General Advice and Information
Fitting / Montage
- Before starting, check the tow bar for transport damage and ensure it is the correct reference for the vehicle.
- Read and follow all fitting instructions carefully and precisely.
- Present the tow bar under the vehicle before performing the final mounting.
- When drilling holes, ensure no wires or brake lines are damaged. Remove any soundproofing or bitumen layers. Treat drilled holes and bodywork 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 fitting, as the tow bar may not be compatible.
- The tow bar delivered is often assembled for storage purposes; disassemble parts as necessary for fitting.
Guarantee / Garantie
- To determine your vehicle's correct towing weight, refer to the Certificate of Conformity (COC) or contact your dealer. Do not exceed the tow bar's specifications.
- 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 an accident or collision.
- Lubricate the internal parts of detachable tow bar systems.
Use / Gebrauch / Utilisation
- If the towing ball obstructs the license plate or the fog light, it must be removed when the trailer is not connected.
Technical Specifications and Homologation
Homologation
EC Approval No.: 55R-011372
Towing Capacity
Refer to your vehicle's Certificate of Conformity (COC) or contact your dealer to verify the maximum trailer weight your car can tow.
- D-Value: 5.90 kN (calculated as max kg * max kg * 0.00981)
- S-Value (Vertical Load): 70 kg (maximum)
- Maximum Trailer Weight: 1100 kg
Tools Required
The following tools are typically required:
- Wrench size 17
- Wrench size 19
- Drill with a 10.5 mm bit
Installation Steps
Follow these steps carefully for the correct installation of the GDW tow bar.
Step 1: Access Rear Compartment
Open the vehicle's tailgate. Remove the lower rear trim panel on the right side of the trunk area to access the mounting points. [Diagram shows opening tailgate and removing a panel.]
Step 2: Locate Mounting Points
Identify the designated mounting points on the vehicle's chassis, typically located on the frame rails near the exhaust system. [Diagram shows the underside of the car near the rear wheel and exhaust.]
Step 3: Interior Trim Removal
Remove the interior trim panel on the right side of the trunk to gain full access to the chassis mounting points. [Diagram shows a hand pulling a trim panel.]
Step 4: Identify Chassis Holes
Locate the pre-drilled holes or marked areas on the vehicle's chassis that correspond to the tow bar mounting brackets. [Diagram shows chassis with marked points.]
Step 5: Drill Right Side Holes
Drill holes of Ø 10.5 mm at the marked locations on the right side of the vehicle's chassis. [Diagram shows a drill bit and the car chassis.]
Step 6: Drill Left Side Holes
Drill holes of Ø 10.5 mm at the marked locations on the left side of the vehicle's chassis. [Diagram shows a drill bit and the car chassis.]
Step 7: Position Tow Bar Assembly
Position the main tow bar structure (parts 5, 6, 10, 11) under the vehicle, aligning it with the drilled holes on the chassis. [Diagram shows the tow bar assembly being positioned.]
Step 8: Initial Attachment
Attach the tow bar assembly to the vehicle chassis using the provided bolts (1, 2, 3, 4) and corresponding nuts/washers (7, 8, 9). Do not fully tighten yet.
Step 9: Secure Bracket 4
Secure bracket 4 to the chassis using the appropriate fasteners. [Diagram shows bracket 4 being attached.]
Step 10: Attach Main Beam
Attach the main tow bar beam (part 10) to the chassis brackets using bolts (10). [Diagram shows beam 10 being attached.]
Step 11: Mount Bracket 2
Mount bracket 2 to the chassis using bolts 7, 8, 9. [Diagram shows bracket 2 and fasteners.]
Step 12: Attach Beam to Brackets
Attach the main tow bar beam (part 10) to the chassis brackets using bolts (10). [Diagram shows beam 10 being attached.]
Step 13: Secure Bracket 7
Secure bracket 7 to the chassis using the appropriate fasteners. [Diagram shows bracket 7 and fasteners.]
Step 14: Attach Bracket 8
Attach bracket 8 to the chassis using the appropriate fasteners. [Diagram shows bracket 8 and fasteners.]
Step 15: Final Tow Bar Mounting
Mount the complete tow bar assembly to the vehicle chassis, ensuring all brackets are correctly aligned. [Diagram shows the assembled tow bar being attached.]
Step 16: Tighten Main Bolts
Secure the tow bar structure to the chassis using bolts (10, 12) and washers (7, 8, 9). Tighten these bolts to a torque of 54.0 Nm. [Diagram shows bolts, washers, and torque wrench.]
Step 17: Final Torque Check
Perform the final tightening of the main mounting bolts (A) to a torque of 54.0 Nm. [Diagram shows torque wrench and bolts.]
Step 18: Assemble Detachable Ball
Assemble the detachable tow ball (A) with its components (B, C, D, -P). Tighten bolts (B) to a torque of 93.0 Nm. [Diagram shows detachable ball assembly.]
Step 19: Storage
Store the detachable tow ball and any necessary tools in the vehicle's designated storage compartment. [Diagram shows tools and tow ball in a storage area.]
Clearance Requirements
The installation must ensure clearances comply with Appendix VII, diagram 25 (a,b) of regulation nr. 55. This includes maintaining specific minimum clearances around the tow ball, such as 32mm, 55mm, 100mm, and 140mm, and respecting maximum angles of 45°, 30°, and 15°.
Vehicle Weight Considerations
Always consider the permissible total weight of the vehicle when towing. Refer to your vehicle's documentation for specific limits.
