Eos Tow bar

[Steve3]

Help please, I have ordered a TDI Eos for March,
Today I have been told by the dealer that it is not possible yet, to have a towbar fitted.
We were hoping to tow our caravan around France & Spain for two months in the spring. Can anybody help please. Steve

[devonutopia]

I thought the EOS was a sports car / coupe thing? Do you really reckon it's capable of towing a caravan, even with the TDI engine?

See if Witter do a towbar that might be adaptable?

[hitachizx]

Tell your dealer he is talking rubbish. My eos handbook has several pages relating to towing. If you have the dealer fit towbar the vehicle even has a trailer stability programe biult in which works through the ESP. You must have a detachable towbar or you roof will not work.

[davidp]

Help please, I have ordered a TDI Eos for March,
Today I have been told by the dealer that it is not possible yet, to have a towbar fitted.
We were hoping to tow our caravan around France & Spain for two months in the spring. Can anybody help please. Steve

please let us know how you get on with the tow bar. I am still 'umming and arring' over an eos but I need a detachable tow bar for my boat. Got a qote from Towequipe in nuneaton for £329 (single electrics) I think the VW bar is a lot more expensive fitted but may be safer from the point of view of warranties etc. Cheers,

[Steve3]

VW customer service are saying the following,
A towbar is avaliable but you may have to buy another bumper with a slotted flap, and yes there is a part number for it. The flap is to allow the removable tow bar to fit correctly.
The big problem is that VW have not decided yet on the wiring conections to allow all the various electrical bits to work.
When manufacturers bring out a new model, a towbar and electrics are usually agreed straight away.
When I ordered my Eos in November, my dealer did not know that there was a problem, we both only found out last week.
VW have promised to try to give me some sort of time scale this week.

[davidp]

Thats seems very odd they normally remove the bumper and cut a slot in it.
When I first asked a dealer about a tow bar on the eos he looked at me like I was an idiot and swore it was not possible to fit one. 'but its in the options' I said, 'must be a mistake' says he. What a nerve. Another dealer told me they would virtually have to dismantle the car to put the wiring in for the tow bar.
One can but despair!
Good luck!

[RickT]

sounds rubish to me.....

the fact is.... if you go for a after market TB and for example a witter.. all they do is locate the wires for the rears clusters and tap into them... in turn sending a signal to the "light" socket on the tow bar to enable all related tail lights on your car and then take a permanant live from before a reraly for the electric socket if required... ie.. a caravan with a fridge etc...

Merc a few years back said no tow bar was possible for a SLK.. Witter did a down round and up tow bar around the bumper... give your local towbar fitter a call and they will be able to sort something out im sure..

The Eos will tow as good as a golf i bet.. the quote from "devonutopia" "Do you really reckon it's capable of towing a caravan, even with the TDI engine?"

answer... Yes it is.... depending on weight ratio bewteen car and caravan.... as your a caravaner you will know the score... from a early age my parents had a caravan and we have been every where... following this i know loads of stuff i didnt even knew i know..

Matching a car to a caravan may look daunting, but follow these few simple guidelines and you'll have that match made in heaven.
At the risk of stating the obvious, weight is a big factor in making a successful match between car and caravan. Yes, the towcar's power and torque are important, but here we will concentrate on weight.
First off, you could be forgiven for being confused. For example, it's not uncommon for car manufacturers to set different towing limits for the same car, based on gradients: 1900kgs on hills up to 8 per cent (1 - in - 12) and 1700kg for gradients up to 12 per cent (1-in-8). Different figures are quoted for manual and automatic transmissions.
Another important factor is a car's designated gross train weight (GTW) - the combined laden weight of the outfit. Disregarding the towing limit would result in an invalidated warranty on a new car, but exceeding the caravan's maximum laden weight or the outfit's GTW may result in prosecution. Both could also compromise your insurance so check the weight in your car handbook.
The best outfit would be the heaviest, most powerful car towing the lightest caravan; the reverse would create the worst. The aim is to achieve the best power-to-weight ratio so you can get the most pleasure from your caravan and maximum economy from your car.

Pressures on car makers have resulted in cars becoming lighter. This chipping away at towcar weight has put pressure on outfit matching. Traditionally, the method of matching a car to a caravan has been to compare the car's kerbweight and the caravan's maximum gross weight. The latter has now been redefined as the maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTPLM) by EC law. The load margin is now split up into three areas: Essential Habitation Equipment Payload, Personal Effects Payload and Optional Equipment Payload.
The 85% guideline is generally recommended for beginners. This industry recommendation restricts the laden weight of the caravan to 85% of the towcar's kerbweight. For the more experienced tower the industry recommendation is that the laden weight of the caravan does not exceed 100% of the car's kerbweight. This is not the law but it is good advice. Outfits in which the caravan outweighs the car are definitely not recommended.
These guidelines to outfit matching are based on the caravan having its own overrun braking system, working in tandem with the towcar's brakes. It's taken for granted now but, if you're buying secondhand, check that the van is "braked". The weight limit for towing an unbraked trailer is 750kg fully laden, or 50 per cent of the towcar's kerbweight - whichever is less. Manufacturers' limits may also apply.

