Tiguan factory towkit?

[PerthMTB]

Will be ordering a new Tiguan in a couple of weeks time and I want to get the dealer to install everything I'll need for towing from the get go.

However I'm a bit confused what I need to ask for?

So far all the salesman has been able to tell me is that they can install the "factory" towkit for $1800, but he doesn't know enough about it to tell me exactly what I'll be getting, and I don't know enough about it to know what I want!

For example, I understand that here in OZ we don't actually get the VW Europe towbar, but something locally made? Will it have a standard 50mm square receiver, or one of those vertical removable tow hitches like are popular in Europe? I'd prefer the standard receiver as I'll be alternating between a tow ball and a Thule bike rack.

And what about the electrics? I'm happy to pay for the proper VW kit so its keyed into the vehicle smarts, but does this just give me rear/stop/indicator for a trailer - what about caravan electrics such as fridge/interior lights, and electric brakes - do they come with the standard VW electrics package or do I need ask for them as extras?

Thanks.

[Umai Naa!!]

The towbar will be a locally-made item, with a VW part number.

It's a square hitch design, but the receiver is vertical. From the outside, it's just a normal-looking tongue and ball, which should be suitable for most bike racks.

The electrics offer full lighting functionality for incandescent globes (non-LED). You can add your own constant power seperately, for caravan fridges, and so on, using it's own plug and socket.

[PerthMTB]

Hi, thanks for the swift response!

Unfortunately the kind of bike rack I want to use has a 50mm square 'male' hitch, it's not a towball type fitting, so I guess this won't fit into the vertical receiver of the VW towbar then? Can anyone post a picture of what the dealer fitted towbar receiver looks like so I can understand? Thanks.

Edit - just did a Google and found this for sale on Gumtree as a "Genuine VW Tiguan Towball" so is this what it looks like? If so, I definitely won't be able to fit the kind of bike rack I want to in there!



And as for the electrics - so for the standard factory towing electrics kit I'll just get a seven pin socket that gives me rear lights, indicators, and brake lights - and for incandescent globes only, LED is extra? I assume if I just add in the LED option I'm covered for both eventualities - its not a one or other option?

Although I won't be towing a camper/caravan for the first six months of ownership, I'm thinking it would be wise to get the additional electrics for electric brakes, caravan battery charging etc done at the same time when they fit the towbar. That way I'm not ripping the car apart twice, and I've got one point of contact for any issues. Does my thinking make sense, or do you think I should just let the dealer do the factory kit and get the extra caravan wiring done by a specialist 4WD store later?

Thanks.

[mike64]

I have the vw trailer wiring module which when coded adds rear sensor mute when reversing with trailer electrics connected and esp enhancements to account for trailer/caravan movement. This should be included in your quoted price. There are some ADR approved Euro VW tow bars now available in Australia that are rated to match the new Tig towing spec (2.2 tonnes braked) where as the VW aus product is 2 tonnes when I checked a few weeks ago. Some Euros have a range of goose neck options (fixed, removable, hidden) and are a rigid 50mm ball rather than a threaded nut. This feature is important for Euro vans (eg Swift, Geist) which can have a friction coupling to assist with anti sway.

Tiguan 130kw TDi

[Dingah]

I believe all your answers are contained in the thread a little further down the same page..................

Aftermarket Towbar for R-Line Tiguan

Dingah

Hi, thanks for the swift response!

Unfortunately the kind of bike rack I want to use has a 50mm square 'male' hitch, it's not a towball type fitting, so I guess this won't fit into the vertical receiver of the VW towbar then? Can anyone post a picture of what the dealer fitted towbar receiver looks like so I can understand? Thanks.

Edit - just did a Google and found this for sale on Gumtree as a "Genuine VW Tiguan Towball" so is this what it looks like? If so, I definitely won't be able to fit the kind of bike rack I want to in there!



And as for the electrics - so for the standard factory towing electrics kit I'll just get a seven pin socket that gives me rear lights, indicators, and brake lights - and for incandescent globes only, LED is extra? I assume if I just add in the LED option I'm covered for both eventualities - its not a one or other option?

Although I won't be towing a camper/caravan for the first six months of ownership, I'm thinking it would be wise to get the additional electrics for electric brakes, caravan battery charging etc done at the same time when they fit the towbar. That way I'm not ripping the car apart twice, and I've got one point of contact for any issues. Does my thinking make sense, or do you think I should just let the dealer do the factory kit and get the extra caravan wiring done by a specialist 4WD store later?

Thanks.

[PerthMTB]

Hi Dingah,
Yeah I noticed that one a while after asking the question, and have weighed into the discussion a couple of times already.

