Westfalia 345 028 Detachable Tow Bar

Introduction and General Information

This document provides instructions for the Westfalia 345 028 detachable tow bar. It is designed for towing trailers and load carriers and is compatible with Kia Cee'd (ED), Kia Pro Cee'd, and Hyundai i30 vehicles.

Manufacturer: Westfalia-Automotive GmbH

Model: 345 028

Part Number: 314 257

Technical Specifications:

• D-VALUE: 8.6 kN
• VERTICAL LOAD (S): 75 kg
• COUPLING CLASS: A 50-X
• Homologation: e13*94/20*00*2596

The installation must comply with national regulations and directives (e.g., EU Directive 94/20/EC regarding clearance requirements).

Important Safety Precautions

General Safety:

• Always observe national guidelines concerning official approval and installation.
• Any alteration or conversion of the tow bar is prohibited and will result in the cancellation of the type approval.
• Remove insulating compound or underseal from the vehicle's mating surfaces before installation.
• The tow bar is designed for towing trailers with ball couplings and for use with approved load carriers. Any other use is prohibited.
• Parking Distance Control (PDC): Vehicles equipped with PDC systems may experience malfunctions after tow bar installation if parts of the tow bar are within the sensor's detection area. Adjust the detection area or deactivate PDC if necessary.
• Risk of Accidents: The towing device must not be used if any of the locking requirements are not met. Contact the manufacturer immediately if this occurs.
• Never unlock the mechanism when a trailer is attached or a load carrier is mounted.
• 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.
• Keep the ball bar and receiver clean at all times to ensure proper operation.
• Regular maintenance of the mechanical parts is essential. Treat the lock only with graphite. Lubricate bearing points, sliding surfaces, and balls with resin-free grease or oil.
• 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.
• Keys: Two keys are supplied with the detachable ball bar. Note the key number for future reference.

Detachable Ball Bar Operation and Installation

The detachable ball bar must be correctly locked before every journey. Check the following points:

• Green Marking Alignment: The green marking on the handwheel must align with the green marking on the ball bar.
• Handwheel Flush: The handwheel must sit flush against the ball bar with no gap.
• Lock Status: The lock must be closed, and the key withdrawn. The handwheel cannot be pulled out.
• Secure Fit: The ball bar must be firmly inserted into the receiver. Check by shaking it.

If any of these four checks are not satisfactory, repeat the installation procedure. If the issue persists, contact the manufacturer.

Parts of the Detachable Ball Bar:

The detachable ball bar assembly typically includes:

• 1. Receiver (mounting tube)
• 2. Ball Bar
• 3. Locking Balls
• 4. Release Lever
• 5. Handwheel
• 6. Cover/Cap
• 7. Key
• 8. Red Marking (on handwheel)
• 9. Green Marking (on handwheel)
• 10. Green Marking (on ball bar)
• 11. Symbol (for release)
• 12. Plug (for receiver)
• 13. Stop Pin / Insert Bolt
• 14. Indicator for no gap between parts 2 and 5
• 15. Indicator for approx. 5 mm gap

Installation Procedure:

The ball bar can be installed and removed manually using normal hand strength. Never use auxiliary tools.

1. Remove the plug (12) from the receiver (1).
2. Ensure the ball bar (2) is in the unlocked position. This is indicated by a visible gap (approx. 5 mm) between the handwheel (5) and the ball bar (2), and the red marking (8) on the handwheel pointing away from the green marking (10) on the ball bar. If the mechanism is locked, it must be pre-tensioned: Insert the key (7), open the lock, pull the handwheel (5) outwards (arrow a), and turn it clockwise until it stops (arrow b). The release lever (4) will engage, and the mechanism will remain pre-tensioned.
3. Insert the ball bar (2) from below into the receiver (1) using the stop pin (13). Push upwards to engage the locking mechanism automatically. Keep hands away from the handwheel as it rotates during locking.
4. Close the lock and always remove the key (7). The key cannot be removed if the lock is open. Press the cover (6) onto the lock.

Operation:

Before driving, always check the correct locking of the detachable ball bar by verifying the four points listed above.

Removal Procedure:

1. Remove the cover (6) from the lock and place it onto the key's handle. Open the lock with the key (7).
2. Hold the ball bar (2) firmly. Pull the handwheel (5) outwards (arrow a) and turn it clockwise until it stops (arrow b) to unlock it.
3. Remove the ball bar (2) from the receiver (1). The handwheel (5) can now be released; it will automatically lock in the unlocked position.
4. Store the ball bar (2) securely in the vehicle's luggage compartment, protected from dirt.
5. Insert the plug (12) into the receiver (1).

Vehicle-Specific Installation Notes

Specific instructions for cutting or modifying vehicle panels may be provided for different models. Always refer to the diagrams for precise measurements and locations.

For example, installation may involve removing underbody panels and attaching brackets using the provided hardware (e.g., M10x1,25x30 bolts).

Note on Vehicle Models:

• Kia Cee'd (ED): Specific cutting dimensions for underbody panels are provided in diagrams (e.g., 50-100mm, 90mm).
• Kia Pro Cee'd: Specific cutting dimensions are provided (e.g., 40mm, 100mm).
• Hyundai i30: Specific cutting dimensions are provided (e.g., 40mm, 120mm, 25mm, 100mm).

Ensure all mounting points are correctly aligned and secured with the specified torque (e.g., M10x1,25 → 40Nm).

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and correct functioning of the tow bar system.

• Keep the ball bar and receiver clean.
• Lubricate moving parts regularly with resin-free grease or oil.
• Treat the lock mechanism with graphite only.
• If the vehicle is cleaned with a high-pressure washer, the ball bar must be removed and the plug inserted.

Technical Data Summary

Tow Bar Type: 345 028

Vehicle Compatibility: Kia Cee'd (ED) / Kia Pro Cee'd / Hyundai i30

Attachment Class and Type: A50-X

Homologation: e13*94/20*00*2596

D-Value: 8.6 kN

Max. Vertical Load (S): 75 kg

Towing Capacity: Refer to the vehicle's registration document.

EU Directive Compliance: Requirements regarding clearance (Annex VII, Diagram 30 of Directive 94/20/EC) must be guaranteed.