Cheers

RickT

[Steve3]

Thanks for all of your comments to my problem Re Towbar.

VW phoned me today to tell me that by the end of March all parts needed for fitting the Eos towbar, will be available as offical parts.

On the strength of that, I shall collect my new Eos on !st of March as planned. I hope thats the end of the sarga.
Cheers Steve3

[davidp]

I wondered if you ever did get a price out of them for the tow bar, electrics and fitting, or was it all mixed in with the price of the car? Cheers.

[Steve3]

Hi Davidp, sorry for delay I have been away,
Towequipe were the best price, £345.00 fitted complete. BUT that
did not include the VW part that covers the space, when you remove the towbar.
As I stated VW have promised to post all info required on their accessories website during March.
I shall collect my new TDI Eos on 1st March and have the towbar fitted when all becomes clear. HOPEFULLY.
:beerchug:

[davidp]

Ordered my eos yeterday (whoopee!) for delivery in May. As part of the deal it includes a detachable tow bar. As the VW part was so expensive we settled on a third party make supplied by the VW dealer which means it is guaranteed by them. Cost of that was £399, the VW bar worked out at over twice that.:(
Cheers, David

[Steve3]

Hi David,
Sorry for the delay ,I replied to your note yesterday, but it doesn't seem to have been received.
I would be interested to know the the name of towbar manufacturer. My quote of £345.00 is for a Westfalia detachable tow bar, fitted and all electrics. This means taking the car to Towequipe ' Nuneaton.

This does not cover the part needed from VW to replace the cutout when the towbar is detatched. DOES YOUR QUOTE.?
As previously stated VW are supposed to be issuing all the relevant info during March.
I collect my new Eos on Thursday but there is no hurry for the towbar as I want to do a few miles before taking the caravan around France.

Hope all goes well,
Cheers Steve

[davidp]

Hi Steve,

to be honest I don’t know what bar will be fitted as I arranged and paid a deposit all over the telephone. I am going in on Thursday to sign the various papers so will try and find out. I doubt they will be able to tell me with any confidence as the car won’t arrive till May and they could get the bar fitted anywhere by then. Will let you know what transpires.

Towequipe where very good and fitted my tow bar to the Seat while I waited. Had too look away though when they had the bumper off and were cutting a big slot in it using a Stanley knife, (arrghh). Still came out nice and neat so no probs.

Cheers, david

[Steve3]

Hi David,
Thanks for info, I will keep you informed of progress.
Cheers Steve.

[netherfield]

Tow bar now on the VW website at £285.00

[davidp]

Tow bar now on the VW website at £285.00
I understand thats for the tow bar only and doesnt include fitting, electrics or the socket. My VW dealer has said that the VW bar fitted is so expensive that they will be fitting a third party tow bar which willl most probably be a Witter. I wont know till I get the car of course!
Cheers, David

[Steve3]

The Towbar has always been availiable,
its the electric's wiring loom/harness plus the bits to modify the bottom of the rear bumper that I am still awaiting from VW. Part numbers etc,
promised this month.
Cheers Steve.
PS Collected my Eos on !st of March, Its everything we hoped it would be. Now for the towbar!!

[Ben]

I have read this whole thread and am particularly interested in the flap that covers the hole in the bumper when the towbar is not in use. Do the electrics also come through the same hole or are they still visible else where.

Are the any pictures available.

Being VW this may also suit my Golf.

Ben

[mandh22222]

Enquired about Eos tow bar today at Aberdeen main dealer:-

Tow Bar £285.00
Electrics £285.00
Fitting £500.00

TOTAL £1070.00 Ouch !

[Steve3]

HI Folks, The saga continues, although VW/UK had promised me that the VW parts for Tow bar will be available from 22nd of April, this has not happened.
As I have said before, the towbar is available, but the wiring harness for the electrics are still not available to order, although it has been signed off by VW .

The cover (when towbar is removed) is supposedly availble part No IQO 807 397 AGRU .

It looks as though I will be going to Towequipe @ Nuneaton.

VW have been a disappointment, with broken promises and a failure to deliver. We love our car but all the hassel of the towbar, is getting us down.
I will keep you posted.

