Tow Bar for the Tiguan

[Ground_Level]

Not saying it will happen but if you want to protect your new car warranty just be thoughtful on your purchases as this goes for anything aftermarket. Aka turbos intercooler stage tunes. Not that alot of these things you will be fitting to a tiguan anyways but yes some items can void it

[IsDon]

Not saying it will happen but if you want to protect your new car warranty just be thoughtful on your purchases as this goes for anything aftermarket. Aka turbos intercooler stage tunes. Not that alot of these things you will be fitting to a tiguan anyways but yes some items can void it

But an aftermarket tow bar certainly won’t.

I remember one guy in here arguing that if you didn’t use genuine VW windscreen washer additive you’d void your warranty.

One born every minute.

Dealerships must live these gullible souls.

[hamisticle]

Hi Guys,

Has anyone looked into the Westfalia detachable towbars from www.australiantowbars.com.au (Euro Car Upgrades) or even the Thule / Brink detachable or retractable version from European Towbars | Slim | Stylish | OEM Quality

I am keen not to have a big ugly Haymen Reece version or overpriced VW fitted unit. I also cant see where they attach the trailer chains on these towbars from europe? In relation to the coding, can all workshops do this, and will this coding stay with the car once VW updates the software during a service? Ive got an R Line on order and really want the retractable Brink model but can't seem to find anyone that has had it installed with pictures. Can anyone tell me what is the correct plug pin required to tow a standard 6x4 trailer here in WA? 7 pin / 13 pin? Anyone that has great info, PM to swap numbers for a chat!

[obmal]

A Melbourne outlet Westfalia | Melbourne Towbars

[marcuskmt]

Hi Guys,

Has anyone looked into the Westfalia detachable towbars from www.australiantowbars.com.au (Euro Car Upgrades) or even the Thule / Brink detachable or retractable version from European Towbars | Slim | Stylish | OEM Quality

Mate, I definitely recommend the Westfalia. They dont even have to cut any piece of the car to install it. When you take the gooseneck out, you cant see any evidence of a tow bar.

However, I understand that Westfalia Australia went down a few months ago and it is hard to find one. I know of one guy that has one for the R-Line, but other than that, there are no more left. If you want, I'll forward you his details. He coded it correct for me too.

Now, not everyone knows how to code the car. Make sure you use someone that does, otherwise you'll get error messages on your dash.

If you did get this Westfalia, you need an adapter which are about $50 for the genuine Westfalia one. The Westfalia has a European plug, so anything Aussie needs this adapter.

Trailer Plug Adapter 13 Pin round to 7 Pin round Tow Bar Electrics Westfalia | eBay

[IsDon]

Tow Bar for the Tiguan

Another option is to import a Westfalia yourself from PF Jones in the U.K. Then install it yourself. I did this with my Audi A6 Allroad. Audi wanted $4K, I imported a vastly superior bar than the Audi Australia option for $1000 which included the freight.

Only issues to consider. Programming will be an issue. It can be done with VCDS (as I did) but with a new model, like the Tiguan there will be a lot of work to be done to determine what the coding will be.

An imported bar won’t be Australian standards compliant. The difference is the Australian standards approved Westfalia have two safety chain connectors, where the rest of the world has one. Of course Australian bureaucrats know more about engineering tow bars than the rest of the planet.

[sVWatt]

Australian ADR’s are a left over from restricted imports and trade tariffs. We have an ADR for describing a sun visor and vanity mirror, but none for specifying fuel efficiency. We have ones which define the step down ratio of cogs and cables inside mechanical speedometers but none for digital or CANBUS systems.
The bulk of ADR is now aligned to UN standards, and should be absorbed fully and residual rules like ADR 47 should be phased out ASAP. Give the burocrats something proper to do ��

[ewok666]

Just found out that our Tiguan will finally be available next week. I ordered it with the OEM tow bar. Don't mind the price as long as it's half decent tow bar and the extra features are working. However, now I've been told they'll need to cut the bumper.....not impressed with that.

Does anyone have a photo handy that shows the OEM bar installed on a 162 Highline (with the R pack in case that makes any difference). I'd really like to know what exactly this will look like before cutting into anything.

TIA

[spacemannz]

Just found out that our Tiguan will finally be available next week. I ordered it with the OEM tow bar. Don't mind the price as long as it's half decent tow bar and the extra features are working. However, now I've been told they'll need to cut the bumper.....not impressed with that.

Does anyone have a photo handy that shows the OEM bar installed on a 162 Highline (with the R pack in case that makes any difference). I'd really like to know what exactly this will look like before cutting into anything.

TIA

I think OEM is a loose term here in Oz. It is not the nifty swivel tow bar with an electric release button in the boot that is supplied by VW in Europe, compatible with the park pilot trailer reversing app.
More than likely built by a local manufacturer sourced by VWA to comply with local design rules... with as little research effort as possible... probably just the same one they fit to a Golf or Passat, with a small ‘hack’ to fit the Tig... And branded VW with associated 3000% markup. Their decision on which ‘OEM’ to offer will be based on function and economics, not form.
I recall seeing pics of 3rd party tow bars in this thread that do not cut the bumper. And probably a lot cheaper. It’s worth scrolling through the history here.

[IsDon]

The Westfalia ones have the trailer assist function incorporated. They are the real OEM bars. And they’re cheaper than the bodgy VW ones.

[ewok666]

The Westfalia ones have the trailer assist function incorporated. They are the real OEM bars. And they’re cheaper than the bodgy VW ones.

Thanks
Where can these be bought (or installed) in Australia?

[IsDon]

You were once able to get them from the importer in Melbourne. I think they’re available at most towbar retailers now. Just make sure you get the one with trailer assist function. It has a rotating bezel on the ball that turns with the trailer.

Have a look at the Westfalia website for how it works.

[ewok666]

You were once able to get them from the importer in Melbourne. I think they’re available at most towbar retailers now. Just make sure you get the one with trailer assist function. It has a rotating bezel on the ball that turns with the trailer.

Have a look at the Westfalia website for how it works.

Found it at australia tow bars.

Thanks!

[marcuskmt]

The Westfalia ones have the trailer assist function incorporated. They are the real OEM bars. And they’re cheaper than the bodgy VW ones.

+1

No panels need to be cut for the Westfalia.

They took a part off called the "Rio" and installed it.

I kept the Rio but have no idea why.

[veew]

Just an update for those who have the OEM towbar. I've twiddled with OBD11 and cannot access the rear view camera settings so haven't been able to get Trailer Assist Activated.

Anyone with trailer assist and OBD11 activated, is your trailer settings in VCDS/OBD11 set to Australia or ROW (rest of world)?