Westfalia Automotive Tow Bar Installation and Operating Instructions

General Warnings and Guidelines

National guidelines concerning official approval of auxiliaries must be observed.

Any alteration and/or conversion of the tow bar is prohibited and will result in the cancellation of the type approval.

Remove the insulating compound and underbody coating - if there is any - from the area around the contact surface of the trailer hitch.

The trailer hitch is intended for towing trailers and for attaching devices for carrying loads. Any other use is prohibited.

In the case of vehicles equipped with an acoustic parking system, malfunctions may occur after mounting the trailer hitch due to parts (e.g. the bar or the ball) may be in the sensor range. In this case, adjust the sensing range or disable the acoustic parking system. If using trailer hitches with removable or pivoting ball tow bars, the acoustic parking system should function normally when the ball tow bar is not in the operating position.

A trailer hitch is a safety-critical part and may be fitted only by qualified companies. Improper assembly may result in a serious accident hazard! The Swedish text of this instruction is binding.

The towing device has withstood test forces equivalent to 2540kg, the total weight of the vehicle to be towed, as required according to EU 1005/2010, Annex II, Paragraph 1.2.1.

Subject to change.

Parts List

Installation Steps

Step 01: Access the rear of the vehicle, typically by opening the tailgate. Locate the mounting points on the vehicle's chassis.

Step 02: Mark and potentially drill holes in the vehicle's chassis or bumper structure as indicated in the diagrams. Ensure correct placement.

Step 03: Attach the main tow bar frame to the vehicle's chassis using the provided mounting hardware. Hand-tighten initially.

Step 04: Install any side brackets or support arms to the vehicle and the tow bar frame.

Step 05: Secure all mounting points with the specified bolts and nuts. Tighten bolts to the recommended torque specifications (e.g., M12 → 83Nm, M10 → 48Nm, M8 → 24Nm).

Step 06: If required, cut the bumper or bumper cover to accommodate the tow bar mechanism. Refer to specific vehicle instructions for precise cutting lines and dimensions (e.g., 80mm height, 104mm depth, 310mm width).

Step 07: Install the tow ball assembly onto the tow bar frame.

Step 08: Reassemble any removed bumper components.

Technical Specifications and Clearance

Clearance Space Requirements: Ensure adequate clearance as per ECE-R 55 regulations, Appendix 7, Figures 25a and 25b. This typically involves minimum distances from the ground and vehicle edges.

Vehicle Weight Ratings:

• D-Value: The D-value is a measure of the towing capacity and is calculated based on the vehicle's and trailer's maximum masses. For this tow bar, it is 11.90 kN.
• S-Value (Vertical Load): Maximum vertical load on the tow ball is 100 kg.
• Towing Capacity: The maximum towing mass is determined by the vehicle's registration documents.

Torque Specifications:

• M12 bolts: 83 Nm
• M10 bolts: 48 Nm
• M8 bolts: 24 Nm

Operation of Detachable Ball Bar

Before each journey, check the following points to ensure correct locking:

• The green marking on the handwheel aligns with the green marking on the ball bar.
• The handwheel rests against the ball bar with no gap.
• The lock is closed, the key is withdrawn, and the handwheel cannot be pulled out.
• The ball bar is fully inserted into the receiver and is tight (check by shaking).

If any of these checks are not satisfactory, repeat the installation procedure. If the requirements are still not met, do not use the device and contact the manufacturer.

Mounting the Detachable Ball Bar:

1. Remove the plug from the receiver. The ball bar is usually in the unlocked position when removed from the boot. This is indicated by a gap of approximately 5 mm between the handwheel and the ball bar, and the red marking on the handwheel pointing towards the green marking on the ball bar. The ball bar can only be inserted in this state.
2. If the locking mechanism was accidentally released before mounting, pre-tension it. The locked position is identified by the green markings aligning and the handwheel fitting snugly against the ball bar. To pre-tension: Insert the key, open the lock, pull the handwheel out (arrow 'a'), and turn it to the stop (arrow 'b'). The release ball is pre-tensioned, and the locking mechanism remains pre-tensioned after releasing the handwheel.
3. Insert the ball bar from below into the receiver with the stop pin and push upwards. The locking operation is automatic. Keep hands away from the handwheel as it rotates during locking.
4. Close the lock and always remove the key. The key cannot be removed if the lock is open. Press the cover onto the lock.

Dismounting the Detachable Ball Bar:

1. Pull the cover off the lock and press it onto the key handle. Open the lock with the key.
2. Hold the ball bar, pull the handwheel out (arrow 'a'), and turn it to the stop (arrow 'b') to unlock it.
3. Remove the ball bar from the receiver. The handwheel will then automatically engage in the unlocked position.
4. Store the ball bar safely in the boot, protected from dirt.
5. Insert the plug into the receiver.

Maintenance Notes:

• Repairs and dismantling should only be carried out by the manufacturer.
• Affix the provided warning label visibly near the receiver or inside the boot.
• Keep the ball bar and receiver clean for proper operation.
• Regularly service mechanical parts. Treat the lock only with graphite.
• Lubricate bearing points, sliding surfaces, and balls with resin-free grease or oil.
• Remove the ball bar and insert the plug before cleaning the vehicle with a steam jet cleaner.

Important: Two keys are supplied with the detachable ball bar. Note the key number ???? for future orders.