Tow-Trust detachable Towbar - "TVW9VK" kit & Wire kit -- How I Done It --

[Dellmassive]

Tow-Trust detachable Towbar - "TVW9VK" kit & Wire kit -- How I Done It --


Here we go,

following on from this thread . . . - Towbar recommendations please




i though it was time i finaly got around to doing it myself. . .


it started with a quote from the main dealers . . .





and the quote from the email about the fitting labour . . .


"I've got the parts department print me the full breakdown of parts costs, plus a description so you can confirm this is the bar you wanted; the fitting time of 200 units translates to 2 hours, so that's £200 +VAT."


I emailed them back to clarify . . .


"Sorry, I should've been a little clearer, yes, that's £748 parts + £240 labour, £988 all in."


so . . . . . . .

looking back at the top,

the TowBars-UK kit, with all the extras is £452 delivered.


++++

taking onboard @Deaky advice about looking at the :

Tow-Trust Towbar from "Towbar-UK" the TVW9VK kit & Wire kit.​

+++

that was the detachable TowBar:



and the full wire kit . . . for Vans without towbar prep.


Pricing it all up we get this - (with a coupkle of extras as well ) - £452 delivered.












end

 

[Dellmassive]

pt2

Docs and reference material.

VW126D2U wire kit.​

https://www.ecs-electronicsuk.co.uk/ecsdata/manuals/VW126D2U.pdf

and got this back. . . .

loom run looks to be under van . .




+++++++++++++++++


Towtrust bar TVW9VK

Towbars | Tow Trust

www.tow-trust.co.uk

Towbars | Tow Trust

www.tow-trust.co.uk

https://tow-trust.s3.amazonaws.com/instructions/TVW9VK.pdf

...

 

[Dellmassive]

pt3

The kit as delivered:

full kit delivered like this. . .



i added in a few extras. . .

breakaway cable,
7-13pin adapter
13-7pin adapter . .





TOC:




...


no for the proper kit. . .


the bar is BEEFCAKE . . . its well heavy . .

separate instructions and bolts supplied.




next up is the Ball Kit . .

again, very substantial and BEEFY . . .

it comes with a nice carry bag and foam priotection ring - that i wasnt expecting.

though . . . . you wont be carring this thing anywhere . . . its very heavy.

but will be good to store in the back of the van when not in use.





next up is the wire kit . . . .

this is the main agro part of the install . . .

the main bar is just 6x bolts to the van . . . . but this loom is something else . . .

this is what you get . . .




the pre-made loom . . .



the module and conector . .





user guide and manual . . .





.

install wise,

it will be a 2 part operation.

pt1 - fitting the bar


pt2 - fitting the loom/wire kit.
.


...

 

[Dellmassive]

pt4


+++


pt1 - fitting the bar



i was planing the whole video thing . . . but after doing some work on the Mountain bike over the weekend with Da-Yoof we just ended up playing with the towbar too. . .


+++

first up was just a rough mock-up in the living room floor while the missus was out.

we followed the instructions and torqued down the side-bracket bolts down to 115Nm ( this was a mistake at this stage, but more on that later) and added the ball arm bracket.



before we knew it . . . . it was done.



uming and arrhhhing we went out to the van . . .

dug out the ramps. . .




and had the back up in the air . . . simples.





first up was 2x Torx screws ( two either side) for the wheel arch liner . . . .



a 19mm for the spare wheel carrier . . . . .





then a few 8mm and 10mm for the spare wheel liner . . .



on the Barn Door - these covers need prising off. . . .



to reveal another push clip either side . . .



these clips are absolute gits to get out . .

we found the best way was to push in with force a torx spline bit, then with the aid of a trim tool to turn and leaver them out.