Steve 3

[davidp]

Sorry to hear that Steve, it seems that whenever we ask the dealer for something slightly different the system breaks down. Based on mandh22222's post above the VW towbar would appear to be an expensive option anyway.

I recently altered my own EOS order to add cruise control but the dealer was so slow in getting their act together that they missed the deadline and it now has to be retro fitted as a dealer option. To be honest I just dont trust them to do it properly or to fail to have the right parts in stock that I will pobably cancel the cruise.

Cheers, David

[Steve3]

Dear David, don't worry I also had cruise control fitted by the dealer, It's the same C/C and for some reason its cheaper.
It works very well, no problems. Cheers Steve.

[Steve3]

Tow Bar Update

I have finally had a towbar fitted to my Eos

In the end I used a VW garage and used the VW wiring harness.

As they were about to start the job, I was told that I needed a new rear bumper.

I had been in contact with VW customer services from January, and have now reached a satisfactory conclusion

If you are going to have a towbar fitted, first check if it can be fitted with the existing bumper.

The car tows my caravan superbly, and perhaps I have been lucky, but I love my car, it's everything I had hoped for, and have had no problems with anything including water leaks etc.
Steve3

[davidp]

Congratulations Steve at getting your tow bar finally sorted.
Bit worrying about the bumper needing changing, is it because they didnt want to cut a slot in it.
Be interested to know what make of towbar they fitted and what the whole process cost in the end.
Cheers, Dave

[Steve3]

Hi David,
Eos fitted with Westphalia tow bar, its the only one availiable.

I am going on holiday with a hole cut out for the towbar/electrics.
as its on the bottom of the bumper, its not really seen.

When I come back I am having the new bumper fitted which I believe
will facilitate the blanking plate to fit much better.
I suggest you talk to VW c/s re costs.

The car is superb, I feel sorry for the people having problems with water leaks, but I can't be the only one who has no problems.

Good luck Steve.

[davidp]

Thanks Steve,

I'll talk again to VW re the westphalia. Glad to hear you can tow the caravan OK, I understand the eos has some built in load balancing jiggerypokery designed especially for towing so it truly is a versatile vehicle.

Glad to hear you have no leaks, presume you have done the hose pipe rain simulation test which seems compulsory for all new eos owners!!:D

Have a great holiday and let us know how you get on.

David

[davidp]

Oops! Westphalia is a region of Germany! The tow bar in question is a westfalia model 321543 for anyone else planning to fit a tow bar.
Cheers, David
PS coincidently, VW produced a van called the 'westfalia'

[PNS2007]

Hi, all I've jumped forums from passat. I have a new passat and had to have a new bumper fitted when I had a detachable towbar. Apparently when you order your VW you need to state whether you want the touring bumper otherwise more pennies when you have a bar fitted afterwards. Had an excellent job done by the VW garage and you don't know you have a towbar fitted. Two clips you simply turn and the flap drops out. Excellent piece of kit. Mine's the Westfalia as well.

[neh321]

Hi David,
Eos fitted with Westphalia tow bar, its the only one availiable.

I am going on holiday with a hole cut out for the towbar/electrics.
as its on the bottom of the bumper, its not really seen.

When I come back I am having the new bumper fitted which I believe
will facilitate the blanking plate to fit much better.
I suggest you talk to VW c/s re costs.

The car is superb, I feel sorry for the people having problems with water leaks, but I can't be the only one who has no problems.

Good luck Steve.



You're not! I don't have any (real) problems either!
Of course generally it's people wanting to air problems who post rather than those who have nothing to say!

[davidp]

Thanks to passat170D1 for the info on the bumper and to neh321 on the reassurence on the leaks. Geting my baby built this week so hope to have her soon, will let you know how I get on.
Cheers, David

[Tony66]

Thanks to davidp ,for the part number.
I am about to order Eos Sport 2.0 TDI DSG Auto, but the option to fit a tow bar for my boat has proved frustrating. Local VW dealer is quoting aprox £1200 which includes new rear bumper with cut out and cover. Ouch!
Local tow bar specialist, Moterist Mecca in York could only find the Wesfalia and can fit this, including single electrics, for £348.04. VW want £230 plus VAT for new bumper in primer.
How big is the hole if I keep the existing bumper with a cut out for tow hitch?
I also wonder how the insurers will react to what is a modification to the car if I go this route.

[davidp]

Thanks to davidp ,for the part number.
I am about to order Eos Sport 2.0 TDI DSG Auto, but the option to fit a tow bar for my boat has proved frustrating. Local VW dealer is quoting aprox £1200 which includes new rear bumper with cut out and cover. Ouch!
Local tow bar specialist, Moterist Mecca in York could only find the Wesfalia and can fit this, including single electrics, for £348.04. VW want £230 plus VAT for new bumper in primer.
How big is the hole if I keep the existing bumper with a cut out for tow hitch?
I also wonder how the insurers will react to what is a modification to the car if I go this route.

