GDW Tow Bar Mounting Instructions for Renault Koleos (09/17-)

General Information and Important Advice

This document provides mounting instructions and important advice for installing a GDW tow bar on a Renault Koleos vehicle (model year 09/17 onwards). Please read all instructions carefully before proceeding with the installation.

General Instructions & Advice

• Before starting, inspect the tow bar for any transport damage and verify it is the correct reference for your vehicle.
• Read and follow all mounting instructions precisely.
• Present the tow bar under the vehicle before drilling or making any permanent attachments to ensure correct positioning.
• If drilling is required, check for and avoid damaging any electrical wiring, brake lines, or other vehicle components. Remove any soundproofing or bitumen layers from drilled areas and treat the holes with an anti-corrosive product.
• If the vehicle is equipped with non-standard bumpers (e.g., special series, sport kits, tuning parts), consult GDW technical service before installation, as modifications may be necessary or the tow bar may not fit.
• The tow bar is often delivered assembled for storage; disassemble parts as needed for installation.

Guarantee and Maintenance

• To determine your vehicle's maximum towing weight, refer to the Certificate of Conformity (COC) or contact your vehicle dealer. Do not exceed the tow bar's specified technical limits.
• The tow bar must be checked after the first 1,000 km of use and at least once annually.
• Check and retighten all bolts if necessary.
• Repair any damage to the paint finish.
• Replace any components that have been damaged due to accidents or impacts.
• Grease the internal parts of detachable tow bar systems regularly.
• If the tow ball obstructs the license plate or fog light, it must be removed when not in use.

Technical Specifications

Towing Capacity Calculation:

D = (Max. trailer weight in kg) x (Max. trailer weight in kg) x 0.00981 ≤ 10.85 kN

S = (Max. towing weight in kg) + (Max. towing weight in kg) = 100 kg (for this vehicle) = 2100 kg (for this vehicle)

Note: Always refer to your vehicle's COC for exact towing weights.

Clearance Requirements (Regulation No. 55)

Ensure the clearance complies with Appendix VII, diagram 25 (a,b) of regulation No. 55. Specific dimensions are provided in diagrams, indicating minimum and maximum clearances for various angles and distances (e.g., 32mm min, 100mm max, 45 degrees, etc.).

These clearances are critical for the safe operation of the tow bar and trailer combination.

Mounting Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for the installation of the GDW tow bar on your Renault Koleos.

Step 1: Preparation

Access the rear of the vehicle. Use a torque wrench set to 10 Nm. Diagram shows a torque wrench and a socket.

Step 2: Wheel Arch Liner Removal

Remove screws (TX20) from the inner wheel arch liners on both sides of the rear bumper. Diagram shows a Torx 20 bit and the location of screws in the wheel arch.

Step 3: Bumper Removal

Carefully remove the rear bumper. This may involve releasing clips or fasteners. Diagram shows arrows indicating the bumper being pulled away from the vehicle.

Step 4: Bumper Mounting Points

Remove any existing bumper mounting points or brackets that may interfere with the tow bar installation. Diagram shows the rear of the vehicle with arrows pointing to areas where fasteners might be removed.

Step 5: Accessing Chassis Mounting Points (Left Side)

Access the mounting points on the left side of the vehicle's chassis, likely behind the bumper or within the wheel arch area. Diagram shows the left rear wheel arch area with arrows indicating access points.

Step 6: Accessing Chassis Mounting Points (Right Side)

Access the mounting points on the right side of the vehicle's chassis. Diagram shows the right rear wheel arch area with arrows indicating access points.

Step 7: Taillight Removal

Remove the rear taillight assemblies from both sides of the vehicle to gain access to further mounting points. Diagram shows the rear of the vehicle with arrows indicating the taillights being pulled outwards.

Step 8: Accessing Mounting Points Behind Taillights

Access the mounting points located behind the removed taillight assemblies. Diagram shows the area behind the taillights with arrows indicating access to mounting holes.

Step 9: Bumper Trim Removal

Remove any necessary bumper trim pieces to facilitate the tow bar installation. Diagram shows the rear bumper with arrows indicating trim removal.

Step 10: Bumper Removal (Continued)

Further steps for bumper removal or manipulation may be required. Diagram shows the rear bumper with arrows indicating removal or adjustment.

Step 11: Attaching Left Chassis Bracket

Attach the left chassis bracket (part 3) to the vehicle's frame using bolts (7), washers (8), and nuts (9). Tighten to a torque of 93.0 Nm. Diagram shows bracket 3 being attached to the chassis with hardware 7, 8, 9 and a torque wrench.

