Researching Towbar options for Golf MK5

[daz66]

RJM,

It's a "genuine dealer fitted towbar". I did originally think about going aftermarket (i.e., Hayman-Reese) but thought with the sophisticated wiring/electrical system on the Golf I'd pay a bit more and get the genuine article.

I read with interest the posting about getting the overseas harness, and then having to get it programmed........if it's a design fault, Volkswagen should be fixing it.

I will await the dealer's reply. If it's inadequate or non-existent, I'll write to the RACQ and to head office and stir the pot, although I'm not sure how useful that will be.

[syncro]

The problem is that most other countries have a left and right tail light circuit and in Australia it is combined. To get around this VGA supply a locally made adapter with diodes to join the left and right circuit. The lights work OK but the bulb check does not work.

Maybe you should contact the Federal Office of Road Safety as I think that they handle these type of things.

[RJM]

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.

Thanks for the heads up Phill.

Regarding the re-coding; do you know this for a fact?

The installation instructions are not clear about what this does and does not enable. It could be that the re-coding is only to enable 'function extensions' such as trailer stability.

I don't know for a fact however and have not had a reply from the distributor yet, but will advise asap.

Regarding the adapter; I will personally either tailor my trailers circuitry to suit the vehicles electrics or source/make an adapter.

But since the adapter seems to be hit and miss, I will probably modify my trailer. Do you see any problems with this approach?

[syncro]

I did a bit of research on this a few months ago on a Mk5 with the problem. While he was at the dealers they changed the format with the computer. So I am guessing that they would have to program it.

If you change the trailer wiring to Euro standard, the bulb check will work OK. (I've tried it)
Remember the bulb check problem is only with the park lights.

Put a Euro plug on your trailer. (It will also stop borrowers!)

[RJM]

Put a Euro plug on your trailer. (It will also stop borrowers!)

LOL... didn't think of that!

[homie100968]

Ive just bought a tdi dsg golf v and i have planned to have the hayman reece towbar fitted ... whats with the eu style plugs and sockets.. and where do I get one? Thanks fellas!

[Gearman]

I've got a 2.0TDI Golf V and am looking to get a towbar. Asked the local stealer who quoted about $1800 fitted!!!!! but gave me the name of Rally Speed at Artarmon 9439 2100 who have fitted towbars to Golf V. They quote $650 fitted for a Hayman Reece with a flat tongue that bolts on, including wiring and say they have done plenty and they work well. Next step is to visit and see just what they do for wiring adaptors etc.

[jdd]

I’m also looking to have a towbar fitted to my 2.0 TDi, which should arrive in the next few days.
Has anybody found one that you don’t need to cut the rear bumper to fit ?

[Autosport]

Has anyone had any after market tow bars fitted successfully? any photos as I'm not a fan of cutting the rear bar for the factory tow bar and like the one in the picture bellow much better

[saabman]

THere is actually two globes. Both are on at reduced power for Tail light and one comes on hard for Brake.

To get a sepperate signal for brake and taillights use the Number plate light and the eye level brake light although you still require an interface to drive the trailerlights.

Bernie

[JPanDAX]

Are the westfalia tow bars legal in OZ? Looks like a good option over cutting the rear to bits. Anyone installed on of these types? Got pics?

Thx

J

[JPanDAX]

I posted this over at the other thread ..... Anyhow here goes .... Good news for those looking for a hidden tow bar system for the golf ......

I just had an email response back from New Zealand. They are in the process of getting one of their removable and hidden towbar systems complianced for Australian ADR'S.

They said this will be within a couple of months and then it will be available to both the NZ and OZ markets.

Check out the site.....

http://www.westfalia-automotive.co.nz

It's about time they did something with this as you can get them in UK, EURO and US but not NZ or OZ yet for the VW. They have similar ones with ADR for BMWs and Mercs....

Well - I will be waiting for this to be available here before I do anything!

JP

[davidno64]

In response to the Westfalia towbars.
Great system, I have one on my GT golf. Quick and easy to use
and otherwise invisable. Not ADR, but hey. They use them there,
thair safe. There are more importaint issues to worry about in
towing.
And to the wireing. Use VW Golf or Audi A3 interface and/or loom. This fully intergrates into the car. You can get genuine
and quite cheep, if you wait and look. Our local prices are robbery.Audi A3 loom, fits well. Different color codes and lengths
but work well for RHD car. You just have to change pin connectors on the new loom to fit VW brake interface.You can use
the generic multiplex system. Just a bit of smart thinking is required to overcome the TAIL/BRAKE light system.
Take the Brake light from the 3rd brakelight (in Hatch door)
Take the tail light from the numberplate light.
These are fine for triggers and overcome a complex system.

[rory]

Had a Hayman Reece fitted to my 2009 Jetta 1.6 TDI. They did cut the bumper for the bar to come through (very neatly)
Was told it was a towbar specific to the Jetta. Cost was about $750 or the same price as the VW towbar harness kit.
10,000 ks ago. No problems.