towbar query

[Tiny Wee Allan]

Hi All,

any advice on buying and installing a towbar on 02 1.9TDi estate?
Bascially, what's the recommendations for which towbar to buy and also, how easy are these things to fit? Bit of a novice numpty, but usually get the job done - what sort of length of time required and how much of the car to be taken apart?

Cheers
Tiny

[dickturpin]

This isn't a recommendation...Just my experience on a 04' 130tdi sport saloon.

Bought towbar and dedicated wiring kit off Towsure on Ebay.....They were very good with any assistance I requested thro a manned helpline.
Back bumper had to come off but not difficult. No cutting reqd and all holes are pre drilled by VW! Wiring was straight forward too with the dedicated kit...about £50. I remember the most difficult part removing and replacing plastic trim across rear of boot (internal)
Decide what type of towbar you want because different styles are different prices,,,Swan Neck/Removable/Fixed etc.
Allow about half a day and you should be ok.

Yes I would do it again rather than pay dealer prices.

Good Luck

DC

[angus]

I used to fit my own bars for the best part of 25 years, but with the modern muliplex wiring and the amount of bodywork to remove I decided to shop around.
Living in West Yorkshire I found it not worth getting my hands dirty, and instead had a bar fitted on my B5, then 5.5 and now 6 by EECO in Shelf near Halifax.
For the B6 estate the VW dealer wanted nigh on 800 quid , wheras EECO fitted a bar,twin electrics with split-charge relay,stainless steel bump plate and chrome flipper for the ball for £215.00 inc VAT whilst I waited, and even plied me with coffee.
For that you get an approved bar, a proper and neat installation, and the work is guaranteed. At that amount its not worth getting the car on the ramps/over a pit and risk scratching a bumper (getting it on and off is a two man job), and spending two hours of your life working out where to route the cables.

[frank99jc]

hi got mine done about 18 month ago its a 02 130 saloon.the fitters came out to house to fit mine cost £170inc vat and it took about 1 hour to fit with twin electrics.

[TheMadhatter]

I have a 130tdi saloon and I fitted the detachable Westfalia one that VW use. I got it from Towequipe and it was £220 including the dedicated wiring kit. I was quoted up to £450 for it fitted by the local towbar specialists.

Like other above have said its not a difficult job and the dedicated wiring kit removes all the wiring and electric hassles. If your not sure give them a ring. They are very help and knowledgeable and will tell you if there are any issues with fitting it to your particular model. They where very honest about some potential difficulties about fitting one to my Dads Alhambra.

Which sort you go for depends on what you use it for. Mine is there to hold a bike rack, and because it is detectable you can take the swan neck bit off and there is no sign that you have one fitted.

Honestly with half a day, a bit of patience you can save your self a lot of money if you do it yourself.

[mctowbars]

Hi All,

any advice on buying and installing a towbar on 02 1.9TDi estate?
Bascially, what's the recommendations for which towbar to buy and also, how easy are these things to fit? Bit of a novice numpty, but usually get the job done - what sort of length of time required and how much of the car to be taken apart?

Cheers
Tiny

my advice ,ensure all nuts & bolts are torqued up to specs,fit a bypass relay direct to battery or 12v supply (perminent supply) dont forget an inline fuse ,you need to protect you engine managment system,

need any more help ,just ask.

[Ben]

this may be of help https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...ead.php?t=9482 and so may this https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...ad.php?t=13686

or see my signature

[PFJones]

P F Jones Ltd offer Volkswagen Orignal Equipment tow bars at unbeatable prices. They will beat any like for like quote on any towbar and electrics.

We have national tow bar fitting centres.

We will not be beaten on any Witter or Westfalia tow bars.

Call Brian on 0800 5200 478