tow bar with parking sensors

[luckda]

I need to get a tow bar fitted and am searching around for the best type to fit. A number of fitters have suggested that I have a detachable as a fixed bar is likely to impact on the parking sensors.
From what I can see from other posts fixed bars require less cutting of bumper and are considerably cheaper

Dose anyone with parking sensors and a tow bar fitted have any experiences of this?

[GeoffW]

I have factory fitted detachable bar (Westfalia) and parking sensors, the two work together without issue, but I don't know whether VW have fiddled with the software to make it like that.
Certainly a nice solution, all hidden under a plastic panel when the bar is off.

[audiblair]

Having fitted many after market parking sensors they generally don,t work well with a fixed tow bar. Effectivley the sensors are already sensing something in their way so their effectiveness is compromised.
The removable tow bars may have smart electrics ,after all if you have a caravan stuck on the back of the car its not your bumper your trying to protect when reversing.

[luckda]

I am really not sure what to do here.
A factory fit is not an option. (Wish I'd thought of this when ordering)
independant fitter tells me that Fixed towbar will affect the rear parking sensors so that leaves me with a detachable one. So far it seems that these cannot be fitted without cutting the bumper. does anyone know any makes where this is not required
One other issue that came to light yesterday was that I was advised I would need
"because your vehicle has electronic stability controll we recomend a dedicated wiring kit which is £150.00 extra"

I know that Passats have this trailer stability control but I will never be towing as I only need the towbar for a towbar mounted bike rack.
Would it be ok without a dedicated wiring kit?

[james_tiger_woo]

I have factory fitted detachable bar (Westfalia) and parking sensors, the two work together without issue, but I don't know whether VW have fiddled with the software to make it like that.
Certainly a nice solution, all hidden under a plastic panel when the bar is off.

I think this is what i have too - saying that, I've no intention of towing anything anytime soon :D

[GeoffW]

I am really not sure what to do here.
A factory fit is not an option. (Wish I'd thought of this when ordering)
independant fitter tells me that Fixed towbar will affect the rear parking sensors so that leaves me with a detachable one. So far it seems that these cannot be fitted without cutting the bumper. does anyone know any makes where this is not required
One other issue that came to light yesterday was that I was advised I would need
"because your vehicle has electronic stability controll we recomend a dedicated wiring kit which is £150.00 extra"

I know that Passats have this trailer stability control but I will never be towing as I only need the towbar for a towbar mounted bike rack.
Would it be ok without a dedicated wiring kit?

My A4 had a fixed towbar that didn't need the bumper cutting in any way - think it was Bosal, not sure if it would be the same for the Passat.

Having said that the detachable one from the factory has the cut-out panel in the black plastic under the main bumper, maybe you could buy the panel and get the towbar fitter to make the hole to fit the panel?! Give him a challenge ;-)

As for bikes, mine go on the roof, got some Thule roof bars a few cars ago, and other than changing feet from Passat saloon (B5) to A4 saloon to A4 avant they are still going strong. Bit further to lift, but the Thule bike holders are a doodle to use and it all locks to the car.