There is three of them on the under side of the bumper too.




moving to the side of the bumper trim . . . the bottom edge pulls out from the van.




giving some space to get a trim tool in at the top to ease out the top clips . . . .




unclipping all round it will pop free. . . .

you need to pop out the reverse sensors before pulling the bumper away. ( i left the wire connector on, and just unclipped the sensor from the sensor bracket.




the wire loom needs unclipping . . . then the whole plastic strengthen bar needs removing.




leaving us with this . . .



next was the BAR, offering it up, then remove the bolts . .




siding it in . . . with the help of the rubber mallet . .



we get all 6x bolts in loose to start . . .



then tourqed down to 100Nm as per the install guide. . .



easy so far . . .


we followed the install guide and used cable ties to loosly run the wire loom for the revers sensors. . . . ties to the new bar.

and extra ties for the tow loom for part2 . .

the original plastic support bar does not get refitted.



next up was the refit in reverse . . .


bumper back on . . .



spare wheel liner . . . and spare wheel . . .



tow bar clipped in . . . .



close the doors . . . to drive off the ramp. . . . . OOPS.

this is where we hit a problem . . .

the barn door is rubbing on the bumper here . . . which will rub the paint off and start rusting . . .

feeling allong the bar you can tell its higher up on the RHS than the LHS . . .

jeez. . . .


that's why the install guide says fit the cross bar AFTER you have the side rails fitted.

it turn out there is some play in the fixing holes allowing for some adjustment,

when we bolted it together on the floor it was obviously out of wack. . .

luckily the bolts are within reach to get to without taking anything back off. . .

so we loosened then up . . . jumpped up of the bumper to push it down a bit.

Then retightened.



.
another quick test and all was good . . .





off the ramps we have this . . .








Now for the causalities of war. . . . . these are the clips that gave up there existence for the cause.


Those pesky press clips and one of those awful star press clips. . . ill order some replacements and fit them when i run the loom.

+++

https://amzn.to/3u4LlsC

++++

RtottiM 20 Pcs Heat Shield Clips Exhaust Heat Shield Clip Nut Washers Underbody Heat Shield for VW TRANSPORTER T4 T5 GOLF LUPO POLO : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

RtottiM 20 Pcs Heat Shield Clips Exhaust Heat Shield Clip Nut Washers Underbody Heat Shield for VW TRANSPORTER T4 T5 GOLF LUPO POLO : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

amzn.to

the two snapped clips look to have come from this corner trim piece . . . its back on firm . . . . but i might look for the part number at some point.






Tools used.

trim tool set:

https://amzn.to/3u3U52h

socket set with spanners:

https://amzn.to/36WLXaS

Tourque Wrench:

https://amzn.to/3iZyzVV

lazy boy ratchet:

https://amzn.to/3J5gu3l

rubber mallet:

https://amzn.to/3K7Rk5E

end

+++++++++++++++++++

pt5


+++


pt2 - fitting the loom/wire kit.


+++

 

[Dellmassive]

pt6

+++

VCDS adaptions

+++

 

[Dellmassive]

pt7

+++

extra bits

+++



the replacement clips have arrived . . . ill fit them when i do the wire loom . .

 

[tubs]

Looking forward to this one !

 

[Linoleum Bonypart]

Great Towbar easy to use ….. should have kept the sheared Towbar for visual purposes after my write off … need to book in for another

 

[Dellmassive]

BAR was fitted today. . . . I've edited above

LINK BACK UP HERE >

Tow-Trust detachable Towbar - "TVW9VK" kit & Wire kit -- How I Done It --

Tow-Trust detachable Towbar - "TVW9VK" kit & Wire kit -- How I Done It -- Here we go, following on from this thread . . . - Towbar recommendations please i though it was time i finaly got around to doing it myself. . . it started with a quote from the main dealers . . . and the...

www.t6forum.com

.

 

[benp1]

How long did it take you to fit it? I might need to get a towbar at some point, will prob pay someone to do it if I can find one at a reasonable price, otherwise might be fitting myself

 

[Skyliner33]

BAR was fitted today. . . . I've edited above

LINK BACK UP HERE >

Tow-Trust detachable Towbar - "TVW9VK" kit & Wire kit -- How I Done It --

Tow-Trust detachable Towbar - "TVW9VK" kit & Wire kit -- How I Done It -- Here we go, following on from this thread . . . - Towbar recommendations please i though it was time i finaly got around to doing it myself. . . it started with a quote from the main dealers . . . and the...

www.t6forum.com

.

Nice, how did you release the clips at the top on the bumper along the side of the van?

 

[Dellmassive]

How long did it take you to fit it? I might need to get a towbar at some point, will prob pay someone to do it if I can find one at a reasonable price, otherwise might be fitting myself

About 2/3hrs on and off.

That's just the bar... The wire loom is next, thats more involved.

 

[Dellmassive]

Nice, how did you release the clips at the top on the bumper along the side of the van?