Hi Tony,

Steve3 says his bumper hole was very low down so I imagine if you have a dark colour car the hole would be hard to spot. The electrics have a spring loaded cover and the slot where the bar goes in usually come with a plug. VW make a cover for the larger hole in the bumper but you may not need this, (also it may not fit the original bumper anyway). Cant imagine the insurance would be a problem.

My eos is being supplied fitted with a third party tow bar (probably a westfalia) fitted by the dealer when it comes some time in June so will take some snaps and post them. Although I do suspect that somehow my VW dealer will **** it up as they havnt inspired me with much confidence so far :(. Cheers, David

[davidp]

Hi All,

I'm confused over this replacemenn bumper business for a tow bar. Does anyone know what the diference is? I note that Steve3 had a tow bar fitted with the existing bumper so it is clearly useable. Be great if someone had some pics of what the fitting looks like in place.
Its no use asking the VW service department they just look at me blankly! :confused:
Cheers, David

[Ben]

Hi, I am trying to put together some research on towbars, primarily for the Golf mk5. see here http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=9482

I have read comments of bumpers with removable covers and have secured an image in the above thread.

I'd very much appreciate a look at your pics of your tow bar and bumper setup as and when you get it as such images can help to clear up the whole question and can also be used as proof to the not so up to date dealer when ordering a tow bar.

[Tony66]

Hi All,

I'm confused over this replacemenn bumper business for a tow bar. Does anyone know what the diference is? I note that Steve3 had a tow bar fitted with the existing bumper so it is clearly useable. Be great if someone had some pics of what the fitting looks like in place.
Its no use asking the VW service department they just look at me blankly! :confused:
Cheers, David

Hello David,
I collected my Eos three and a half weeks ago minus tow bar, parts not available in Uk acording to the dealer.
Motorist Meca in York located Uk stock of Westfillia tow bars, identical to VW model! and fitted it in 1/2 day. cost £360 including single electrics. (compared to £1350 from VW) but no new bumper. What we found when the bumper was removed was a cut line indented on the inside face. They carefuly cut to this line and removed the panel which is aprox 9 x 5 inches. I am now trying to obtain the suport frame and removeable panel which is listed in VW parts list as part of the bumper they supply with their tow bar kit.
I will know if this is a goer later this week.

We towed our 5m RIB to Cornwall for 2 weks holidy, it rained every day! No problems, the EOS towed well and managed 30mpg.
The hole in the bumper is visible but with the tow hith in place is not too unsightly. With tow hitch removed it looks a mess, so I am hoping VW will come up with the bits to blank it. If not, a thin stainless steel sheet cut to just lap the hole and fixed with 4 turn/lock screws may be a less expensive option to a new bumper.

Intersting point is that the foam insert for the jack and other tools in side the spare wheel has a recess shaped to take the tow hitch when removed from the tow bar.

I will come back as soon as I know if I can get the parts to blank the hole and add some pictures of the whole thing.

BR
Tony

[davidp]

Hello David,
I collected my Eos three and a half weeks ago minus tow bar, parts not available in Uk acording to the dealer.
Motorist Meca in York located Uk stock of Westfillia tow bars, identical to VW model! and fitted it in 1/2 day. cost £360 including single electrics. (compared to £1350 from VW) but no new bumper. What we found when the bumper was removed was a cut line indented on the inside face. They carefuly cut to this line and removed the panel which is aprox 9 x 5 inches. I am now trying to obtain the suport frame and removeable panel which is listed in VW parts list as part of the bumper they supply with their tow bar kit.
I will know if this is a goer later this week.

We towed our 5m RIB to Cornwall for 2 weks holidy, it rained every day! No problems, the EOS towed well and managed 30mpg.
The hole in the bumper is visible but with the tow hith in place is not too unsightly. With tow hitch removed it looks a mess, so I am hoping VW will come up with the bits to blank it. If not, a thin stainless steel sheet cut to just lap the hole and fixed with 4 turn/lock screws may be a less expensive option to a new bumper.

Intersting point is that the foam insert for the jack and other tools in side the spare wheel has a recess shaped to take the tow hitch when removed from the tow bar.

I will come back as soon as I know if I can get the parts to blank the hole and add some pictures of the whole thing.

BR
Tony
Thanks Tony,
I am collecting my eos this week and the dealer is fitting a westfalia towbar for me using the existing bumper. VW cust services told me that the bumper designed for the tow bar is deeper so the tow fittings dont hang down, it also comes with a detachable cover over the hole. From what you say there are no bits protruding with the standard bumper so it would be possible to make or obtain a cover.

