2013 Touareg 150

[MultiplexMan]

I am back to VW - collected the Touareg last week. I am really impressed at how this vehicle goes for the baseline model.

A couple questions:

- Does the vehicle come with the breakdown triangle in the rear hatch trim as standard? Mine has an empty pocket.

- Recommendation for a tow bar installer in Sydney or Canberra. I am after a horizontal hitch for mounting a bicycle carrier. I reckon paying the extra for the VW harness and electrics is worth it for piece of mind. It does not have to be the VW bar though.

- Anyone comment on 17" versus 18" rims. I will be driving interstate and cross country on unsealed roads. The 18" provide incredible grip but I wonder if higher profile skinnier tyres may be better suited for my use. I do not tow. 17" wheel sets pop up all the time used and I'd be after two sets.


Already ordered:
- mudflaps front and rear
- stainless steel door sill inserts


Researching
- head unit replacement. The RCD550 has a woeful music (iPod/MP3) interface.
IMHO the RNS850 looks like an expensive way to add navigation with a slightly larger screen.

Feedback from anyone who has fitted a complete integrated OEM replacement (use of steering wheel buttons and full CAN BUS integration) like the Alpine INE-Z928Ei would be appreciated.

I am pretty disappointed with the factory ICE after a year with Mercedes COMAND. This is one area where VW need to catch up and hopefully leap frog the competition.

- Side steps: I want these primarily to stop the car getting doored in car parks. They would be handy for the times I ferry the parents though.

I am sending a query to these folks: www.winsomechina.com/product_1909.html

[gerhard]

Don't see why 17" tyres have to be skinnier than 18s? Usually it's just the sidewall ratio that changes and the width is the same, to retain the same overall diameter.

If you are going to do a lot of work on unsealed outback roads you should perhaps consider some 17" all terrain tyres with LT construction.

This will give you much better protection against sidewall damage, especially beneficial if you don't have a spare.

[MultiplexMan]

Sidewall is a ratio of tyre width, not diameter

Touareg tyre placard



17" 235/65 = 235 wide x 65% (of width) **
17" 255/60 = 255 wide x 60% (of width)
18" 255/55 = 255 wide x 55% (of width) *

* What I have
** What I am inquiring about

^ I agree LT tyres on dedicated rims would be best if all my time was off the tarmac. Either way, I will be getting a full size spare...

[MultiplexMan]

Breakdown triangle ordered
VW tow bar kit ordered

I just need a recommendation for an installer...

[Transporter]

Breakdown triangle ordered
VW tow bar kit ordered

I just need a recommendation for an installer...

Congratulations on a new Touareg!

[RIS00]

Multiplexman, did you end up getting those side steps?

[MultiplexMan]

Yes, they are in my garage.

The steps look the goods but I am replacing all the mounting hardware with high tensile fasteners. The supplied fittings look...marginal.

I've just got to find a spare moment to install them...

[RIS00]

Is the black strip non slip? Are they made of steel or stainless steel?

[MultiplexMan]

Yes.
The set I purchased are alu with steel brackets.
There are a couple different configurations available...

[mcouldrey]

Hi, I am picking up my new 150 this week and have been researching pthe rns850 and install. Last week this business was charging $2800 for the unit but now charging $3500. Plus $1000 for installation which takes 3 days. A lot of cash!

i enquired about adding a tv tuner which was an extra $900 plus $500 install.

VW Touareg 7P5 RNS 850 Full Navigation Retro-Fit Kit MMI 3GP inc maps 7P6035666