Tow bar electrics

[m12oby]

I'm going to get a bar fitted to my TDI 170 sport but am loathed to spend the amount quoted by VW (best part of a grand). Local fitters will put one on for around £250 using the industry wide standard bypass relay. VWsay use the proper harness insert and re programme the ecu. I'm not bothered about the reprogramme bit to be honest but would like to know if anyone has used the cheap option of a relay and had any problems with the cars electrics?

[martin1810]

If you use a bypass relay and run new 12v supply from battery or fuse box you have no problems. The can-bus system won't even know it's been fitted.

[angus]

Had my bar fitted by EECO at Halifax using a by-pass relay over three years ago (£215.00 fitted including S/S bump-plate, chrome flipper, VAT and cup of tea) whilst I waited and have had no problems.
When I asked the dealer about the stability system with a `proper` harness they denied one existed and even claimed to have searched their computer for such a thing and drew a total blank (confidence inspiring, huh?).

[Cylon2007]

Mine was fitted by North West Towbars in Stockport for £249, it works as it should so I wouldn't worry about any issues.

[davmal735]

Had mine done at a palce in Stoke on Trent. It's called Autow Bar and he uses an aftermarket harness and puts it on the VAGCOM to program it. Cost about 300 or 350. Nice job.

[airspark]

Hi,I fitted mine myself using 13 pin towing socket and bypass relays, i used the 12v socket in the load compartment (Estate) which has a 15 amp fuse protecting it. Everything works fine i've towed a caravan for 2years since i installed the tow bar and electrics with out problem the cost was about £175 including a Bosal swan neck towbar. Have a go yourself its quit easy for instruction on how to fit the tow bar go on to Witter towbars site it shows you how to take the bumper,rear lights off etc.

[Motorway]

I fitted mine and my fathers towbars both passat estates with the Wesfalia detachable, the same one that VW would fit if you took it to them. there is a place in the tool tray in the boot for the detachable part when you are not using it. i used the bypass relays and two years on i have had no problems. for the power supply i ran a 30Amp cable from the battery with a in line fuse 25A. one thing i would advise for the twin sockets i got 2 inline sockets, they pack away behind the bumper and you dont have to get on your hands and knees to plug the caravan in

[jazzert100]

This is my experience of a relay towbar

https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...456#post363456

[daveo138]

I fitted my towbar myself and opted for a vehicle-specific wiring system. The electrics cost more than the towbar - about £130 - and were a real pain to fit. I had to run the harness all the way to the front of the car, removing trim panels all along one side to feed it through.
There were five wires to connect - two to the fuse box, two to the canbus and one other. I haven't bothered to have it coded yet.

[m12oby]

Thanks for the information. I'm going to go for the bypass relay option. Next chioice is detachable or fixed?????