I currently have a Seat Leon Cupra that has a brink towbar but the snap on cover is 8" by 3" so the eos hole at 9 by 5 is pretty big!

I'll let you know how I get on and post a pic
Cheers, David

[Tony66]

Hello David,
VW will not supply the parts to close the hole in the origional bumper, only option is to buy the VW modified bumper complete. I am going to make my own cover from thin stainless steel sheet. The hole is actualy 13" x 7".
See pics enclosed.

[davidp]

Hello David,
VW will not supply the parts to close the hole in the origional bumper, only option is to buy the VW modified bumper complete. I am going to make my own cover from thin stainless steel sheet. The hole is actualy 13" x 7".
See pics enclosed.

Thanks Tony,
The pic shows the hole higher up than I was expecting. I think stainless would look good and you can always get it sprayed to match if it didnt. I'm not sure what the best way of fixing it in is so that any vibration and bumps dont loosen it off. There is a small engineering firm nearby to me so I may ask them for a quote. I would tend to put two hooks on the bottom and two securing fittings on the top. I darent do it myself because I am pretty crap at such things. Lets keep in touch with our respective solutions, I'm sure other folks are curious.
All the best, David

[PNS2007]

Hi I had the same problem with my passat. See my posting in this forum under http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=8148
which also includes some pictures.

It would appear if you fit a specific detachable tow bar (probably westfalia) that you can purchase the lower valence with the pre cut hole and customised flap. It was approc £50 for Passat and I believe about £50 for the Golf, so I believe it would probably be in the same region for the EOS.

GOLFMK5GTTDI has done a bit of research on VW towbars which might be worth a look. If you visit your local VW dealer you can probably view the back bumper parts on their computer for the specific one.

[davidp]

Thanks for those passat towbar pics. As far as we know the lowers valance is not available for the eos. Its all or nothing on the the bumper, I'll know more when I pick the car up on Thursday. Cheers, david

[Steve3]

Hi Davidp & Tony66,

I started this Towbar thread many months ago, The latest situation is,

We lived our dreams, touring around France for 6 weeks in our Eos. It was everything we had hoped for. Our Caravan towed superbly.

Every French Eos we saw was Black except in Cannes, where we saw two in Silver.

We went with our Westpalia detachable tow bar and 13 pin socket fitted, we then used a Splitter for the standard UK two sockets.
Because of our experience of French driver's parking, we left our towbar in place. (protection) while we were there.

VW Birmingham are at this moment spraying our new rear bumper and cap
which will be fitted when ready.
The main difference is that if you order your new car with a towbar fitted
it comes with the hole already cut out. I then ordered the cover/cap from
VW spares. (Standard Part) in a lovely shade of grey.!!!! £24.00 approx

David, I have read about your frustrations with your order, and I have also read about about other peoples problems with water leaks,
but in all honesty we collected our car 1st March, and have had no problems at all.

The electrical storms we encounted in France still did'nt cause any leaks.

I only hope you will be as pleased as us.

Cheers Steve3

[redmax90]

im not surprised parts arnt made for this job ..and im not surprised that it costs alot for one simple reason only !!!
WAT KIND OF IDIOT BUYS AND EOS AS A TOW CAR !!!! :confused:

[PNS2007]

That's a bit sharpe Redmax90. You buy whatever you want for whatever reason you want it for. I have a caravan (is that the stigma!!) but it allows you to go where you want when you want. I'm sure theres somethings you have done with your car which others will thing your an "idiot" for but thats your choice. I selected my car for several reasons not just for use as a tow car. If I could take the roof down aswell it would be great.

[redmax90]

yes very well ..im assuming u have a passat so therefore you cant put ur roof down ..and besides why would you want to put ur roof down in the UK..i stand by wat i said ..im not goin to be 2 faced about the thing...
WHAT KIND OF IDIOT BUYS AN EOS AS A TOW CAR !!! :confused:

PS dont u think vw are tryin to tell you something when they dont make a tow kit for an eos??? but as u quite rightly said ..the world is full of idiots:p

[Steve3]

redmax5, you obviously hav'nt read all the previous comments re tow bar.

Are you old enough to drive ???

[redmax90]

that has absoluty nothing to do with the fact that theres idiots wanting to tow a boat with an eos !! :mad:

[Tony66]

Dear Redmax90

It has everything to do with it.
I have an EOS for many different reasons and I also have a boat which the EOS now tows very well. That does not make me an Idiot.
I never cease to be amazed at how quickly a sensible exchange of views and information degenerates into farce as soon as someone like you decides to offer an abusive opinion . You contribute nothing of value other than to prove what a imature little nonentity you are.

