WESTFALIA Tow Bar Installation and Operating Manual

Model: 317 102

Part Number: 317 102 691 101 - 002

Approval No: e13 00-3142

Manufacturer: WESTFALIA-Automotive GmbH

Compatible Vehicles: Skoda Octavia II (01/05 onwards), Skoda Superb II (06/08 onwards)

Important Safety Information

General Warnings

National guidelines concerning official approval of auxiliaries must be observed. Any modifications or alterations to the tow bar are forbidden and will void the operating license. Remove insulating compound or underbody coating from the vehicle in the area of the tow bar's contact surfaces, if present. The tow bar is intended for towing trailers and for attaching devices for carrying loads. Any other use is prohibited. The tow bar is a safety-critical part and may only be fitted by qualified companies. Improper assembly may result in a serious accident hazard. The German text of these instructions is binding. Subject to change.

Parking Aid Systems

In the case of vehicles equipped with an acoustic parking system, malfunctions may occur after mounting the tow bar due to parts (e.g., the ball bar or the coupling ball) potentially being in the sensors' detection range. In this case, the detection range should be adjusted or the acoustic parking system deactivated. If using tow bars with detachable or pivoting ball bars, malfunctions of the parking aid system are unlikely when the ball bar is not in the operating position.

Technical Specifications

Diagram showing measurement points and weight limits for tow ball installation. Key dimensions include maximum ball diameter of 49mm. Weight limits indicated are 21.5kg for horizontal load, 60kg for vertical load (S), and 30kg for other loads.

Diagram illustrating clearance requirements and angles for tow bar installation, referencing EU Directive 94/20/EC. Shows various angle specifications (e.g., max. 45°, min. 65°) and linear dimensions (e.g., min. 140mm), with notes on dependency on vehicle GVWR.

Installation Instructions

The tow bar must be installed by a specialist company.

General Installation Steps

1. Prepare the vehicle chassis: Remove any insulating compound or underbody coating from the vehicle in the area of the tow bar's contact surfaces.
2. Attach the tow bar to the vehicle chassis using the specified bolts and washers (e.g., M10x35). Tighten to 55Nm. Note: Specific mounting points and hardware may vary slightly between vehicle models (e.g., Octavia vs. Superb).
3. Secure the tow bar assembly.
4. Check all connections are tight.
5. Connect the electrical wiring harness (details not provided in this excerpt).
6. Final mounting of tow bar components, ensuring specified torque (e.g., M10x35, 55Nm) is applied.
7. Refer to specific vehicle diagrams for precise fitment details.
8. Perform a final check of all installed components.

Diagrams showing the step-by-step installation process of the tow bar onto Skoda Octavia and Superb vehicles, detailing specific parts, hardware (e.g., M10x35 bolts), and torque specifications (55Nm).

Operation of Detachable Tow Ball

Before Each Journey Check

Ensure the following conditions are met for correct locking of the detachable tow ball:

• The green marking on the handwheel aligns with the green marking on the tow ball.
• The handwheel is flush against the tow ball (no gap).
• The lock is closed, and the key is withdrawn.
• The handwheel cannot be pulled out.
• The tow ball must be firmly seated in the receiver tube. Check by shaking.

If any of these 4 checks are not satisfactory, repeat the installation. If still not satisfactory, do not use the tow bar as there is a risk of accidents.

General Operation Notes

Installation and removal of the tow ball can be done with normal hand force. Never use tools or aids that could damage the mechanism. Never unlock the tow ball when a trailer or load carrier is attached. When driving without a trailer or load carrier, the tow ball must be removed and the plug inserted into the receiver tube. This is especially important if the ball obstructs the view of the license plate or lights.

Parts Identification

The detachable tow ball system includes:

• Receiver Tube (1)
• Tow Ball (2)
• Locking Balls (3)
• Release Ball (4)
• Handwheel (5)
• Cover (6)
• Key (7)
• Red Marking (handwheel) (8)
• Green Marking (handwheel) (9)
• Green Marking (tow ball) (10)
• Symbol (release) (11)
• Plug (12)
• Stop Pin (13)
• Indication: No gap between 2 and 5 (14)
• Indication: Gap of approx. 5 mm (15)

Locking Mechanism States

Locked Position (Operating Condition): Handwheel flush with tow ball, green markings aligned, lock closed.

Unlocked Position (Tow Ball Not Mounted): Handwheel pulled out, green markings misaligned, lock open.

Installation of the Detachable Tow Ball

1. Remove the plug from the receiver tube. Ensure the tow ball is in the unlocked position (approx. 5mm gap between handwheel and ball, red marking on handwheel points to green marking on ball). If the locking mechanism is engaged, pre-tension it: insert key, open lock, pull handwheel (arrow a), and turn to stop (arrow b).
2. Insert the tow ball with the stop pin into the receiver tube from below and push upwards. The locking process occurs automatically. Keep hands away from the handwheel as it rotates during locking.
3. Close the lock and always remove the key. Press the cover onto the lock.

Removal of the Detachable Tow Ball

1. Pull the cover off the lock and press it onto the handle of the key. Open the lock with the key.
2. Hold the tow ball firmly. Pull out the handwheel (arrow a) and turn it to the stop (arrow b) to unlock in the extracted position. Remove the tow ball from the receiver tube. Release the handwheel; it will automatically lock in the unlocked position.
3. Stow the tow ball safely and protected from dirt in the boot of the vehicle.
4. Insert the plug into the receiver tube.

Maintenance and Care

Repairs and dismantling of the detachable tow ball must only be carried out by the manufacturer. Attach the provided information plate to the vehicle in a visible location near the receiver tube or inside the boot. To ensure proper function, the tow ball and receiver tube must always be kept clean. Regular maintenance of the mechanical parts is essential. Treat the lock only with graphite. Lubricate bearing points, sliding surfaces, and balls regularly with resin-free grease or oil. Greasing and oiling also provide additional corrosion protection. When cleaning the vehicle with a steam jet, the tow ball must be removed and the plug inserted. The tow ball must not be steam-jet cleaned.

Important Note on Keys

Two keys are supplied with the detachable tow ball. Note and keep the key number ???? for possible reorders.