sparkyrjp
26-09-2011, 09:31 PM
We have just acquired an 8 month old VW Tiguan Tdi 170 Sport , apart from all the other toys , it came with a factory fit retractable tow hitch , this fitted , with electrics getting on for £1k
http://www.bosal.co.uk/AUTOMOTIVEPRODUCTS/Originalequipmentmarket/Towbars/OrisMatic/tabid/4076/Default.aspx (http://www.bosal.co.uk/AUTOMOTIVEPRODUCTS/Originalequipmentmarket/Towbars/OrisMatic/tabid/4076/Default.aspx)
The Hitch is terrific , pull a small lever and it drops into place a final twist and it locks , stowing is the reverse ,
The 13 pin outlet is moulded into the hitch so is easy to plug into . All great you would think , not quite , the socket is missing pins 10,11,12, and the associated wiring . so no fridge connection.
After some research the dealer is at a loss how to sort it , the dedicated 13 pin outlet is integrated with the hitch so not available as a separate unit , the additional pins required also appear to be unavailable .His research suggests the Germans are not fussed about a fridge supply so factory fit tow bars don’t have the facility, and VW don’t bother with export cars ! difficult to believe that one . What he did say though is a UK order for a factory fit tow bar is very rare due to the cost , most opt for an after market fit and save a few bob .
My fix ? abandon the fitted socket and install a new one , transfer the installed wiring , and add the wiring and relay for the fridge . it will be semi concealed but still accessible without crawling in the mud etc.
At least the B6 Passat with 2ltr PD engine noted for injector failure is history now
http://www.bosal.co.uk/AUTOMOTIVEPRODUCTS/Originalequipmentmarket/Towbars/OrisMatic/tabid/4076/Default.aspx (http://www.bosal.co.uk/AUTOMOTIVEPRODUCTS/Originalequipmentmarket/Towbars/OrisMatic/tabid/4076/Default.aspx)
The Hitch is terrific , pull a small lever and it drops into place a final twist and it locks , stowing is the reverse ,
The 13 pin outlet is moulded into the hitch so is easy to plug into . All great you would think , not quite , the socket is missing pins 10,11,12, and the associated wiring . so no fridge connection.
After some research the dealer is at a loss how to sort it , the dedicated 13 pin outlet is integrated with the hitch so not available as a separate unit , the additional pins required also appear to be unavailable .His research suggests the Germans are not fussed about a fridge supply so factory fit tow bars don’t have the facility, and VW don’t bother with export cars ! difficult to believe that one . What he did say though is a UK order for a factory fit tow bar is very rare due to the cost , most opt for an after market fit and save a few bob .
My fix ? abandon the fitted socket and install a new one , transfer the installed wiring , and add the wiring and relay for the fridge . it will be semi concealed but still accessible without crawling in the mud etc.
At least the B6 Passat with 2ltr PD engine noted for injector failure is history now