Tow bar fitting, installation

[kjb1]

Hi all.  Well, she has finally convinced me to purchase a.........dare I say it......Caravan???? lol. Deposit down yesterday.

Question, just enquired with local towbar fitters and its a 2 week waiting list for appointment.  with prices at:

£475 fitted detachable car specific wiring etc

£375 fixed car specific wiring etc


Im fairly handy so have been thinking, shall I go for it and just order everything and have a go.  Anyone fitted one? any how to's?

thanks

[graemeX5]

Hi

If you do a quick search I know there was a tow bar installation for the E53 older version not seen one for the e70 though. And I would guess it would be similar in its fitting.

I am not sure but I think the one they fitted to the e53 was a witter type worth having a look at the how to post

Hth

[graemeX5]

Sorry it was a Westfalia kit see link

http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,2357.0.html

Hth

[X5Sport]

Have a look on the PF Jones website and you'll be able to download the fitting instructions for the Westfalia versions (and others).  If you're a competent DIY person and have a decent socket set etc then it's not a difficult job.  The Westfalia is the OEM type fitted at the factory.

The dedicated electrics instructions are on the their site too - 7 & 13-pin.

You do need to cut the rear bumper though.

Richard

[sid10]

some corners shouldnt be cut ! you might regret it when it passes you on the motorway .
  Which caravan did you go for ?

[kjb1]

[quote="sid10"]
some corners shouldnt be cut ! you might regret it when it passes you on the motorway .
  Which caravan did you go for ?
[/quote]

Im not type to cut corners lol! i watched a guy install a tow bar on an e60 of mine and to be fair everything he did I thought I could handle quite easily.

Will have a look on pf jones, and report back

[jagr]

I fitted a Witter detachable tow bar with dedicated electrics to my E83 X3. It is not difficult just set aside a day and take your time.
I did mine in around 2.5 hours.

Just get a torque wrench and you should be fine.

I have now fitted tow bars to the following cars:

B5.5 Passat
B6 Passat
Toyota Hilux
Golf Mk6
Audi A8
BMW X3

I am not a mechanic, I am a computer engineer.
I got fed up paying inflated prices and finding the job wasn't done properly. Too many fitters cut corners.

[BullyB]

[quote="jagr"]
I fitted a Witter detachable tow bar with dedicated electrics to my E83 X3. It is not difficult just set aside a day and take your time.
I did mine in around 2.5 hours.

Just get a torque wrench and you should be fine.

I have now fitted tow bars to the following cars:

B5.5 Passat
B6 Passat
Toyota Hilux
Golf Mk6
Audi A8
BMW X3

I am not a mechanic, I am a computer engineer.
I got fed up paying inflated prices and finding the job wasn't done properly. Too many fitters cut corners.
[/quote]

Can you advise me on the electrics..?
I'm assuming the E70 will need to have a dedicated electrics kit. With a dedicated kit, you don't need a bypass. Can you confirm this is what you needed when fitting your Witter.

I'm considering the PF Jones TBM114DT or the Witter BM29AQ (just for the fact that they are detachable and cheapest).

I don't see fitting being a problem but got a bit confused when I read "most kits require some expertise in fitting and some applications require a download to activated the towing facility"

Ben

[jagr]

[quote="BullyB"]

Can you advise me on the electrics..?
I'm assuming the E70 will need to have a dedicated electrics kit. With a dedicated kit, you don't need a bypass. Can you confirm this is what you needed when fitting your Witter.

I'm considering the PF Jones TBM114DT or the Witter BM29AQ (just for the fact that they are detachable and cheapest).

I don't see fitting being a problem but got a bit confused when I read "most kits require some expertise in fitting and some applications require a download to activated the towing facility"

Ben
[/quote]

I managed to find a used dedicated wiring kit and it was all colour coded.
As our battery is in the boot they are a lot simpler to fit so believe the warning is for cars with the battery under the bonnet.
For instance when I fitted my mates Mk6 golf I had to remove the back seat and the side trim panels (carpet) to run the power cable to the battery and another one to the comfort control unit. That also needed to be activated (luckily I own a vagcom kit so could do it) and VW charge £70-90 depending on dealer.

Mine is an X3 and it did not need any software updates.

[BullyB]

thanks.
I think I should be able to do it

[skyper]

I fitted my own towbar to my E70. I bought the westfalia with the dedicated wiring from PF jones. The biggest job is removing the bumper. You will need to get replacement plastic rivets for inner wings.
                                                  Cheers.

[BullyB]

Thanks, will look at that.

Regarding the electrics, were the instructions ok to follow? Is it all done in the boot?
I got a bit confused when the instructions talked about self levelling suspension.

[kjb1]

by the way to answer question above, we have a 2006 Compass Omega 524, 4 Berth.  End bathroom.  Its a lovely van in great condition.