Tow bars

[richdave]

I want a tow bar on my wagon...

I was quoted $1400.00 to fit it prior to delivery and balked at that

I visited another dealer today who quoted $1900.00 to fit. The service rep was kind enough to show me the wiring/controller etc and explain the complexity of connecting to the CANBus etc. And also tell me to ensure if I get it done aftermarket, it is wired correctly.

I have a quote for a Hayman Reese aftermarket bar, fitted and wired for about $600.00.

My guess is that this is wired the traditional way by splicing into the lights loom which does not impress me much... may be a warranty nightmare waiting to happen.

Has anyone had their towbar fitted after delivery?

If so by whom and what sort of price did you pay?

[Bora Sport]

I know that all 'genuine' VW towbars that I have seen have been Hayman Reese. The mark up sounds typical for a dealer. Make sure that the quote includes the correct wiring/controller and go for it IMHO. There was a thread on here a while back about troubles experienced by some one with a tow bar on a MK5. I can't recal whether it was dealer fitted. Do a search.

[richdave]

Thanks Bora Sport...

My understanding is that the "genuine" bar is Hayman Reese also.

I have done a search and read on the various threads inc the one you speak of.

I am now awaiting details from the aftermarket company with details on the wiring etc they do....

[Passat]

I got a dealer fitted towbar 6 months ago, paid also $1400. At that time unfortunately no Hayman Reese or other was available (and I asked at many places).

Remember: For $1400 you get also a protector cap for your towball AND a bag to store the towing tongue when not in use!!

[richdave]

Remember: For $1400 you get also a protector cap for your towball AND a bag to store the towing tongue when not in use!!

That makes it all the worth while I guess...

[vanDub]

Towbar

IRemember: For $1400 you get also a protector cap for your towball AND a bag to store the towing tongue when not in use!!

I have ordered a VW accessory towbar to be fitted when the car is delivered for $1430. I was advised that it has a fixed tongue (standard 2 bolts) as is common for many lighter weight towbars. The aftermarket quote I got also stated that their (TJM) towbar also has a fixed tongue.

It sounds like you got one with a removable hitch as is commonly used for the higher rated towbars on SUV's etc.

Is this correct, and if so what is the rear ground clearance like?

[richdave]

I was advised that it has a fixed tongue (standard 2 bolts) as is common for many lighter weight towbars. The aftermarket quote I got also stated that their (TJM) towbar also has a fixed tongue.

The original VW one I was shown has a removable tongue that attaches to a "J" shaped bracket that pushes UP into the recepticle behind the rear bumper and is held in place with a couple pins.. Quite slick really but for $1900

[vanDub]

The original VW one I was shown has a removable tongue that attaches to a "J" shaped bracket that pushes UP into the recepticle behind the rear bumper and is held in place with a couple pins..

Dave, I thought those were euro only with the tow ball as an integral part of the J. The Aussie one looks like attachment from what I have been told / VW aust website.

[richdave]

Dave, I thought those were euro only with the tow ball as an integral part of the J. The Aussie one looks like attachment from what I have been told / VW aust website.

I saw the assy today.... Not sure if the towball wast PART of the "J" assy but the tongue or whatever was certainly attached to the "J" and it slid upwards into the bar assy attached to the car.

Not at all like the pic... in fact the guy who showed me forst went looking for a pic and fuond the one you attached... He then said it was nothing like that and took me into the spare parts area to see it in person.

Saw it at Barloworld Glen Waverly in Melbourne to be exact...

[Jmac]

I fitted Genuine tow bars back in the mother country and the VW/AUDI ones were made by BRINK. Genuine should have a swan neck or detachable swan neck , Hayman reese is a Flat tongue if i remember right.

[vanDub]

I fitted Genuine tow bars back in the mother country and the VW/AUDI ones were made by BRINK. Genuine should have a swan neck or detachable swan neck , Hayman reese is a Flat tongue if i remember right.

Dave, Jimmy. The euro ones like BRINK's look like the attachment but I believe they are not the 'genuine' ones they use here because they have pretty low ball downloads.

I have yet to see any VW watercooled with a towbar up here. I only know what the local stealer and local TJM reps have told me, and they say its a flat tongue job. Mind you I think I would prefer a Hayman Reece type removable hitch job but these units are usually a heavy duty option for those wanting to tow 2000Kg+. With a 1500kg tow limit on the Passat a flat tongue meets that rating.

The electrics in Aust are different as well, its a flat 13 pin job. It is a flat 6 pin and flat 7 pin on top of one another in one unit and you only use either the 6 or 7 pin part.

[richdave]

I think I would prefer a Hayman Reece type removable hitch job .

Hayman Reece DONOT make a "hitch" bar for the Passat... only a flat tongue one..

[vanDub]

Towbar photo

Found this photo of passat while looking for my car in 'Granite Metallic'.

In this case the tongue seems to stick out a fair way, so if the the genuine VW one is the same, then the tongue may end up being removed when not needed.

Richdave, what was your final choice / cost etc?

[richdave]

Richdave, what was your final choice / cost etc?

The pic looks like its the factory deal... I have had quotes from various aftermarket guys to fit bars but all are wiring "direct" to the car loom... They are scant on details when I ask if that means they use a controller/relay unit..

I am not willing to let some hack auto elec with my car... I will probably just pay the sucker tax and get a VW fitted unit at $1500+ but since I gotta save my pennies, it may take a while. I thought of getting a set of bars for the roof since that would probably give me 80% of the necessary capability that I want by having a towbar... but I can't seem to find any after market ones...

[vanDub]

VW wiring harness

I have had quotes from various aftermarket guys to fit bars but all are wiring "direct" to the car loom... They are scant on details when I ask if that means they use a controller/relay unit..

I am not willing to let some hack auto elec with my car... I will probably just pay the sucker tax and get a VW fitted unit at $1500+

Hi Dave, when I was looking at an aftermarket towbar I was advised by TJM and VW dealer that the genuine wiring harness could be bought from VAG, although not cheap. If that is correct then you may be able to get both an aftermarket towbar with a genuine VW wiring harness.