General Information & Disclaimer
This document provides installation and operating instructions for the Westfalia detachable tow bar system for the Audi Q7.
Westfalia-Automotive GmbH products are manufactured with utmost care. If you find a cause for complaint, please contact your contract partner directly. In this case, it is necessary that you quote the charge number, which can be found on the type plate. Without this information, your complaint cannot be processed.
Approval Details: APPROVAL NO E13 55R-01 3962
Type: 305 437
Class: A 50-X
D-VALUE: D 16.4 kN
MAX. VERT. LOAD: S 140 kg
Parts List
The following parts are included in the kit:
- 1. Receiver
- 2. Ball bar
- 3. Locking balls
- 4.1 Release ball
- 4.2 Release lever
- 5. Handwheel
- 6. Cover
- 7. Key ?
- 8. Red marking (handwheel)
- 9. Green marking (handwheel)
- 10. Green marking (ball bar)
- 11. Symbol (release)
- 12. Plug
- 13. Stop pin
- 14. No gap between 2 and 5
- 15. Gap of approx. 5 mm
(Diagram showing these parts is present in the original document)
Installation Instructions
General Notes:
- National guidelines concerning official approval of auxiliaries must be observed.
- Any alteration or modification of the towing hitch is prohibited and voids the operating licence.
- Remove insulating compound and underbody coating 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 case of vehicles equipped with an acoustic parking system, malfunctions may occur due to parts being in the sensor range. Adjust sensing range or disable parking system.
- The 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 German text of this instruction is binding.
Installation of the Ball Bar:
- Remove the plug (12) from the receiver (1). The ball bar (2) is usually in the unlocked position when removed from the vehicle's boot. This is indicated by a visible gap of approx. 5 mm between the handwheel (5) and the ball bar (2), and the red marking (8) on the handwheel aligned with the green marking (10) on the ball bar. The ball bar can only be inserted in this state.
- If the locking mechanism has been disengaged before installation and the ball bar is in the locked position, it must be pre-tensioned. The locked position is identified by the green marking (9) on the handwheel aligning with the green marking (10) on the ball bar, and the handwheel resting against the ball bar without a gap. To pre-tension: Insert the key (7) ?, open the lock, pull out the handwheel (5) in the direction of arrow 'a', and turn it to the limit stop in the direction of arrow 'b'. The release ball (4.1) is pre-tensioned, and the locking mechanism remains pre-tensioned after releasing the handwheel.
- Install the ball bar (2) with the stop pin (13) by inserting it from below into the receiver (1) and pushing it upwards. The locking operation is performed automatically. Keep hands away from the handwheel as it rotates during locking.
- Close the lock and always remove the key. The key cannot be withdrawn if the lock is open. Press the cover (6) onto the lock.
Removal of the Ball Bar:
- Pull the cover (6) off the lock and press it onto the handle of the key (7). Open the lock with the key.
- Hold the ball bar (2) firmly, pull out the handwheel (5) in the direction of arrow 'a', and turn it in the extracted position to the limit stop in the direction of arrow 'b' to unlock it. Remove the ball bar (2) from the receiver (1). The handwheel can now be released; it automatically engages in the unlocked position.
- Stow the ball bar (2) safely in the boot of the vehicle and protect it against dirt.
- Insert the plug (12) into the receiver (1).
Important Notes:
- Repairs or dismantling of the detachable ball bar should only be carried out by the manufacturer.
- Fix the enclosed information plate to the car close to the receiver or inside the boot where it is clearly visible.
- Always keep the ball bar and the receiver clean to ensure proper operation.
- Ensure regular servicing of the mechanical parts. Treat the lock only with graphite.
- Lubricate bearing points, friction surfaces, and balls with resin-free grease or oil. Lubrication also provides additional protection against corrosion.
- When cleaning the vehicle with a steam jet cleaner, remove the ball bar and insert the plug. The ball bar must not be cleaned with a steam cleaner.
- The detachable ball bar comes with 2 keys. Note and keep the key number ???? for future orders.
Technical Specifications & Usage
Tow Ball Type: 305 437
Vehicle Type: Audi Q7 (4L)
Functional Type: A50-X
Approval: E13 55R-01 3962
D-Value: 16.4 kN
Max. Vertical Load: 140 kg
Towable Mass: Refer to vehicle registration document.
ECE-R 55 Clearance Requirements: Ensure clearance according to appendix 7, figures 25a and 25b of the ECE-R 55 regulations.
Weight Limits (e.g., for bike racks):
- Bike rack 1: max. 60kg
- Bike rack 2: max. 30kg
Torque Specification: M12x1,5x100 → 110 Nm
(Diagrams illustrating clearance requirements and weight limits are present in the original document)
Safety Checks Before Driving
Before each journey, ensure the detachable ball bar is correctly locked by checking the following:
- Green marking on handwheel aligned with green marking on ball bar.
- Handwheel rests against ball bar (no gap).
- Lock is closed and key withdrawn. Handwheel cannot be pulled out.
- 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 any requirement is still not met, do not use the towing device due to the risk of accidents. Contact the manufacturer.
Usage Notes
Mounting/Dismounting: Can be done manually with normal hand force. Never use tools or aids. Never unlock when a trailer or load carrier is attached. When driving without a trailer or load carrier, remove the ball bar and always insert the plug into the receiver. This is important if the ball obstructs the view of the license plate or lights.