Golf Mk5 Tow Bars - Q&A - All you need to know Guide!! Advice, Tips...

[richard@thebrae]

I do not know of a pre-primed lower valance with the trap door, but I can find out on Monday as I have to go to the dealers.
Bens "howto is here, but no part No's. https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...-To-a-MK5-Golf
One bit of change I would advise is with the electrics as Ben accessed the fog light and reverse light via the tailgate with some difficulty, a better way is to access the loom over the rear nearside wheel arch, this is very easy by removing the rear seat,rear sill trim, and the parcel shelf support trim (hidden screw here next to the seatbelt outlet under a little trim blank) sounds daunting but is very easy, I can send you diags if you send me an email address that will accept jpgs.
You will need a 12v+ supply for the bypass relay and the best way to do this is from the fuse box on the drivers dash side by using a little gizzmo called "add a fuse" just search on ebay using this term. Run the supply under the sill trimm while you have the rear seat out.
It took me a morning to do the whole job.

[Arcady]

Excellent thread but forgive me if I've missed this basic question: is it necessary to remove the entire bumper, or can you install the tow bar if you just remove the lower valance (and light clusters)?

Thanks,

[richard@thebrae]

You have to drop the whole bumper, then get a protective surface (an old blanket on the lawn) and split the lower valance from the upper part (just a couple of plastic lock pins where you poke the centre pin through to release them, and then unclip the rest.), once you have the light clusters out it is only several torx headed screws that hold the whole bumper skin to the car (best have someone help you to drop it to prevent any scuffs to the paintwork)
The bit where Ben took the chisel to can be avoided if you trim the upper part of the trap door (inside out of sight) as per the instructions provided by Westfalia.

[Arcady]

Thanks Richard@the brae - I thought as much. Wish me luck...

[sg82]

Hi Richard,

Thanks for the extra advice, Ben's Howto post is great!
I'm not yet able to send PM's - have to have over 10 posts, so I will come back to you when I hit the magic number with an email address!

Thanks again,
sg82

I do not know of a pre-primed lower valance with the trap door, but I can find out on Monday as I have to go to the dealers.
Bens "howto is here, but no part No's. https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...-To-a-MK5-Golf
One bit of change I would advise is with the electrics as Ben accessed the fog light and reverse light via the tailgate with some difficulty, a better way is to access the loom over the rear nearside wheel arch, this is very easy by removing the rear seat,rear sill trim, and the parcel shelf support trim (hidden screw here next to the seatbelt outlet under a little trim blank) sounds daunting but is very easy, I can send you diags if you send me an email address that will accept jpgs.
You will need a 12v+ supply for the bypass relay and the best way to do this is from the fuse box on the drivers dash side by using a little gizzmo called "add a fuse" just search on ebay using this term. Run the supply under the sill trimm while you have the rear seat out.
It took me a morning to do the whole job.

[sg82]

Hi Richard,

I have ordered my kit from towbars-direct today, according to their site the kit includes: Add a 7way towing bypass relay & fitting kit (included power cable, fuse, fuse holder)

Do I still need to order add-a-fuse?

Brgds & Thks,
sg82

I do not know of a pre-primed lower valance with the trap door, but I can find out on Monday as I have to go to the dealers.
Bens "howto is here, but no part No's. https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...-To-a-MK5-Golf
One bit of change I would advise is with the electrics as Ben accessed the fog light and reverse light via the tailgate with some difficulty, a better way is to access the loom over the rear nearside wheel arch, this is very easy by removing the rear seat,rear sill trim, and the parcel shelf support trim (hidden screw here next to the seatbelt outlet under a little trim blank) sounds daunting but is very easy, I can send you diags if you send me an email address that will accept jpgs.
You will need a 12v+ supply for the bypass relay and the best way to do this is from the fuse box on the drivers dash side by using a little gizzmo called "add a fuse" just search on ebay using this term. Run the supply under the sill trimm while you have the rear seat out.
It took me a morning to do the whole job.

[richard@thebrae]

I suspect it is a length of cable with an inline fuse, you can utilise this, but "add a fuse" makes it easy and gives you an accessable fuse at all times. I dont like clipping into wires if I can help, but zillions of scotch connecters are use world wide, if you are comfortable with this, wait till your gear arrives.

[sg82]

I think i'll order the add-a-fuse, your way sounds a bit more practical.

[sg82]

Is it just me or has anyone else had a problem getting a response on email from VW dealers in Ireland? - It seems to me that the only way they will answer questions is if you call in, in person!

[sg82]

itching to get started on my towbar project! Headin north to get bumper tomorrow! - very firendly, hepful and informative dealer up there!
F'n useless irish dealers! I think there will be lots more northern trips ahead, since my local dealers dont want the money, no wonder the coutry is in flitters!