Researching Towbar options for Golf MK5

[RJM]

I stumbled across this info at www.towbarsdirect.co.uk after a member of another forum recommended the supplier.

I've e-mailed towbarsdirect for further information and will post the feedback asap.

See the extract below. This sounds like a way around the VW wiring kit and possibly a much easier install.

Anyone already looked into this?

"A Multiplex relay (7 way by-pass relay) as required on many new vehicles with multiplex systems which have come out in the last few years to protect the cars own electrics such as most Alfa Romeos, Audi's, BMW's, Citroens, Honda's, Jaguars, Peugeots, Rovers, Volkswagons, Volvos and even the new Mondeo, Fiesta and Vectra. The multiplex relay protects the cars electrics by putting no load on the vehicle wiring, instead it just uses them as a trigger device. The trailers lights are power by taking a power source from the vehicles battery to the multiplex relay. It can also be used on vehicles that have bulb failure monitors. We will not accept responsibility for the incorrect wiring kit being ordered.If in any doubt please consult your vehicles handbook or vehicle manufacturer."

[syncro]

I don't think that will work on a Mk5 as they have a single tail/brake light globe. (Not sure 'though.)

Check out the Westfalia kits.

[RJM]

This mob actually sell Westfalia towbars. Maybe there wiring kit is by Westfalia also.

[RJM]

Reply received from Towbars Direct:

"Thank you for your email, I am afraid we are unable to supply you as we do not dispatch outside the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Channel Islands.

The use of a multiplex/by-pass relay is required when fitting a universal electrical kit on most new European made, European specification vehicles including the VW Golf Mark V. It does indeed by-pass all the circuits in the vehicle drawing power from a suitable power source (such as the battery) and is widely used in the UK."

I've requested the name of the kit manufacturer and will post asap.

[MultiplexMan]

Hi,

Thanks for the web site. I am looking at buying a towbar kit for my GTI and do not want the towbar tongue extended when not in use. I will need the electrical kit.

I followed the Witter Towbars link and there are detailed pdf instructions for both fitting the bar and the electrical harness. The harness is an additional GBP89.00. The Witter tow bar with swan neck is GBP269.00. By the time you convert, add freight, GST you are almost at local dealer price fitted.

http://www.witter-towbars.co.uk/towbars/vehicle_technical_details.aspx?VehicleTowbarID=2173

What might be worthwhile is buying the harness and fitting a locally made towbar...

[RJM]

My thoughts precisely. Use a wiring kit from the UK and buy a tow bar locally.

Does anyone have a Hayman Reese fitted to their Golf V? I have been unable to find a photo of how the neck protrudes out of the bumper.

The bypass kits look to be much easier to install (not to mention loads cheaper!), only I think the trailer will need a modified electrical circuit to work with the UK bypass.

Still researching the best option for my situation.

[RJM]

This site has good information on bypass relays:

http://www.rydertowing.co.uk/towbar_relays/bypass_relays.htm

[syncro]

This site has good information on bypass relays:

http://www.rydertowing.co.uk/towbar_...ass_relays.htm

That's OK for the bulb failure. But will it get around the CAN bus?

[RJM]

I am looking at a car specific plug-in kit through:

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Fit-your-own-towbars-Towequipe

I have asked the supplier to clarify the compatibility of their kits.

Being a car specific kit, one would assume it works in harmony with the can bus system, but I am yet to hear back from them.

[RJM]

This page on the Ryder site also talks about 'bus' type systems, about halfway down under 'Computers and Multiplex Wiring Systems'

http://www.rydertowing.co.uk/car_data/summary.htm

[RJM]

Finally getting somewhere!

None of the UK suppliers were willing to ship to Australia, but I found a supplier in the US that sells Westfalia products (http://eurohitch.es/).

I requested clarification on their Westfalia factory 13-pin
wiring harness (7VW036) and received the following reply:

"This harness is the factory-supplied harness for all Mk5 cars and it will
tie in directly with the existing wiring and integrate with the existing
CAN-BUS.

We do ship to Australia using either UPS or USPS Express Mail."


I am waiting for a quote for freight to Australia and will advise asap.

[daz66]

Factory towbar issue

I ordered a towbar and wiring when I placed the order for my new Golf TDI. I have an issue whereby basically as soon as I connect the trailer lights, the "bulb fault" light within the tacho cluster comes on. Only thing is, all the bulbs are working fine, and have been for some time on my previous car. I emailed the VW help line through the VW Australia website, and their advice was to see the dealer. Did that 2 days ago, and their take was to make sure all the connections were soldered properly etc etc. They then said they will have to contact Sydney before getting back to me. Sounds a bit funny to me, I somehow doubt that I would be the only Golf owner to have experienced something like this.

Can anyone shed any light on this?

[RJM]

I'm curious, is this a 'genuine' dealer fitted towbar?

You would be correct in assuming your not the first.

[RJM]

Rich from Eurohitch has replied with:

"Freight to Australia for wiring is not expensive. I think we could send 3-4 for only $30-40 USD.

For installation, Westfalia has the best installation guides. I have attached two of them here. One is RHD 7-pin and the other is LHD 13-pin. There is actually a RHD 13-pin harness (1K0 055 204 G) that I’ll get for you when the time is right unless you want the 7-pin variety.

Regards, ~Rich"


I've requested a price for the 7-pin variety (it is not listed on the web site) as that is all I personally require, either way though the total should be under AU$400 if duty is payable and closer to $300 if it is not. Much better than the $640 quoted by my local dealer!

[syncro]

If you get the genuine harness from Europe, you will still have to go to the dealer to have the computer programned.
You will also have to buy the adapter with the diodes.

The Australian harness will give you a bulb check fault. As far as I know, it is a design fault and I do not know if VGA have a fix.