Do grow up, learn to read so that you can follow the thread and then try and offer a helpfull opinion writen in English rather than "text shorthand"
You sound like a 12 year old with no friends.

BR
Tony66

[redmax90]

for your kind and somewhat opinionated information..im a 48 year old vw master technician in northern ireland! i have worked on volkswagens for 30 years ..and never have i come across such silly uses for a 2 door convertable sports car. But hey, each to their own !

[a8 tech]

please let us know how you get on with the tow bar. I am still 'umming and arring' over an eos but I need a detachable tow bar for my boat. Got a qote from Towequipe in nuneaton for £329 (single electrics) I think the VW bar is a lot more expensive fitted but may be safer from the point of view of warranties etc. Cheers,If you use a boat i would leave your wet suit on when its raining so you stay dry form the water leaks:biglaugh:

[Tony66]

for your kind and somewhat opinionated information..im a 48 year old vw master technician in northern ireland! i have worked on volkswagens for 30 years ..and never have i come across such silly uses for a 2 door convertable sports car. But hey, each to their own !


Now I understand. Your Irish! Dont we just love em. :beerchug:

[davidp]

Found this on the net!
Who says the eos cant tow!
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t220/Davidp_photo/eoseurotowbar2.jpg

[davidp]

Had my tow bar fitted by the dealer before delivery. Quite a big slot was cut (13" by 7") almost big enough to crawl in. The hole is so big because the westfalia bar is engaged vertically and with the bumper being so steeply slopped it requires a big area to be removed. No cover of course so will have to think about that. The silver bit you can see is the heat shield above the exhaust box. Not shown are the electrics which are neatly hidden inside the bumper and swing down to the left of the tow bar.
Cheers, David

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t220/Davidp_photo/eostow003.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t220/Davidp_photo/eostow001.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t220/Davidp_photo/eostow004.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t220/Davidp_photo/eostow002.jpg

[Ben]

Quite a big slot was cut (13" by 7") almost big enough to crawl in. No cover of course so will have to think about that.
Cheers, David



How's the thought process going? Have you found a soloution?

[davidp]

How's the thought process going? Have you found a soloution?

Not yet, going to be a while I think, will post my result. God I hate this new forum background colour of black, quite depressing, puts me off posting.
Cheers, David

[davidp]

Hi Davidp & Tony66,

VW Birmingham are at this moment spraying our new rear bumper and cap
which will be fitted when ready.
The main difference is that if you order your new car with a towbar fitted
it comes with the hole already cut out. I then ordered the cover/cap from
VW spares. (Standard Part) in a lovely shade of grey.!!!! £24.00 approx

Cheers Steve3

Hi Steve,

Have you had your new bumper fitted? Would love to see a pic of the new bumper and removable cover if at all possible. Apart from the cover is there any significant difference between the new bumper and the standard bumper?

Take care, cheers, David

[Steve3]

Hi David, Sorry for the delay in replying, Hols.

The fitting of the new bumper was aborted, because after it had been sprayed VW
realised the there were no holes for the reversing sensors.

I had to have the car back for the holiday, so I have taken it in today but it will take a few days to complete.

VW Birmingham have given me a new Passat Est for the duration.

Now the weather has improved its very frustating.
Will keep you updated when it's finally resolved.

Cheers Steve

[davidp]

Thanks Steve,
Sorry to hear you're having problems. Nothing seems to go smoothly when it comes to eoss and tow bars.:(
Presume its not possible just to fit the the VW cover over the existing hole?
Have a good holiday and lets know when you have resolved the problem
Cheers, David

[Steve3]

Dear David,
VW Birmingham have done a super job. I'm really happy,
will post phot'os as soon as I can.
The new bumper already has the hole cut out, the plate which is a standard part number fits it.
Cheers Steve.
PS my car sounds the same as yours except it's not the sport.








i'm really happy

[davidp]

Excellent news Steve, I wonder if the new cover will fit the hole I have in my bumper. Can you let me know the size of the hole in your bumper? is there a part number on the inside of the cover?
Thanks for your help, cheers, David

[Steve3]

Hi David,
Sorry no phot'os not very tech minded, will try again.

Cap/Plate measures 12inches x 6 inches with the corners curved. Your greatest problem is that on the moulded cut out hole, there is a rebate/ridge around the inside. This stops the plate/cap falling through.

Part No is V1Q0 807 397 AG RU (Description is Cap)

I don't know the price of the new bumper as VW paid for it. The reason for the delay was that when it arrived there were no rear sensors holes cut out.
These had to be cut out /fitted and then painted.

When the towbar is taken off and the plate fitted, you would not know that the hole exists.

Do you live in the midlands,? It's easier to show than explain.

Cheers Steve.

