Importing a Tow Bar

[spikyturtle]

Hi,

I'm thinking of importing a tow bar for my Aussie Mk V GTI from the USA. There's a couple of reasons for this, a) They mount low, so you don't need to cut through the bumper and b) You can get a hitch mount, rather than a tongue. I don't need the wiring as I'm only going to use it with a bike rack.

Does anyone know whether the rear end of a left hand drive GTI it identical to our right hand drive? Seems to me that only the front end would need to differ.

Alternatively, has anyone found a hitch mount locally?

Thanks!

[STV4SYT]

should be the same, i did notice a mk5 bumper on ebay at the mo, seemed pretty cheap too.

[Axis]

As another option - I bought a $220 Thule bike rack that attaches to the rear hatch without the need for a towbar... Holds 3 bikes and is quite sturdy.

Word of warning however... the default fitment method didn't work very well with my spoiler so I now use some cargo straps to hold it on properly. Also - the hooks that go under the end of the hatch door were not protected/soft enough for my liking so I modified them a bit with some foam and cloth tape to protect the bumper and bottom of the hatch.

Can provide pics an instructions if anyone is interested. End result is a sturdy bike carrier that fits in the boot and can be attached/removed in a few minutes. No towbar required ...

[bazzle]

As another option - I bought a $220 Thule bike rack that attaches to the rear hatch without the need for a towbar... Holds 3 bikes and is quite sturdy.
Can provide pics an instructions if anyone is interested. End result is a sturdy bike carrier that fits in the boot and can be attached/removed in a few minutes. No towbar required ...

Pics maybe in a new thread, Hatch bike rack, would be useful.

Bazzle

[spikyturtle]

Thanks everyone for your input.

I'm still trying to track down some measurements of this hitch. One place has said it "should" fit and another said it won't. I don't think either of them really knows one way or the other.

By the way, I'm also keen to see the hatch-mount bike rack on a GTI.

[Axis]

Alright ... I'll take some pics soon...possibly tonight but most likely over the w/e.