar is rated less than the car,

Car 1200kg & 90kg ball Towbar 1000kg and 75 kg ball Limits are what the towbar has

Theoretical but thats how it works

The ADR rule say that towing limits are the manufacturers recommended vehicle limit or the rated limit of the towbar

WHICHEVER IS THE LESSER

[PranK]

Hey Prank,

Thanks it does. Were does the tongue sit in regards to the bumper, does it come out and run below or is straight out of it?

cheers,
Taffy

Hey Taffy,

The rear bar has to be cut as the tongue socket (for lack of a better word) goes through. Its really easy to remove the tongue and have just the socket (whatever its called) sitting a little proud of the bar.

See some pics here; B6 Passat towbar'ed

If you want I can take some pics when I get home in the day light.

Christian

[ftaffy]

Hey Euro Cars,

Is your wiring loom take off the lights or integrated with the ECU for the braking adjustment?

Prank, thanks for the link. Looks good. Installation sounds like a PITA...

Thanks,
Taffy