Step 12: Attaching Right Chassis Bracket

Attach the right chassis bracket (part 5) to the vehicle's frame using bolts (7), washers (8), and nuts (6). Diagram shows bracket 5 being attached to the chassis with hardware 7, 8, 6.

Step 13: Bumper/Liner Modification

Cut or trim a section of the bumper or wheel arch liner as indicated. Diagram shows a cutting tool (jigsaw) and a marked area on a liner.

Step 14: Measurement

Measure a specific distance, indicated as 20mm, on the bumper or chassis. Diagram shows a measurement of 20mm on a vehicle part.

Step 15: Main Tow Bar Bracket Installation (Left)

Attach the main tow bar bracket (part 4) to the vehicle's chassis using bolts (7), washers (8), and nuts (9). Tighten to a torque of 93.0 Nm. Diagram shows bracket 4 being attached to the chassis with hardware 7, 8, 9 and a torque wrench.

Step 16: Tow Bar Assembly Attachment (Left)

Attach a tow bar support bracket (part 2) to the vehicle's chassis using bolts (7), washers (8), nuts (10), and washers (9). Tighten to a torque of 93.0 Nm. Diagram shows bracket 2 being attached to the chassis with hardware 7, 8, 10, 9 and a torque wrench.

Step 17: Tow Bar Assembly Attachment (Right)

Attach the main tow bar bracket (part 4) to the vehicle's chassis using bolts (7), washers (8), and nuts (9). Tighten to a torque of 93.0 Nm. Diagram shows bracket 4 being attached to the chassis with hardware 7, 8, 9 and a torque wrench.

Step 18: Tow Bar Assembly Attachment (Right Support)

Attach a tow bar support bracket (part 2) to the vehicle's chassis using bolts (7), washers (8), nuts (10), and washers (9). Tighten to a torque of 93.0 Nm. Diagram shows bracket 2 being attached to the chassis with hardware 7, 8, 10, 9 and a torque wrench.

Step 19: Sliding Tow Bar Assembly into Place

Slide the main tow bar assembly (part 1) into its final position, aligning it with the mounting brackets. Diagram shows the tow bar assembly being slid into place from the rear.

Step 20: Securing Tow Bar Assembly

Secure the tow bar assembly (part 1) to the chassis brackets using bolts (7), washers (8), nuts (6), and nuts (10). Tighten to a torque of 93.0 Nm. Diagram shows the tow bar assembly being secured with hardware 7, 8, 6, 10 and a torque wrench.

Step 21: Bumper Clearance Cut

Make a cut in the rear bumper to provide clearance for the tow bar mechanism. Dimensions 90mm, 195mm, and 45mm are indicated. Diagram shows the rear bumper with a cut-out section and specific dimensions.

Step 22: Detachable Tow Ball Assembly

Assemble the detachable tow ball mechanism. This involves fitting parts A, B, C, D, E, F, and G using specific bolts and nuts. Tighten part G to 2.0 Nm. Diagram shows the assembly of the detachable tow ball head with various components and fasteners.

• Part A: Tow ball receiver (GDW REF. 908.090)
• Part B: Locking mechanism (DIN985-M6)
• Part C: Nylon washer (x2) (6.2 x 15.4 x 1.6)
• Part D: GDW REF. 718.16.002
• Part E: GDW REF. 718.16.003
• Part F: GDW REF. 908.094
• Part G: Bolt (DIN933-M6 x 30)

Step 23: Reattaching Bumper

Reinstall the rear bumper onto the vehicle. Diagram shows the bumper being attached back to the vehicle.

Step 24: Reattaching Taillights

Reinstall the rear taillight assemblies. Diagram shows the taillights being reinserted into the vehicle.

Step 25: Attaching Tow Ball to Mechanism

Attach the tow ball (part a) to the detachable mechanism (B, C, D, E) using bolts (b), washers (c), lock washers (d), and nuts (e). Tighten to a torque of 93.0 Nm. Diagram shows the tow ball being attached to the mechanism with specific hardware and a torque wrench.

• Part a: Tow ball (GDW REF. 2251T60)
• Part b: Bolt (DIN931-M12x110) (x3)
• Part c: Washer (DIN125A-M12) (x6)
• Part d: Lock washer (DIN128A-M12) (x3)
• Part e: Nut (DIN934-M12) (x3)

Step 26: Inserting Tow Ball

Insert the assembled detachable tow ball into the tow bar receiver and lock it in place. Diagram shows the tow ball being inserted and locked into the tow bar receiver.

Final Checks and Usage

Ensure all bolts are tightened to the specified torque. Verify that the tow bar operates correctly and that the tow ball can be securely attached and detached.

Always adhere to the vehicle's maximum towing capacity and the tow bar's specifications.