Towbar and Wiring for MkV and VI. Good news!

[asa572]

After buying my Golf a couple of weeks ago I became pretty disappointed reading all the info I could on towbars and
wiring to suit. Thinking the only way too go was with a genuine loom I decided to just ring a local Hayman Reese fitter
and get a price on just supplying and fitting a towbar. To my delight it is only $395.
Then I found out that (from the local fitter) Hayman Reese also make a wiring harness that works with MkV and VI Golfs!
After hearing this I rang Hayman Reese direct to find out if it's true and it is.
So for the towbar and wiring fitted, $560.

http://www.haymanreese.com.au/products/smartclick.htm

[99_FGT]

I just had a tab open googling hayman reese for the Golf...
Is the towbar a standard tongue or a hitch type?? Out of interest. Have you got yours installed yet?
Al..

[asa572]

I just had a tab open googling hayman reese for the Golf...
Is the towbar a standard tongue or a hitch type?? Out of interest. Have you got yours installed yet?
Al..

It's a tongue type.
Haven't had it installed yet but I will post some pics when I do.
Hopefully it will be as clean a fit as below.

[stickshift3000]

I just had a tab open googling hayman reese for the Golf...
Is the towbar a standard tongue or a hitch type?? Out of interest. Have you got yours installed yet?
Al..

This is the HR towbar fitted to a gti, not quite as neat as the standard golf but good value:

[99_FGT]

Thanks guys - that is great. I like the ability of being able to remove the towbar (even if it is a couple of bolts) and the fact that the towbar should be solely cut into the lower valance (as the upper part is coded on my car)
Al..

[jdd]

The HR towbar for the MK V has been around for a number of years however; I didn’t know they also provided an electrical solution.
Do you know if this loom package integrates with the vehicles ESC ?
Also, how does it handle cars with reverse sensors ?
Lastly, does the bulb failure function work with the trailer lights ?

[asa572]

The HR towbar for the MK V has been around for a number of years however; I didn’t know they also provided an electrical solution.
Do you know if this loom package integrates with the vehicles ESC ?
Also, how does it handle cars with reverse sensors ?
Lastly, does the bulb failure function work with the trailer lights ?

The Lady at HR told me it is a plug and play loom with an ECU and works as per the VW loom.
Read here

http://www.haymanreese.com.au/products/smartclick.htm

[jdd]

After reading all the documentation I could find on the HR website regarding their electrical “solutions”, I don’t actually believe their system fully integrates with the things I mentioned above such as ESC, bulb failure, reverse sensors, etc.

It looks like their solutions are just a quick and easy setup so that their installers can also install the electrical portion without sending it out to an auto electrician.
Their focus seems to be on saving time for their installers rather than providing the best solution. Although I would be happy to be proven wrong here.

I gave up looking for a solution I liked for my Golf a while back as I purchased a more capable tow vehicle.
Have a look at http://www.ironbull.com.au
I'm currently looking at their electrical solution for my new tow vehicle although I much prefer the HR mechanical solution though.
They don’t indicate they have a solution for a Golf on their website but they do say they cater for more vehicles than listed, so it might be worth giving them a call.
They also advertise that their systems fully integrate with all vehicle functions as a dealer fitted version would also.

And before anybody asks, no, I am not affiliated with them, I’m merely trying to find the best value for money solution which comes closest to the dealer item without having to pay the extortionate price that the dealer asks.
By the way, 2.5K for a dealer fitted Golf tow bar seems pretty cheap compared to the dealer price I was quoted on my new car which was 4.5K !
With the HR mechanical solution and the Iron Bull electrical solution plus installing it myself I can do it for just under 1K.

[99_FGT]

Sorry to dredge up an old thread, having a issue with connecting up my smartclick (which I got s/h) and wondering if anyone can advise on how it should be connected.
The problem seems to be that the tails on the Golf draw 3V (which I think is a PWM 12V signal) and this is not enough to activate the relays in the smart click solution.
If anyone in Brissie has one I can have a peak at that would be even better.
Otherwise I'll ditch the smart click and MYO...
Al..

[jwlc]

Thanks for the info asa572. Had a mate looking to fit one as well and i'm sure he'll find this useful as a price guide.

[Gigitt]

These Guys have a solution: Roof Racks and Tow Bars Sydney

[99_FGT]

Gonna try using the 12V from the number plate wire for the tails rather than the combined brake/tail light.
Will update when I've had a chance to play with it.

Al..