fitting westfalia towbar to passat estate

[Chipped2]

creedxup: I was aware that after loosening the bolt that something underneath was turning too, the square nut, which was revolving.. The visible thread of the bolt was fine and I would estimate to be approx 10mm and was pointed for easier alignment.
I didn't want to go any further by removing the bolt until it was clear that we had similar towbars and so tightened up the bolt while preventing the nut from turning.

I presume that our towbars are the same and have the same detachable towball assembly with a knurled locking wheel with centre keyhole and rubber cover, two keys, a black vinyl bag and orange plastic plug that replaces the towball to keep the entrance for the towball clean. It has

I'll look further tomorrow, removing the furthest bolt from the bumper, weather permitting. My feelings are that the towbar arm is a relatively close fit into the car and is 'pinched' by the 17mm bolt/nut at this point.

The pages 25-30 inc have useful maintenance info that you should have. I can copy and email to you if you can securely forward your email address.

[Chipped2]

creedxup: Visited the westphalia-automotive.de site and established that my towbar is the Automatic model A40V. Also read that the bolts are not to be re-used so am reluctant to unscrew them to invesigate the hole sizes. I read somewhere that there is a Westphalia depot in the Birmingham area so it would be worth contacting them for the info you need. Hope you sort your problems.

I've had my towbar on for the past 2 years which I suppose isn't a good Idea as the detachable section is a very precisely made component with inbuilt lock etc so I've taken it off and given it an overhaul, repaint etc. Dread to think what this part alone would cost. Really is the bees knees of detachable towbars. Fitting and removal in 20secs

[creedxup]

Thanks anyway chipped2.

I've bought some M10 bolts so I'll have another go at fitting it during the week.

[creedxup]

Many thanks to all who helped, I fitted the towbar yesterday, it would appear that when you torque the bolts they crimp the chassis into the bosses welded onto the bar,

I's all nice and secure so all good.

[Jimmyjoe123]

What was the bolts you used? M10? I put an m8 in and it fitted so well confused now!