Alltrack genuine towbar install - why the big hole in the rear bumper?

[WestOiler125]

I'm a little perplexed by the lack of thought VW locally put into providing a neat cutout for the genuine towbar on their vehicles. My Alltrack has an enormous cutout, that I think is just too big and has destroyed the flow of the silver underbody treatment that sets the Alltrack apart from it's 2WD cousin. They have made it symmetrical in relation to the centre of the unit which leaves a dead hole on the left and I feel they cut it way too high.



Now compare it to a Subaru Outback towbar install - very clean, lined and professional


I am annoyed by the poor finish with the job, and as it was similar with the 08 Passat it appears to be an area of obvious oversight, although the dark underlining on that car disguised it.
Can others please share their towbar installs, either variant, as I'd like to go back to the dealer for some recourse?

[vdubmotorworx]

the VW install instructions say to cut that size hole in that place...why im not sute but thats what it states

[Guest001]

The reason is simple The pin to release the tongue is inside the bumper and if the hole wasnt so big you wouldnt be able to get it out.
The other pic has the pin OUTSIDE the bumper
There was a thread about 4 months ago about a very unhappy owner who had the same thoughts after a rough install in a standard Passat

[Marakai]

Oh dear gods above and below that looks atrocious!

Can't believe that somebody really thought this is a better solution that working to achieve ADR for the retractable solution (be it with adjusting ball size, plugs, what not).

Putting a serious damper on anticipation.

EDIT: Anybody taken those photos and sent them VW with a "please explain"? I'd be willing to give that a go, just to hear their excuse.

[WestOiler125]

Thanks guys,
based on the symmetry of the cutout it looks like its cut from a template, but it is the lack of finishing touches that annoyed me, just a hacksaw cut with no finishing to protect the cut edges from wear and tear. I've been looking at installs on every other car on the road and am yet to see anything that matches the gapping mouth look of this job. Hillbilly both the Outback and Alltrack have a pin behind the bumper line, Subaru have just thought the access through better. And there is no reason for it to be so high, as access is from below.
All my mates love the car, its features, look and performance but have all commented negatively on the towbar install.

[Guest001]

Thanks guys,
based on the symmetry of the cutout it looks like its cut from a template, but it is the lack of finishing touches that annoyed me, just a hacksaw cut with no finishing to protect the cut edges from wear and tear. I've been looking at installs on every other car on the road and am yet to see anything that matches the gapping mouth look of this job. Hillbilly both the Outback and Alltrack have a pin behind the bumper line, Subaru have just thought the access through better. And there is no reason for it to be so high, as access is from below.
All my mates love the car, its features, look and performance but have all commented negatively on the towbar install.

THere is in fact an outline on the inner side of the bumper to show where to do the cutout Was mentioned in the thread I cant find

[Eaglehawk]

This thread?

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f27/towbar-poor-workmanship-70347.html

[Umai Naa!!]

It appears to be correct, but perhaps the execution of it could've been better. The other thread mentioned, was the same. Correct spot, but a hack-job.

[Guest001]

This thread?

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/...hip-70347.html

Yep thats the one Thanks I couldnt find it

[WestOiler125]

Thanks, looked at that thread and again was amazed by the continued poor cutting skills shown on the B7 Passat. The good thing with the 2WD is that its in the under valance that is black plastic whereas the silver false underbody valance is cut on the Alltrack so it is a lot more noticeable. Again am surprised that VW couldn't come up with a better solution for a car that lends itself to towing.

[WestOiler125]

Details for "pinchweld" to line the cut, as shown on the Subi in my first post.
Clark Rubber - Item 19907 Pinchweld PVC small, $6.95/mtr.
Just need to ease it open with a large screwdriver, then it fits on snug and neatens the cut line, as well being a softer edge than the raw plastic. VW should include this in the towbar kit IMO.
I used about 1.2m to do my cutout. Can attach photo if requested