[Ben]

hello,

I have one on these removeable covers on my golf mk5.

mine measures approx 13" x 4" but i would assume that the way thay clip in would be the same.

I bought my own lower skirt from vw all in £49.91.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/golfmk5gttdi/15082007292.jpg
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/golfmk5gttdi/15082007291.jpg
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/golfmk5gttdi/15082007294.jpg

[davidp]

Thanks Steve,

Sounds like the cover is 1/2 inch all round too small for my bumper hole and is designed to fit into a rebate as you describe. Presume its similar to the pic from GOLFMK5GTTDI with thumb wheels to lock it in.

I'm up near Liverpool so too far away but thanks for the offer. My dealer said he had ordered a tow bar bumper so will see if that is in yet and I can try the cover.

Cheers, David

[davidp]

Thanks for the great pics GOLFMK5GTTDI thats most helpful
cheers, David

[Ben]

no problem, glad to help. :)

[Steve3]

Hi David,
my cover is very similar to Golfmk5gttdi, only a slightly different size.

Good luck, cheers Steve.

[x_galla]

Hi All,

I have ordered my EOS which is due for delivery on Thursday this week - can't wait. I've also spoken to Towequipt who have quoted me £320 for fitting of a detachable towbar. Does anybody have the part number for the tow bar hole cover that VW supply? The bumper is NOT coming with a factory fit hole, so towequipt will need to make a hole for the tow bar...

Any help appreciated :-)

[Ben]

VW will be able to supply you the bumper as a stand alone part. go to the parts dept. It will need ordering and take 2/3 days.

DO not let the towbar firm ruin your car.

[x_galla]

Hi there,

Doyou have any info on the replacement part number or possible cost?

Cheers

Paul

[Paulsandy]

Hi there,
When i bought my Eos last year i negotiated a price for a removable towbar with the dealer.
They used a towbar specialist to fit it on site but on arrival they said they would need to cut a HUGE hole in the bumper. I said that there was no way they were going to do that. The instructions for the fitment of the towbar actually tell you to bin the bumper and fit the correct replacement bumper and matching blanking cover from VW.
The dealer didnt fancy paying for all that so decided to just order the cover and see if it was possible to cut the bumper themselves and retro fit the cover. Once the cover plate arrived i went back and had a look at the cover and it was obvious that it was going to be one hell of a struggle to do a proper job. They were talking about plastic welding bits on to the inside for the cover to attach to etc.
In the end they saw sence and ordered the replacment bumper and sent it to the bodyshop for painting.
I am over the moon with the result and believe it is the only way of doing a proper job on this lovely car.
I'm just pleased that it wasnt me who had to pay for it.
Paul

[Steve3]

Hi I can only agree, I started this thread over a year ago.

I was also lucky VW paid for a new bumper.

Without the lugs inside the cutout , it will be next to impossible to secure the plate to the bumper.

I have towed our caravan through France & Spain and can confirm that it tows superbly.
The plate costs nearly £24.00. It can be ordered through any dealership.

Cheers Steve3

[ADIRU]

im not surprised parts arnt made for this job ..and im not surprised that it costs alot for one simple reason only !!!
WAT KIND OF IDIOT BUYS AND EOS AS A TOW CAR !!!! :confused:

WAT KIND OF IDIOT ARE YOU?

I have a bike carrier (for two bikes) using a detachable towbar. Not quite the same as towing!

[Paulsandy]

When I first red Redmax90s post i was Inclined to reply but thought better of it as i would of been banned from the forum for life:zx11:.
I too, use mine to carry a bike rack.
If Redmax90 is a VW master technician as he claims, then im glad someone with his mental age doesnt work at my local dealer :p
Paul

[miket]

Has anyone any recent experience of Eos tow bar fitting ?
Requested quotes from 2 VW dealers, ranged from £1250 to £1800 then lowest prices was withdrawn and amended to £1450 - still very expensive. Am investigating Towequipe at under £400 but this does not include replacement bumper or cover.
Any recent experience would be appreciated.

[Steve3]

Hi Miket, if you read the previous comments you will realise that to do a proper job you will need to buy a new bumper.

towequipt will fit and do a good job but on removing the towbar, it will leave the cutout showing.

Sorry Steve3

[Ben]

vw will sell you the bumper as a stand alone item. get it sprayed yourself and away you go.

all the bars fix on the same and i would assume the wiring is identical too.

[12 Volts]

Hi All

We have done 5 or 6 of these now for our local dealer in Cheltenham and I would only recommend Westfalia as this is the OE manufacturer they also supply the wiring kits(not for the faint hearted these are not nice to fit) which in turn once coded will switch on the TSP and turn off the PDC when connected to the light board or trailer.

