A4 Avant B8 Towbar - Thule or Westfalia?

[40Forester]

I've been looking for a genuine VAG towbar on E-bay for a while, but seems they don't come up. So, thinking of a good brand aftermarket item, which seems to be Thule or Westfalia.

• Anyone any experience or recommendations of how good they are & any downsides to be mindful of.

Some adverts talk of cooling system mods - is this just overstating the risk of the cooling system boiling if severe towing loads & driving conditions come together?

• Also, do the wiring kits just plug into the existing loom (so a DIY prospect for me), or does it need an auto electrician to deal with all the tech?

Would appreciate any guidance you may be good enough to give me.

Drew

A4 Avant B8 2.0 TDi SE

[PFJones]

Hi Drew, Westfalia is the Original Equipment towbar to that vehicle and the best you will find, the dedicated electrics kits are plug and play and come with instructions but the vehicle would need coding once the wiring has been installed.
The mention of fan upgrades is recommended by ther dealers on some models but yes as you said it would only really be an issue if you were towing heavy loads, long distances accross really hot countries.
If you'd like to give us a call we can give you the best price you will find and if installing yourself we offer free tech support if you get stuck, alternatively we could do the complete job for you.
Give us a shout on 0161 886 5796 ask for Adam.

[40Forester]

Hi Drew, Westfalia is the Original Equipment towbar to that vehicle and the best you will find, the dedicated electrics kits are plug and play and come with instructions but the vehicle would need coding once the wiring has been installed.
The mention of fan upgrades is recommended by ther dealers on some models but yes as you said it would only really be an issue if you were towing heavy loads, long distances accross really hot countries.
If you'd like to give us a call we can give you the best price you will find and if installing yourself we offer free tech support if you get stuck, alternatively we could do the complete job for you.
Give us a shout on 0161 886 5796 ask for Adam.

That's really helpful - will bear you in mind.
Thanks for the quick reply too.
Regards,

Drew

[Doctle Odd]

Hi Drew, Westfalia is the Original Equipment towbar to that vehicle and the best you will find, the dedicated electrics kits are plug and play and come with instructions but the vehicle would need coding once the wiring has been installed.
The mention of fan upgrades is recommended by ther dealers on some models but yes as you said it would only really be an issue if you were towing heavy loads, long distances accross really hot countries.
If you'd like to give us a call we can give you the best price you will find and if installing yourself we offer free tech support if you get stuck, alternatively we could do the complete job for you.
Give us a shout on 0161 886 5796 ask for Adam.

Wot he said!

[dap1974]

I had a Westfalia towbar from PF Jones and its been great, highly recommended and its the same as they fit it the factory.
If you need an help with coding let me know.

[40Forester]

I had a Westfalia towbar from PF Jones and its been great, highly recommended and its the same as they fit it the factory.
If you need an help with coding let me know.

Thanks for the info. I've since taken the plunge and fitted a Westfalia bar & vehicle-specific wiring loom. All appeared ok, except I have a handbrake problem: If I use the auto-release feature all is well, but if I cover the footbrake & release the handbrake manually I get a fault light on the dash & no handbrake. This clears if the car is switched off for a while.

Don't suppose you suffered the same issue?

Regards,

Drew

[dap1974]

Drew,
It's not something I have experienced, I always use the auto release function of the handbrake along with the auto hill hold function, and it works well.
Have you had your car coded to make any changes to the handbrake operation?