Westfalia Tow Bar Installation Guide
For Audi and Volkswagen Vehicles
Product Overview
This document provides installation and operating instructions for the Westfalia tow bar, part number 321 865 600 001. Westfalia is a leading manufacturer of towing systems.
Applicable Vehicles
- Audi A3
- Audi A3 GP
- Audi A3 Cabriolet
- Volkswagen Golf 5
- Volkswagen Golf 5+
- Volkswagen Golf 6
- Volkswagen Golf 6+
- Volkswagen Golf 6 GTI
- Volkswagen Golf Cross
Technical Specifications
- Part Number: 321 865 600 001
- Approval Class: A50-X
- Homologation: E13 55 R-01 3578
- D-Value: 9.4 kN
- Max. Vertical Load (S): 100 kg
- Towing Capacity: Refer to vehicle registration document.
Important Safety Instructions and General Information
General Compliance: National guidelines concerning the approval of auxiliary equipment must be observed.
Prohibited Modifications: Any alteration or modification of the tow bar is strictly prohibited and will void the operating license and any approvals.
Vehicle Preparation: Remove any insulating compound or underbody coating from the vehicle's contact surfaces where the tow bar will be mounted.
Intended Use: The tow bar is designed for towing trailers and carrying loads. Use for any other purpose is forbidden.
Parking Assistance Systems: Vehicles equipped with parking assistance systems may experience malfunctions after tow bar installation if components (e.g., the ball mount) are within the sensor's detection range. In such cases, adjust the sensor's detection range or deactivate the parking assistance system. This is generally not an issue if the ball mount is removed or pivoted out of the operating position.
Safety Component: The tow bar is a safety-critical component and must only be installed by qualified and authorized companies. Improper installation can lead to serious accidents.
Binding Text: The German text of these instructions is legally binding.
Changes: Subject to change without prior notice.
Installation Steps
Step 1: Vehicle Preparation and Bumper Modification
Refer to vehicle-specific instructions for bumper removal and any necessary modifications. Diagrams illustrate precise cutting dimensions for the vehicle's rear bumper for specific models.
- Audi A3 / Audi A3 GP / Audi A3 Cabriolet: Requires cutting the bumper. For Audi A3, a cut of 85mm from the center is indicated, with a radius of R10. For Audi A3 GP/Cabriolet, a cut of 75mm from the center is indicated, with dimensions of 115mm height and 75mm width.
- Volkswagen Golf 5 / VW Golf 5+: Requires cutting the bumper. A cut of 85mm from the center is indicated, with dimensions of 100mm height and 55mm width.
- Volkswagen Golf 6 / VW Golf 6+ / VW Golf 6 GTI: Requires cutting the bumper. A cut of 75mm from the center is indicated, with dimensions of 115mm height and 75mm width.
- Volkswagen Golf Cross: Requires cutting the bumper. A cut of 75mm from the center is indicated, with dimensions of 115mm height and 75mm width.
[Diagram description: Illustrates cutting the bumper according to specific dimensions for different vehicle models, often showing a curved cut-out.]
Step 2: Mounting the Tow Bar Frame
Locate the designated mounting points on the vehicle's chassis. Attach the main tow bar frame (Component 1) to the chassis using the provided bolts.
Torque Specification: For M10x40 bolts, torque to 55 Nm.
[Diagram description: Shows the tow bar frame being attached to the vehicle's rear chassis with bolts.]
Step 3: Attaching the Ball Mount
Attach the ball mount (Component 2) to the tow bar frame. Secure the ball mount using the provided hardware.
Torque Specification: Ensure all bolts are tightened to the specified torque, typically 95 Nm for M12x65 bolts.
[Diagram description: Shows the ball mount being attached to the tow bar frame and secured with bolts.]
Step 4: Final Checks and Torque Tightening
Double-check all connections and ensure all bolts are tightened to the specified torque values.
Torque Specifications Summary:
- M10x40 bolts: 55 Nm
- M12x65 bolts: 95 Nm
Clearance Requirements (ECE R55): Ensure adequate clearance around the tow bar as per ECE R55 regulations. [Visual description: Diagrams detailing clearance requirements showing angles and distances.]
Vehicle Load and Towing: Observe vehicle weight limits and towing capacity. The D-value (9.4 kN) and S-value (100 kg) are critical for safe operation.
Initial Run-in: After installation, check and re-tighten all bolts after 0 km and again after 1000 km of use. [Visual description: Circular arrow symbol indicating tightening, shown with '0km' and '1000km' labels.]
Load Distribution: Ensure proper load distribution between the towing vehicle and the trailer. [Visual description: Illustration showing vehicle weight 'x', trailer weight '17kg', and total weight 'x+17kg'.]
Step 5: Reassembly
Reassemble any removed vehicle components, such as the bumper, ensuring all parts are correctly fitted. [Diagram description: Shows bumper sections being reattached.]
Declaration of Correct Installation
The installer declares that the tow bar has been installed correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions and vehicle specifications. The user should be informed about the use and maintenance of the tow bar.
