Westfalia Tow Bar Installation and Operating Instructions for Subaru Legacy Stationwagon (2009-)

Product Information

Brand: Westfalia

Product: Tow Bar (Dragkrok)

Vehicle: Subaru Legacy Stationwagon (Stw.)

Model Year: 10/2009 onwards

Part Numbers: 38.0218, 38.9218

This document provides installation and operating instructions in multiple languages, with English as the primary reference.

Technical Specifications

General Installation Guidelines and Safety Warnings

Important: Always adhere to national guidelines regarding the installation and approval of towing devices.

• Any modification or conversion of the tow bar is strictly prohibited and will void the type approval.
• Remove any insulating material or underbody coating from the vehicle's mounting surfaces where the tow bar will be attached.
• The tow bar is designed exclusively for towing trailers and for the use of load carriers. Any other application is forbidden.
• The tow bar is a safety-critical component. Installation must be performed only by qualified technicians. Incorrect installation can lead to a serious accident hazard.
• Parking Assistance Systems: Vehicles equipped with parking assistance systems may experience malfunctions after tow bar installation if components (e.g., the ball neck or coupling ball) are within the sensor's detection range. In such cases, the sensor range must be adjusted, or the parking assistance system deactivated. This is less likely to occur with removable or pivoting ball tow bars when the ball is not in the operating position.

The Swedish text in this manual is considered binding.

Installation Steps

The following describes the general installation process based on the provided diagrams. Specific details regarding bolt types, sizes, and torque settings are crucial for correct installation.

Step 1: Preparation and Bumper Modification

Diagrams (Pages 5, 6, 7, 8) show the initial steps involving accessing the vehicle's rear, potentially removing bumper sections or underbody panels. A template (Page 9) is provided for accurately cutting away a section of the vehicle's bumper to accommodate the tow bar assembly. The template includes dimensions and outlines for the required cut.

• Refer to the template on Page 9 for precise bumper cut-out dimensions.
• Remove any necessary vehicle body panels or underbody protection to access mounting points.

Step 2: Mounting the Tow Bar Frame

Diagrams (Pages 5, 6, 7, 8) illustrate the attachment of the main tow bar structure to the vehicle's chassis. Specific mounting points on the vehicle frame are used.

• Attach the tow bar frame to the designated mounting points on the vehicle chassis.
• Use the specified hardware, including bolts (e.g., M10, M12, M16) and washers (e.g., 13x24x2).
• Ensure all bolts are tightened to the correct torque specifications:
  • M10 bolts: 48 Nm
  • M12 bolts: 83 Nm
  • M16 bolts: 200 Nm
• Specific part numbers for fasteners are shown in the diagrams, such as M12x40, M12.lock, M6MH.M10x1,25.

Step 3: Final Assembly and Checks

Diagrams show the final assembly of the tow ball mechanism and checks for clearance.

• Assemble the tow ball mechanism as per the diagrams.
• Ensure the required clearance around the tow bar and ball is maintained, as specified by the 94/20/EC directive (refer to diagram on Page 3).
• A "Declaration of Correct Assembly" is included, which should be completed by the installer, confirming proper mounting and that the vehicle user has been informed about the use and maintenance of the device.

Operating Instructions

The tow bar is designed for towing trailers and for carrying loads. Ensure that the towing capacity (R-Value) and vertical load (S-Value) are not exceeded.

Maintenance: Regular checks of the tow bar and its components are recommended.

Initial Checks: After 0 km ✔️ and again after 1000 km ✔️, check all bolts for tightness.

Towing Limits: Ensure the vehicle's towing capacity and the tow bar's capacity are respected. The maximum towing weight (R) is 1800 kg, and the maximum vertical load (S) is 80 kg.