GTI 7.5 - towbar?

[glee]

Hi Am asking for comments or advice about whether to fit a towbar - genuine VW. Does it effect the handling noticeably, do I lose any functionality eg self parking and other sensors, when not towing? I want to use it mainly for a bike rack but would occasionally tow a trailer or camper trailer.
TIA
Gavin
Golf GTI 7.5 purchased October 2017, all 3 available option packs: infotainment, luxury, and something else - cant remember what it was! lol

[Why?]

I have a tow bar on my Alltrack, tows the boat a treat no problems whatsoever

[glee]

Thanks Why. Good to know. The Alltrack looks like a very nice and useful car. Mine is less practical - not really designed to be useful Thus my question...

[tigger73]

GTI 7.5 - towbar?

If it was just bikes I’d go for a set of roof racks. See if you can borrow or worst case hire a Ute with a tow ball for when you need it.

If you only need to tow something on the odd occasion it probably works out cheaper to hire than pay to fit a towball/hitch.


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[LibraR]

Just found this which might add to this discussion.
YouTube

[Why?]

Just found this which might add to this discussion.
YouTube

If only we could get that here I would have purchased a manual R. Dealers here say you cant tow with an R.

[LibraR]

If only we could get that here I would have purchased a manual R. Dealers here say you cant tow with an R.

Yes I found that out too. Seems it’s as a result of the vehicle not having been homologated here for towing as opposed to the ability to obtain a towbar that will physically fit. I expect that if the use is for bike carrier primarily (which was my desire) it would not affect vehicle performance and all the things about issues with the haldex etc...

There’s a mob called Eurocar Upgrades (Aussie company) that would be worth chatting to. They do one for the S3 apparently which is funny given the similarities (to say the least) with the Golf R.

Maybe identical fit for the GTI without any homolagation drama as fwd only

[LibraR]

Link here
Audi A3 S3 8V Tow bar Hatch Sedan Westfalia Detachable TowBar A40V 0688800000S - Australia Towbars & Performance store

[gregozedobe]

AFAIK VW haven't certified any towbars as ADR compliant for the Golf R, not sure about the GTI. Obviously you could fit one designed for regular Golfs (with perhaps some fiddling with bumpers & valances, & possibly exhausts), but that won't make it legal for towing (maybe OK just for bike racks ? )

[Why?]

Maybe I'll just get an S3 next time...........I asked Audi about a tow bar for the RS3 and S3 and they said it wasn't available........Well it looks like it now is........Very Happy

[glee]

Thanks tigger73. That is sensible advice. My personal pref is not for roof racks because of drag at highway speeds and the height. Hoping to hear from someone with a GTI with a towbar.

[glee]

LibraR, Yes, that towbar looks very much like the one that VW dealers here fit to the GTI. It costs $2000 with the electronic black box that tells the car what is going on. They also reprogram something in the cars computer.

I ruled out buying an R for this reason also.

[glee]

Thanks gregozedobe,GTI 7.5 has towbars available. They aren't as cool as the European ones that fold up when not in use. Apparently the European ones don't comply with the ADR or Standards. The ones that are approved here look virtually identical to the one fitted in the Youtube video linked in another post in this thread. It has a square tube sticking out the back.

[Talbs]

AFAIK VW haven't certified any towbars as ADR compliant for the Golf R, not sure about the GTI. Obviously you could fit one designed for regular Golfs (with perhaps some fiddling with bumpers & valances, & possibly exhausts), but that won't make it legal for towing (maybe OK just for bike racks ? )

Rarely am I comfortable hearing 'no' from dealers in Australia when there were options available in Europe.
So found an Australian company making ADR compliant bars (Goose neck -removable, euro style) for the Golf R and fitted it to my MY16.
Company was Brisbane but ship Aust wide.
Additionally I noted that within the Engineering menu (green) or OBDEleven that there are in fact trailer hitch options ie installed, removable etc to manage sensors I assume.
Could locate company and send pics if required

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[LibraR]

Keen to see who that is if Brisbane based