Trim tool and gental persuasion.... Just gave it a wiggle, once the two wheel arch liner screws were out it was loose enough to get a trim tool in and start wiggling.

 

[Dellmassive]

Update. . .

The Bar is fitted which is great . . . (I've already smashed my shins on it twice !!)

but the weather has been pants since then, so the loom has not been fitted yet - which is not so great. . .

so in the meantime, i decided to look into the bike carrier side of things.

I've had the rear barn door mounted bike rack on my previous T5.1, - which we had to modify the top brackets to fit around the spoiler. . .

this time, with the T6 i decided to go down the TowBar Cycle carrier route.


.................

i spent a while looking at the options and quickly come to the conclusion that the unit that fitted the bill perfectly was the Thule EasyFold XT 2.

The reasons for this are two fold,

The first reason is that the bike rack would be used (IMHO) fairly infrequently.

so,

that means that if its not on the van . . . . then it needs to be stored somewhere . . . . !! ( the second reason).

- it looks like this unit folds down nice and compact (when not in use and stored in the garage),
- comes with an optional carry bag ( see point one, about being stored in the garage),
- can be quickly taken off and stored in the van whilst out on a ride ( stops the scuzzers from nicking it !)
- comes with the Lights and trailer board + Plate holder already fitted ( keeps you legal - blocking Reg plate & lights)


+++++++++

this is what i went with . .

Thule EasyFold XT 2

https://amzn.to/3v2R2X8

it comes in a 2,3,3+1 bike version - which is nice.



its foldable, so you can drop it down and get in the back you the van . . . well good for tailgates but no good for the barn doors we have.

though im sure it will work fine on the car, as we have a towbar on that too.





it folds nice and compact . . .



you can also get an optional RAMP for those heavy E-bikes. . . . thats forward thinking that.. Thumbs up lads.

( but come on . . . . £57 !! - Really ! thats too much)




and . . .

you can also get a Storage bag too.

i suppose it will help keep the van clean if its been mucky and raining . . . and after a muddy ride. . .

its nice to be able to store the rack in a bag then drop it in the back of the van . .








+++++++


spec wise:

Max number of bikes	2
Load capacity	60 kg
Max bike weight	30 kg
Dimensions	123 x 63 x 68 cm
Folded dimensions	31 x 63 x 68 cm
Weight	17.9 kg
Fits frame dimensions	22-80 mm
Max tire width	3" (With Thule XXL Fatbike Wheel Straps 4.7")
Max wheel size (diameter)	29"
Max wheelbase	1300 mm
Detachable frame holders
Distance between bikes	22 cm
Carbon frame compatible	Adapter/s required Thule Carbon Frame Protector
Wheel mounting on adjustable holders	Pump buckles
Tilt function (with bikes)
Fits cars with exterior spare tyre
Rear lights
Power connector	13-pin
One Key System compatible
Lockable bike-to-rack
Lockable rack-to-vehicle
Colour	Black/Aluminium
Model number	933300

++++++

I ended up getting mine from HALFORDS,

i have a Halfords TRADE card, but also have an AA card.

with the AA Card you get 10% OFF everything at Halfords.. . .

so no messing about . . . . they offered the 10% off for the bike rack and the bag. - Happy days., thats like £65 (ish) quid off.



++++++++++++

i ordered in store . . . . it took a couple of days to arrive.

this is our unit . . . .




and bag . .




we went for the UK, 13pin, 2bike version (933 / 933300)




out the box it looks very smart , all folded up. . . .



from the top veiw you can see how compact it is when folded . .



folding it open . . .




we get this . . .



.

spec plate . .



you get some nice bedtime reading material with it. . .




and the bag . . . . well, its basic but works very well.





Nice . . . its about the size of a suitcase when folded. . .






TBC . . .
.
.

 

[Dellmassive]

Another Gadget added to the arsenal.

Apparently having a tow bar fitted means that it need to be functional and operational - and its an MOT failure if its not.

so . . . better be safe that sorry . . etc etc .

i decided to get a 13pin Trailer Tester to test out the new wire loom when fitted.

i went for the maypole version i the end . . .

