Multivan T5 Towbar

[Tornado T5]

I realise this is an old thread, but I'm hoping someone may pick it up. We're wanting to buy a 2005 T5 4-Motion to carry a mid-size motorbike PLUS tow a caravan. But the rated towball down weight is listed as 100kg, which seems really low for it's 2500kg towing capacity. Does anyone know why such a low towball rating? Is there some structural weakness in the vehicle that we need to be aware of? Can the vehicle be up-rated in any way e.g. strengthened chassis? Any advice much appreciated.

I have a Hayman Reese hitch installed (ordered through VW dealer at time of purchase) on my T5 and there's a drivers door sticker stating a tow ball load of 250kg max so I'd say it's the towbar limitation.

[gregozedobe]

I had an idea that the low ball weight was a VW vehicle spec limitation, not a particular towbar thing (but I haven't really looked into it since I was told everyone wanted an arm, a leg and my right testicle to install a towbar on my T5 transporter).

[Tornado T5]

I had an idea that the low ball weight was a VW vehicle spec limitation, not a particular towbar thing (but I haven't really looked into it since I was told everyone wanted an arm, a leg and my right testicle to install a towbar on my T5 transporter).

...so you got offered a discount...lol.

[lwulf1960]

Thanks for the replies.

Local VW dealer has told me it's a VW spec limit, but can't / won't say if it's because of a specific issue with the vehicle structure or some other reason. I had thought it might simply be that in Europe most towed caravans/trailers are very lightweight (under 1 tonne) and so 100kg is totally workable there. However in AUstralia, very few caravans are that lightweight...... problem remains unsolved.....
Linda

[BobD]

My Multivan has a tow ball limit of 250kg according to the manual, the HR tow bar and everything I have read on the VW web page. This is why the HR tow bar is also rated at 2500kg and 250kg ball weight.

If it is now 100kg it must have changed in the last year or so as I haven't looked into it in that time.

Doesn't matter to me as the Geist caravan has a maximum of 100kg allowed on its tow ball. Must be a good number for the Germans. Certainly nothing wrong with the T5 as a tow vehicle. As I said earlier it is the best tow vehicle I have ever had.