Genuine VW Tow Bar for Tiguan

[DreamensioN]

Hey guys,
Just wondering what's the going price for a VW Tiguan Tow Bar (a genuine one). And is the only advantage of a genuine unit that the ECU/computer or whatever knows your towing something, and can change the brake bias?

[desvejk]

For sale.

If you want one, I have one for sale.
Cheers
Des

[Chilli Freak]

Hey DreamensioN

Dealer price for genuine sits at about $2050. Non genuine fitted and apparently wiring is plugged into ECU, which integrates into factory wiring harness is $719 from a local installer here on SSC. Once I have a few more k's (about 800 ATM) I am going to have the local one fitted.

If you want any further info from my research please PM me.

Cheers
Chilli Freak

[Arctra]

I got my hitch assembly (without the electronics) for $450 odd if I remember correctly. Got it off eBay. The wiring harness I ended up ordering from the UK and I fitted it myself. See my thread on it here: http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/foru...ine-57090.html

[Tiggy1]

Hi all. Just got a new Tiguan with (supposedly) genuine towbar fitted. Dearer than after-market I know, but dealer knocked another $500 off already discounted springsale price, so I thought what the heck. Silly question, but how do you attach the removable tongue without using a jack or causing a hernia - has dense foam spacer (presume to stop rattling), but need to compress the bloody thing about 10mm before pin even looks like going in!

[tastig]

It does compress & while takes some rattle out, there is an anti-rattle bolt that needs to be tightened - need to look up

[ethosguy]

The OE towbar electricals tie into ESP to stabilise trailer sway and apparently alteres (turns off?) reverse sensors if fitted when a trailer is connected and consideres the trailer a a part of the car's security...said our dealer. Even has brake, turn, park and plate light...Maybe more features?

Super neat fitting with nice 1/4 turn connector.

[Tiggy1]

OK, thanks.

[likeatig]

Thinking of getting an OEM tow bar for my new Tig. Been quoted $1400. Can you take the tongue on and off by hand ? i.e without using tools ?

Also, would installation require taking the bumper off ?

Thanks.

[Umai Naa!!]

Yes, the bumper needs to come off to install the towbar.

The tongue comes out easily enough, but arm yourself with a small shifter, or stubby 16mm spanner to loosen and tighten the anti-rattle bolt.

As for the electrics, Australian cars don't support trailer stabilisation. It will cancel out the factory-fitted rear park sensors, but not dealership-fitted ones. It can be done, but it's a bit of a headache.

[likeatig]

Yes, the bumper needs to come off to install the towbar.

Darn, I'm not too keen on the dealer doing this with my brand new car.

The tongue comes out easily enough, but arm yourself with a small shifter, or stubby 16mm spanner to loosen and tighten the anti-rattle bolt.

That's good news. Not too keen on keeping the tongue on when I'm not using it. Planning on taking it on and off at least twice a week so would like it to be as easy as possible.

As for the electrics, Australian cars don't support trailer stabilisation. It will cancel out the factory-fitted rear park sensors, but not dealership-fitted ones. It can be done, but it's a bit of a headache.

I won't be towing a trailer. Will only be using it to carry around my road bikes. What do you mean by cancelling out the sensors ? Does it mean if i install the towbar my rear sensors won't work anymore ?

Much appreciate the information.

[Umai Naa!!]

Removing the rear bumper isn't as daunting as it sounds. There's no adjustments to worry about, so panel gaps can't be messed up.

Cancelling out the rear park sensors? If you've got the trailer attached, it will, via the adaptor harness for the trailer lights, etc, know this, and deactivate the sensors. In your case, they would most likely pick up the wheels of your bikes, and beep unnecessarily when you're reversing. You could plug the adaptor harness in for the electrics, to get around this.

[likeatig]

Removing the rear bumper isn't as daunting as it sounds. There's no adjustments to worry about, so panel gaps can't be messed up.

Good news.

Cancelling out the rear park sensors? If you've got the trailer attached, it will, via the adaptor harness for the trailer lights, etc, know this, and deactivate the sensors. In your case, they would most likely pick up the wheels of your bikes, and beep unnecessarily when you're reversing. You could plug the adaptor harness in for the electrics, to get around this.

Will keep this in mind.

Thanks for the responses.

[Jad]

We are getting the VW Towbar installed on our bog standard 118TSI. Is there an easy way to confirm the electronics have been setup correctly without hooking up a trailer? Also I noticed an item on their accessory list under the towbar option for a 'LED Trailer Load Box' something something for $275. Is this a VW part that also needs to be installed or only if our trailer has LED lights. If it is installed what happens if you use a trailer with normal globes?

Cheers

[philsan]

Hi Jad
The led trailer load box will only need to be fitted if the trailer you normally tow with, has led lights installed.The old style globes fitted to older trailers will not require the led box fitted.But these days most trailers are being fitted with the more reliable led globes,so I would get the dealer to go ahead with the led box install anyway,if you are prepared to shell out for the extra money that's been quoted to you.
Phil.