+++++

https://amzn.to/3ugKFRd

+++++

• 13 Pin socket
• Suitable for 12 volt vehicles fitted
• Head style: Fixed Square
• 3.5m cable

Product description​

Description 13 Pin towbar socket tester is perfect for checking all electrical circuits are working correctly after installation and before towing. Note all caravan or trailer road lights should also be checked before every journey. Fitted with approx. 3.5m cable to allow testing while seated in the driver s seat Suitable for 12 volt vehicles fitted with a 13 Pin socket Note - circuits 8, 9 and 10 may not be present in all 13 Pin towbar applications Checks for: Left position right position Left indicator right indicator Stop Fog Reverse 12v+ permanent supply 12v+ switched supply.


++++


Not much to be said here really , , you plug it in and it lights up the LEDS

The proper test kit has filament bulbs that load the vans circuits with 21w bulbs, the install guide for the kit even says dont trust a LED tester, make sure its tested using "current carring" test gear.

but for me and my purposes this LED tester will be sufficient.

++++

this is what you get . .

3.5meter cable, with the tester at one and and the 12pin plug at the other. . .




the plug up close . . . . looks like - well a 13pin plug.



the panel read out looks to be simple enough. . .




the back side has the velcro strap attached.





so all and good. . .


ill use this to test the loom install for attaching any trailer or hitch etc.


...






.

 

[Dellmassive]

running the loom and connecting the cables. . .

++++++++++

theres some pics missing . . .?

of running the loom under the van. . . . ill see if i can find them.

+++++++++++


but it started at the seat base . . .

passing the back end of the loom through the floor grommet,

around the AdBlue tank,

along the fuel tank,

along the chassis rail,

over the spare wheel carrier . . . .

and allong the tow bar - leaving enough slack for the socket to move up and down.

...


the grounds were connected to the ground stud below the passenger seat base.

+++

the powers and data`s were passed ender the carpet to the bottom af the A pillar . . .







..

passing the power cables through the bulkhead into the plenum chamber. . .


at this point removing the battery cover, battery and heat shields. . .




.




cutting a V groove in the grommet to allow the cable to pass. . .

it was time to re-fit the battery and clip in the fuse holders and get ready to connect to the battery.




.



next up was getting the data side of the loom over to the BCM under the steering wheel..






.


BCM out it was time to split the connectors.






..


the task was to add a pin,

and remove and re-pin the CAN bus wires . .








next up was to put it back together and connect the battery . . .

the for a quick VCDS session . . .


firing up VCDS i just had about enough laptop battery to add the trailer module in the gateway list . . . . before the laptop died.

 

[Linoleum Bonypart]

Could do with a tow trust bar fitting on mine ….

 

[Dellmassive]

next day was time for a test. . . .

i plugged in the Maypole tester. . .

all the lights lit up. . . . but didn't see any revers lights?

+++


dropping the bike carrier on next had a better result . .





using some cctv i was able to verify that all the lights were working as expected. . .

.........

so it was time for a test drive. . .


i moved the RING door bell from the bulkhead out to the back of the van to see if it would still pick up the wifi signal . .



which it did . . .

so now we have trailer cam . . .



.

.




...





the quick test-drive revealed one issue . . .


that was when in revers the PCD went mad and kept beeping as it was detecting the bike carrier. . . . ???





++++++++++


another quick poke around with VCDS , , ,




i found a reference in the PDC controller about a trailer and hitch.






..


one of the options was " trailer with detachable hitch " so i tried that . . .



BINGO . . .



++++++++


selecting reverse i now had a new graphic showing a trailer . .





and the rear PDC was disabled . . . but the camera come on . .




+++


unplugging the trailer cable put everything back to normal. . .

so all seams well . .

job done. . .



++++



next job will be to get a trailer and some towing training + experience.


Im an old git so i have trailer & caravan + 7.5T on my UK licence.


im up for the trailer tow . . . . but not sure about a caravan yet.


++++++++++++

 

[Linoleum Bonypart]

Filthy head unit …. Fail

 

[Dellmassive]

lol . . . yep. .. sorry.

its a working van, and we been on a dusty building site.

ill get the chief advisor right on it.

Two Happy Male Cleaners Standing Cleaning Stock Photo 299690333 | Shutterstock

Find Two Happy Male Cleaners Standing Cleaning stock images in HD and millions of other royalty-free stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the Shutterstock collection. Thousands of new, high-quality pictures added every day.

www.shutterstock.com