Westfalia Towing Hitch Installation and Operation Manual

General Information

This document provides installation and operating instructions for the Westfalia towing hitch. It is essential to adhere to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications regarding trailer load and nose weight, ensuring they are not exceeded by the towing hitch's capabilities.

The towing hitch is designed for towing trailers equipped with ball couplings and for use with load carriers approved for mounting on the towing hitch ball. Any other use is prohibited.

Driving with a trailer affects the vehicle's handling characteristics. Always adapt driving to road conditions and consult the vehicle manufacturer's operating manual.

Parking Assist Systems: Vehicles equipped with parking assist systems may experience malfunctions after towing hitch installation, as components like the ball bar or coupling ball might be within the sensor detection range. In such cases, adjust the detection area or deactivate the parking assist system. Towing hitches with detachable or pivotable ball bars typically do not cause malfunctions when the ball bar is removed from its operating position.

Ensure that the vehicle's standard, manufacturer-approved fixing points are used. Comply with national regulations for auxiliary equipment approval. These instructions must be kept with the vehicle's documentation.

Technical Details & Formula

The towing hitch is classified as A50-X, with a maximum D-value of 8.1 kN and a maximum nose weight of 75 kg.

D-Value Calculation Formula:

D [kN] = (Trailer Load [kg] x Vehicle Total Weight [kg] / (Trailer Load [kg] + Vehicle Total Weight [kg])) x 9.81 / 1000

The vehicle's empty weight increases by approximately 15.5 kg after the towing hitch is fitted.

Installation Instructions

The towing hitch is a safety component and must only be installed by qualified personnel. Any modifications or alterations to the towing hitch are prohibited and will void the design certification and operating permit.

Before installation, remove any insulating compound or underseal from the vehicle's mating surfaces for the towing hitch. Seal any exposed bare metal bodywork and drilled holes with anti-corrosive paint.

Parts Included (Scope of Delivery):

• Towing hitch main part (1x)
• Towing hitch ball assembly (1x)
• Mounting bracket (RH) (1x)
• Mounting bracket (LH) (1x)
• Towing hitch arm (1x)
• M12x45 (10.9) bolts (4x)
• M10x65 (10.9) bolts (2x)
• M10x35 (10.9) bolts (5x)
• 13x24x2,5 washers/nuts (4x)
• 10,5x21x2 washers/nuts (14x)
• M10 (10) bolts (7x)
• Installation and Operating Instructions (1x)

Assembly Steps Overview (Textual Description of Diagrams):

1. Attach the Right-Hand (RH) mounting bracket using M12x45 bolts (4x) and 13x24x2,5 washers/nuts (4x). Torque M12 bolts to 95 Nm.
2. Attach the Left-Hand (LH) mounting bracket using M12x45 bolts (4x) and 13x24x2,5 washers/nuts (4x). Torque M12 bolts to 95 Nm.
3. Connect the main towing hitch arm to the mounted brackets using M10x35 bolts (5x), 10,5x21x2 washers/nuts (14x), and M10 bolts (7x). Torque M10 bolts to 55 Nm.
4. Attach the towing hitch ball assembly to the main arm using M10x65 bolts (2x), 10,5x21x2 washers/nuts (14x), and M10 bolts (7x). Torque M10 bolts to 55 Nm.

Clearance Requirements: Ensure specified clearances are maintained around the towing hitch and mounting points as per Directive 94/20/EG, Annex VII, Figure 30. These clearances are critical for safe operation and must be maintained relative to the vehicle's permissible total weight.

Operating Instructions

After approximately 1000 km of towing, re-tighten all towing hitch securing bolts to the specified torque settings.

Keep the towing hitch ball clean and greased. However, if using stabilization devices like the Westfalia "SSK", the ball must be kept free of grease. Refer to the specific instructions for these devices.

For safety reasons, the towing hitch must not be used if the towing hitch ball diameter is 49.0 mm or less at any point.

Declaration of Correct Installation: The installing company declares that the towing hitch has been installed correctly according to the manufacturer's specifications and vehicle mounting points. The vehicle user must be informed about the use and maintenance of the device.