Westfalia Automotive

Technical Specifications & Approvals

Approval Number: e13 00 00-1171

Type: 303 186

Vertical Load (Vert. LD): 11,4 kN

D-Value: 90 kg

Coupling Class: A50-X

Charge Number: (Located on type plate)

General Information & Safety

Our products are manufactured with utmost care. If you find a cause for complaint, please contact your contract partner directly and quote the charge number found on the type plate. Without this information, your complaint cannot be processed.

Additional Parts: For BMW vehicles, additional parts 7 063 431 and 7 063 432 must be ordered. For vehicles without a spare wheel, Westfalia part 903 186 631 101 is also required.

Guidelines: National guidelines concerning official approval of auxiliaries must be observed.

Prohibitions: Any alteration or modification of the towing hitch is prohibited and voids the operating licence. Use of the trailer hitch for purposes other than intended (towing trailers, carrying loads) is prohibited.

Vehicle Preparation: Remove insulating compound and underbody coating from the area around the contact surface of the trailer hitch.

Parking Assist: Vehicles equipped with acoustic parking systems may experience malfunctions if parts of the tow bar (bar or ball) are within the sensor range. Adjust the sensing range or disable the parking system if necessary. Removable or pivoting ball tow bars are less likely to cause issues.

Safety: The trailer hitch is a safety-critical part and must only be fitted by qualified companies. Improper assembly can lead to serious accident hazards. The German text of this instruction is binding. Subject to change.

Detachable Ball Bar Operation

Before each journey, ensure correct locking by checking the following:

• The green marking on the handwheel aligns with the green area on the ball bar.
• The handwheel rests against the ball bar with no gap.
• The lock is closed and the key is withdrawn; the handwheel cannot be pulled out.
• The 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. Do not use the towing device if any requirement is not met, as this poses an accident risk. Contact the manufacturer.

The ball bar can be easily installed and removed with normal hand force. Never use aids or tools, as they can damage the mechanism. Never unlock when a trailer or load carrier is attached.

When driving without a trailer or load carrier, always remove the ball bar and insert the plug into the receiver. This is crucial if the ball obstructs the view of the license plate or lights.

Installation of the Ball Bar

Steps:

1. Remove the plug from the receiver. The ball bar is typically in the unlocked position (visible gap, red marking on handwheel aligned with green marking on ball bar). Note: The ball bar can only be inserted in this unlocked state. If the locking mechanism has been disengaged, pre-tension it by inserting the key, opening the lock, pulling the handwheel in direction 'a', and turning it to the stop in direction 'b'. The release ball is pre-tensioned, and the mechanism remains pre-tensioned after releasing the handwheel.
2. Install the ball bar by inserting the stop pin into the receiver and pushing it upwards. The locking operation is automatic. Keep hands away from the handwheel as it rotates during locking.
3. Close the lock and always remove the key. The key cannot be withdrawn if the lock is open. Press the cover onto the lock.

Removal of the Ball Bar

1. Pull the cover off the lock and press it onto the key handle. Open the lock with the key.
2. Hold the ball bar, extract the handwheel in direction 'a', and turn it to the stop in direction 'b' to unlock it in the extracted position. Remove the ball bar from the receiver. The handwheel will then release and automatically engage in the unlocked position.
3. Stow the ball bar safely in the boot, protected from dirt.
4. Insert the plug into the receiver.

Maintenance & Notes

Repairs: Any repairs or dismantling should only be carried out by the manufacturer.

Information Plate: Fix the enclosed warning plate visibly near the receiver or inside the boot.

Cleanliness: Always keep the ball bar and receiver clean for proper operation.

Servicing: Regularly service the mechanical parts. Treat the lock only with graphite. Lubricate bearing points, friction surfaces, and balls with resin-free grease or oil for corrosion protection.

Cleaning: When cleaning the vehicle with a steam cleaner, remove the ball bar and insert the plug. Do not clean the ball bar with a steam cleaner.

Important: The detachable ball bar comes with 2 keys. Note and keep the key number (????) for future orders.

Diagram Descriptions

Assembly Overview: A diagram shows the main components of the tow bar system, including the receiver, ball bar, locking balls, handwheel, and key.

Installation Steps: Diagrams illustrate the process of bumper removal, frame preparation, mounting the tow bar, and tightening bolts to specific torque values (e.g., M10 → 55Nm).

Ball Bar Mechanism: Detailed views show the detachable ball bar in locked (ready for use) and unlocked (removed) positions, illustrating the locking balls, release lever, handwheel, and key mechanism.

Clearance Requirements: Diagrams specify required clearances and angles, such as minimum distances and maximum angles, often referencing European directives (e.g., 94/20/EC).

Vehicle Specifics: Illustrations show how to handle vehicles with and without spare wheels, indicating the relevant part numbers.

Weight Limits: Diagrams indicate load limits for carrying bicycles on the tow bar (e.g., max. 60kg, max. 30kg) and general vehicle weight specifications.