My current thinking is to get a Hayman Reece towbar fitted so as to have the adaptability of the standard square hitch receiver, but get the VW wiring loom to avoid hassles with the electrics. I've talked to a VW dealer here in Perth who is happy to just fit the VW electrics for about $750, which is the cost of the whole aftertermarket towbar including electrics, but I guess I've just got to suck it up if I want the peace of mind of having the proper VW electrics.

Haven't decided what to do about the electronic brake controller and auxiliary power for the trailer yet, so any suggestions gratefully received.

[PerthMTB]

I have the vw trailer wiring module which when coded adds rear sensor mute when reversing with trailer electrics connected and esp enhancements to account for trailer/caravan movement. This should be included in your quoted price. There are some ADR approved Euro VW tow bars now available in Australia that are rated to match the new Tig towing spec (2.2 tonnes braked) where as the VW aus product is 2 tonnes when I checked a few weeks ago. Some Euros have a range of goose neck options (fixed, removable, hidden) and are a rigid 50mm ball rather than a threaded nut. This feature is important for Euro vans (eg Swift, Geist) which can have a friction coupling to assist with anti sway.

Tiguan 130kw TDi

Hi mike64, thanks for that info. Are you currently towing a caravan with your 130TDI? Be interested to hear your experiences if so - particularly how do you cope with the 100kg nose weight limit of the Tiguan with a heavy caravan, and what did you do about an electronic brake controller and auxiliary power to run the caravan lights, fridge etc. Thanks.

[mike64]

Haven't towed my van yet on the Tig but have on my previous tug, Skoda Yeti which is a 103Kw 4x4 6spd dsg tdi for several 1000 km. Towed on freeway, secondary roads and gravel roads. The Yeti had an 80kg ball weight limit which I was able to accomodate with my Hobby (Geist built) van described above. A very stable and comfortable tow for the gutsy Yeti.
Just finishing the tow pack installation on the Tig then I'll be able to report back but expect a 25% increase in power will just make it easier.

Electronic breaks are only required on trailers 2000kg and over. The Hobby comes with manual override brakes(this is a common design in euro vans that are built for icey roads)

12v supply while traveling is via a 100ah battery and 100w solar panel installed in van. VW trailer wiring comes with 13 pin euro plug. I have a euro to 7pin flat adapter from Audi. The van has an Anderson plug as well but I haven't had to install the car end yet. When stationary I use that plug to connect a 180W folding solar panal.

The other important part of the conversation not discussed here yet is tow ball weight as a % of gvm. The europeans design on a formula of 5-6% while oz/US work in a 10-15% ball weight to van ratio. My 1700gvm van with a tow ball weight limit of 100kgs is an example. Here is a link to research done by the University of Bath which supports the Euro position and hence the VAG design specs for seemingly light ball weights. Bailey of Bristol - Caravan Stability Studies and here a technical guide on towing Caravan and Tow Vehicle Dynamics and Making caravans stable - here's how

My installation here



Tiguan 130kw TDi

[Rline Fan]

Hi Dingah,
Yeah I noticed that one a while after asking the question, and have weighed into the discussion a couple of times already.

My current thinking is to get a Hayman Reece towbar fitted so as to have the adaptability of the standard square hitch receiver, but get the VW wiring loom to avoid hassles with the electrics. I've talked to a VW dealer here in Perth who is happy to just fit the VW electrics for about $750, which is the cost of the whole aftertermarket towbar including electrics, but I guess I've just got to suck it up if I want the peace of mind of having the proper VW electrics.

Haven't decided what to do about the electronic brake controller and auxiliary power for the trailer yet, so any suggestions gratefully received.

Hi Perth MTB, Have you decided what to do yet with your towbar and brake controller? I had a Hayman Reese towbr fitted here in Canberra and it has come up really well. Very pleased, I also spoke to the company about a brake controller as I want to tow a camper. They have fitted brake controllers to other VW's. They may be worth you having a conversation with to ask your questions canberratowbarfitters.com.au
Looks like you are in Perth but the owner seems pretty good so I am sure he would be happy to chat even though your not local.

[PerthMTB]

Well my Tig doesn't arrive until December, but I'm pretty sure the way I'll go is to get a Hayman Reese hitch but with proper VW electrics. But yes I'm in Perth so will have to rely on a local outfit.

Still don't know what to do about the brake controller, and noticed in the Tiguan brochure they say "Please note: Volkswagen Group Australia does not endorse or will not be held liable for any claim, loss or damage arising from the use or fitment of electronic trailer brakes" !?! Still got time to think about that one and would be interested to hear other's experiences...