towbar question

[Tigga1]

I would like a towbar for my Tig, but am not prepared to pay $1400 or so coz I will really only be using it for towing a trailer on the property and some rear protection while on the road.

From what others have told me, it looks like a standard Hayman Reese bar, and so I am wondering if you can just get the bar without the expensive wiring loom.

anyone?

[mulga1]

Hello Tigga1
The wiring hooks up with the car's ESP so the genuine would be very desirable on the road but around the property it wouldn't be a problem I don't think.
Regards
mulga1

[NZTiguan]

I would like a towbar for my Tig, but am not prepared to pay $1400 or so coz I will really only be using it for towing a trailer on the property and some rear protection while on the road.

From what others have told me, it looks like a standard Hayman Reese bar, and so I am wondering if you can just get the bar without the expensive wiring loom.

anyone?

You certainly can in NZ BUT whatever you do don't try and wire it up through tap-ons to the taillight wiring cos it will throw all sorts of faults and warnings. The ONLY effective way of wiring up is via the correct loom which as mulga says also activates the esp's trailer settings, anti-theft alarm etc. Personally I think that correct unit, correctly wired is the sensible option in the long run even though it appears to be expensive.

Cheers

[Umai Naa!!]

If you've got a Tiguan that is pre-wired from the factory, it should work out cheaper (Providing the dealer can get it to work. I keep hearing that dealers are having issues with the pre-wired cars).

The reason it's so expensive, is that the wiring needs to be run from the LHR to the LHF, and then to the RHF, as well as into the engine bay. It's quite a mammoth job, but once it's up and running, it's well worth the hassel.

[DieselTig]

Has anyone in Melbourne have a non VW genuine towbar fitted yet. Does Hayman Reese have one for the Tig yet?
I rang a couple of towbar fitters in Melbourne and didnt even recognise the model of car.

[tiggy888]

Has anyone in Melbourne have a non VW genuine towbar fitted yet. Does Hayman Reese have one for the Tig yet?
I rang a couple of towbar fitters in Melbourne and didnt even recognise the model of car.

I sole to Hayman Reese today and they tell me that the bar is now complete but are still working on the wiring loom. Hopefully only couple of weeks away

cheers

Tiggy888

[DieselTig]

I sole to Hayman Reese today and they tell me that the bar is now complete but are still working on the wiring loom. Hopefully only couple of weeks away

cheers

Tiggy888

Thanks for the feedback. Hopefully we only have to pay at least half of what the VW charge.

[Maverick]

Thanks for the feedback. Hopefully we only have to pay at least half of what the VW charge.

I assume though you won't get any of the benefits of the VW setup which is ESP modifications, reverse sensor disablement, alarm integration and so forth?

The ESP one would be the big one IMO as a trailer would confuse the system to the point where it would be dangerous if you swerved. It would be interesting to see if there are any insurance issues that arise from fitting an aftermarket unit that reduces the safety of the car as the insurance companies work out their pricing on the basis that ESP is fitted and this reduces crashes by x%.

[ploz58]

hi,
i too baulked at the price of the oem bar, i then did some research,
there were bars available in the USA for $175USD, but then you didnt get the "black box" compatitabibilty. The "black box" in the US was valued at $350USD, at the time the USD was still its normal value.

I then ordered the VW unit and had it dealer fitted, although dealer told me that it was a huge job, but this forum mentioned the cars being prewired, so i
got the bar fitted for $1250. which i was originally quoted.

The VW bar is made in New Zealand according to the decals on the bar

I recently towed a large commercial trailer of nearly 1800kgs, up through the blue mountains and was amazed at the ease the Tig pulled this thing.
Previously it was towed with a Falcon 6, and it had to work hard.

My passenger who owns a jeep 4.7lt, as we were passing trucks etc up a steep sections, said, "what size motor is in this thing?'
I commented a 2 litre TDI, he was amazed and is now seriously looking at replacing his jeep!!

a bit of the subject but i had to bow to using the OEM product and im happy

regards
Phil

[NZTiguan]

I absolutely agree with ploz58. To me, when you've paid relatively big money for a Tiguan in the first place it's counterintuitive to then put a cheap towing system on it, particularly if it doesn't then work in with all the great safety features that the Tiguan has "on board" for towing. I've already read of a GB tiguan where the owner believes his towing "electronics" saved him from disaster when the trailer started to tail wag in the slip-steam off a truck on the motorway. He felt that the esp system simply straightened the problem out in the length of time he took to recognise the "problem" and start to consider his options.

So, personally I've got no problem with lower cost options on the bar itself but feel that "proper" wiring package is well worth its money. I was surprised at the cost too (NZ$1900 at the time I got my Tig over a year ago) BUT I'm pleased I paid it and have the peace of mind it provides.

Cheers