Tow Bar Conundrums

[wustapark]

First time owner of a MY18 Kombi, absolutely loving it, but with all these things you don't know what you'll really need until you've went through a few years use. My first stumbling block is a tow bar. Note for next time, get one fitted pre delivery. In the meantime we're off to Europe in summer and require a bike rack for 4 bikes, as I have the rear spoiler I need to go down the tow bar attachment route for the rack.

I've done a bit of searching and can find a mobile fitting (PF Jones) for a detachable towbar (was recommended through the selections, not sure if this is best) that will be around £550 (which sounds reasonable?). Reason I'm posting is that will admit to be being a bit clueless regarding specific requirements and any warranty implications I would need to be aware of, and would appreciate any advice from the forum before I get the ball rolling.

 

[Deaky]

Welcome to the forum @wustapark shouldn’t be any warranty implications. Definitely look at a dedicated wiring kit and not just a bypass relay.

 

[kiter]

Not long fitted the PF Jones fixed flange style, fitted the actual tow bar ourselves and then got dedicated electrics fitted by local specialist. All in was just over £420 inc vat for the lot. Went for the fixed flange style as gives the option to fit a spacer block between the tow bar and tow ball, when we tried a demo vehicle with a removable tow bar the bike rack was very close to rear of the van and as a result the handlebars of the first bike on the rack were rubbing against the tailgate window). Could be doen to the rack/bikes we have but with a spacer block its no longer an issue. Doesn't look as neat as a removable.

 

[Dieseldonkey]

Can recommend a Westfalia detachable with vehicle specific wiring kit from PF Jones. And an Atera Strada DL3 plus 1 rack. With road bikes and this set up, you can open up the tailgate. Mountain bike handle bars need a bit of jiggery pokery to clear the tailgate.

Even though it's detachable, I tend now to just leave the tow ball in place most of the time, for some rear end protection.

 

[Littleblackflash]

I fitted a westfalia tow bar kit with the dedicated wiring kit which disables the PDC sensors when towing.

It was really easy to fit and wire up. You just need VCDS to enable all the function.

 

[wustapark]

Thanks for all the replies folks, really, really helpful.

 

[wustapark]

@Dieseldonkey - I had my eye on that Atera rack too, thanks for that recommendation also !!

 

[stuart-t6]

I have brought 3 tow bars from PF Jones only the westfallia ones as these are OEM parts.
I have one to fit to my new caddy next week but as I am doing all my self I opted for the bypass relay kit.
On my T6 I fitted the genuine wiring kit which is a fair bit of work and then as others say it needs coding to the vehicle, but it does work better then the bypass kit.

 

[Stigofthedub]

I bought the PF Jones westfalia detachable tow bar in case the bar affected the reverse park sensors, and I could remove it when not towing. It doesn't. so the bar is left permanently fitted.
Strictly speaking you need a permanent attachment for the break away cable and shouldn't just loop it around a detachable bar. (Something to consider).
Also if you are up for a challenge it might be worth considering just buying the parts and vcds then do it yourself. Offsetting some if the vcds cost against the fitting charge. You then have vcds for any future tweaks.

 

[Dieseldonkey]

Although I've had the van told it's now got a towbar with VCDS, the light bar worked fine prior to any coding being done. I'm thinking the VCDS part is only to disable certain functions. I don't have parking sensors, but since it's been coded, the vans rear fog lights disable. Also, I have factory fitted LED rear lights. Each cluster has two horizontal brake lights. When the bike rack electrics are connected in, only the top brake light in the cluster operates. The lower one doesn't come on. Guessing like the disabled fog light, this is to reduce reflected dazzle from a trailer. Clever.

 

[Deaky]

Although I've had the van told it's now got a towbar with VCDS, the light bar worked fine prior to any coding being done. I'm thinking the VCDS part is only to disable certain functions. I don't have parking sensors, but since it's been coded, the vans rear fog lights disable. Also, I have factory fitted LED rear lights. Each cluster has two horizontal brake lights. When the bike rack electrics are connected in, only the top brake light in the cluster operates. The lower one doesn't come on. Guessing like the disabled fog light, this is to reduce reflected dazzle from a trailer. Clever.

The van will also operate a different stability control program when towing too.

 

[Dieseldonkey]

The van will also operate a different stability control program when towing too.

Yeah. When it's only a bike rack on board, I'd rather it didn't.

 

[wustapark]

More top tips, thank you, noting the need for permanent fix for cable, good to know handling will be different too.

As for doing it myself, I'm chuckling, you should see my DIY attempts indoors, no chance I'm going near my beloved Kombi !!

 

[Salty Spuds]

I have a T5 with a detachable towbar; it’s never been off. I had a fixed (factory) towbar fitted to the T6. They make a handy rear “buffer”