If you want a proper job then you will no option but to replace the bottom spoiler and have it colour coded, Huge money though.

We have had to do both options of cutting the big hole and also replacing the bumper.

We normally do these for about £435.00+vat using all factory parts bar and wiring but the bumper would be extra

If anyone is in my area and want some advice on mainly VWs (sorry audi drivers) there isnt much we havent done and can do for you.

Cheers Paul.

[miket]

Had Towequipe fit westfalia tow bar with neat hole in existing bumper - superb job. Since towed Bailey Caravan to Cornwall and New Forest - fantastic tow car with plenty of power when needed.

[PFJones]

Hi there,

There is a VW Eos towbar (http://www.pfjones.co.uk) available from P F Jones Ltd.

It is an Original Equipment Westfalia detachable towbar (http://www.pfjones.co.uk) and can be supplied and fitted at one of our national towbar fitting locations (http://www.pfjones.co.uk) throughout the UK.

As a customer you will need to decide whether you would like the towbar supplied and fitted with a new bumper which has a cut out flap from Volkswagen or you can choose to have the bumper cut out and left with no flap.

Either way we can take care of everything for you and provide you with an unbeatable quote!

Please call 0800 5200 478 asking for Brian or Gary, we will be happy to help.

[PFJones]

Following on from my last post,

Here is an image of an Eos Towbar (http://www.pfjones.co.uk)fitted with a Westfalia detachable towbar (http://www.pfjones.co.uk) which has had the flap cut out of the bumber.

http://www.pfjones.co.uk/images/eostowbargap.jpg

Hope this helps you decide whether to do it this way, or get a new bumper with a flap that is replaceable when the detachable towbar neck is removed.

Any questions call Brian on 0800 5200 478 at P F Jones Ltd he will be more than happy to help. We have a national towbar fitting (http://www.pfjones.co.uk) network

[Sam]

The picture in the post above is of davidp's dealer fitted detachable towbar - he posted it earlier on this thread (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showpost.php?p=55124&postcount=52) - click the link for more pictures.

[PFJones]

The picture in the post above is of davidp's dealer fitted detachable towbar - he posted it earlier on this thread (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showpost.php?p=55124&postcount=52) - click the link for more pictures.

Hmm, As stated in my original post.

This is an Eos towbar (http://www.pfjones.co.uk)picture fitted with the flap cut out!

I never made any claim that this image was fitted at P F Jones Ltd. However, we will happily fit a towbar like this or one with a whole new bumper at and one of our national towbar fitting (http://www.pfjones.co.uk) locations.

[Sam]

I didn't say you were implying it was a job done by yourselves?

I was simply directing anyone interested in seeing more pictures of it, to davidp's earlier post.

[Rocketeer]

I've recently bought a VW Eos, and am also interested in getting a Towbar fitted.

I know this is a very old thread, but if anyone who originally posted on it is still around, perhaps you could give me the details of the garages who fitted your towbars...

I'm in Coventry, so anywhere in Birmingham wouldn't be too bad. I'm getting a quote from my dealer at the moment (Listers in Coventry), but - having see the chaos involved in getting this done - I'd really like to get it done by a garage that's actually done it before with the proper rear bumper and all the fittings...

Thanks,
Nick

[PFJones]

Hi Nick

If you are interested in having a tow bar fitted to your vehicle we will be able to do it for you.

Just supplied with single electrics and a bypass relay you are looking at £207.63 and that is a Westfalia detachable towbar

EOS Tow Bar (http://www.pfjones.co.uk/eos-2006-detachable-towbar.html)

for a fitted price please give us a call on 0161 886 5798 8am-5pm mon-fri

Scott
P.F.Jones Support Team

[Smike]

Hi, I'd be pleased to receive any advice/feedback about having a towbar fitted on my VW 2010 Eos (2.0 Tdi SE in reflex silver).
I will probably opt for the detachable Westfalia bar with dedicated 13 pin wiring. Initial cost enquiries with local installers haven’t been very fruitful so far due to their lack of Eos fitting experience.
Any advice/feedback on the following queries would be useful:
- can the existing rear bumper accommodate the Westfalia bar (with a cut out access hatch and surface cover plate fitted), as Miket in Oct.2008? or
- is it necessary to obtain the modified rear bumper from VW (with integral access hatch and plate)?
Recommendations for any experienced Eos towbar fitters in the Oxford (UK) area with costs, etc. would be appreciated.
Thanks.

[PFJones]

Hi Yes they eos is capable of towing upto 1800kg depending on the engine please check your log book for the exact towing capacity for the best price on eos towbar (http://www.pfjones.co.uk/eos-2006-detachable-towbar.html) please check P.F.Jones ltd