Westfalia Tow Bar Installation Guide
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (NE) - 05/2021
General Information & Specifications
This document provides installation and operating instructions for the Westfalia tow bar system for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (NE) model, manufactured from May 2021.
Part Number: 346 175 600 001
Alternative Part Number: 346 175 691 102-002
Vehicle Model: Hyundai Ioniq 5 (NE)
Approval Number: E11 55R01/07 12127
Coupling Class: A 50-X
D-Value: 10.0 kN (max)
Max. Vertical Load (S): 122 kg (max)
Towing Capacity: Refer to vehicle registration document
Weight of Tow Bar: 19.0 kg
Parts List & Tools
The following components are typically included or required:
- 6 x M12 x 60 x 1.25 (8.8) bolts
- 4 x M12 x 40 x 1.25 (8.8) bolts
- 7 x M12 x 25mm bolts
- 5 x M12 X 1.25 (8.8) bolts
- Neck Guide
- Various mounting hardware
Required Tools (Illustrated):
- Wrenches (10-24 mm range)
- Torque wrench (0-220 Nm range)
- Other standard automotive tools
Torque Specifications
| Bolt Size | Grade | Torque (Nm) |
|---|---|---|
| M6 | 8.8 | 10 |
| M8 | 8.8 | 24 |
| M10 | 8.8 | 48 |
| M12 | 8.8 | 83 |
| M14 | 8.8 | 132 |
| M16 | 8.8 | 200 |
| M8 | 10.9 | 34 |
| M10 | 10.9 | 67 |
| M12 | 10.9 | 117 |
Safety & General Instructions
Important Safety Notes:
- National regulations regarding the approval of mounted accessories must be observed.
- Any alterations or modifications to the tow bar system are prohibited and will void the operating license.
- Remove any insulating compound or underbody protection from the vehicle's contact surfaces for the tow bar.
- The tow bar is designed for towing trailers and carrying loads. Use for any other purpose is forbidden.
- Vehicles equipped with parking assistance systems may experience malfunctions after tow bar installation if parts (ball neck, ball head) are within the sensor's detection range. Adjust the sensing range or disable the parking assistance system if necessary. For removable or pivoting ball necks, parking assistance should function normally when the ball neck is not in the operating position.
- The tow bar is a safety-critical component and must only be installed by qualified companies. Incorrect installation can lead to a serious accident hazard. The German text of these instructions is binding.
- Subject to change.
Clearance Requirements (ECE-R 55): Specific clearance dimensions must be maintained around the tow bar assembly as per Annex 7, Figures 25a and 25b of the ECE-R 55 directive.
Vehicle Weight Limits:
- Max. Gross Vehicle Weight: Varies by vehicle.
- Max. Towing Capacity (S): 122 kg
- D-Value: 10.0 kN
Note on Parking Assistance: If your vehicle has parking sensors, ensure the tow bar does not interfere. Adjustments or deactivation of the system may be required.
Installation Steps
The following steps detail the installation process. Refer to the diagrams for visual guidance.
Step 1: Accessing Mounting Points
Description: Open the vehicle's tailgate. Access the rear bumper area and identify the mounting points for the tow bar. This may involve removing trim panels or bumper components. Diagrams show accessing the rear bumper and wheel arch areas.
Visual Aid: Diagrams show the rear of the vehicle, with arrows indicating areas to access, possibly behind the bumper or near the taillights.
Step 2: Preparing the Vehicle Body
Description: Remove any protective coatings or insulation from the designated mounting areas on the vehicle's chassis to ensure proper contact for the tow bar brackets.
Visual Aid: Diagrams illustrate the removal of protective material from the chassis mounting points.
Step 3: Mounting Bracket Installation (Part 1)
Description: Attach the primary mounting brackets to the vehicle's chassis. Ensure correct orientation and use the specified bolts (e.g., M12 x 60mm). Diagrams show correct (✅) and incorrect (❌) fitting of components, possibly related to bracket orientation or bolt type.
Visual Aid: Close-up views of brackets being attached to the vehicle frame, with arrows indicating bolt insertion and correct/incorrect indicators.
Step 4: Mounting Bracket Installation (Part 2)
Description: Secure the brackets using the provided hardware. Diagrams show attaching brackets with bolts and nuts.
Visual Aid: Diagrams show the brackets being bolted to the chassis, with arrows indicating the sequence and hardware.
Step 5: Attaching the Tow Bar Main Assembly
Description: Position the main tow bar assembly onto the mounted brackets. Align the holes and prepare for fastening.
Visual Aid: Diagrams show the main tow bar structure being brought into position against the vehicle's chassis and brackets.
Step 6: Securing the Tow Bar Assembly
Description: Insert and loosely tighten the main mounting bolts (e.g., M12 x 40mm) to hold the tow bar in place.
Visual Aid: Diagrams show bolts being inserted through the tow bar and brackets.
Step 7: Tightening Main Fasteners
Description: Tighten all main mounting bolts to the specified torque, typically M12 bolts to 83 Nm (8.8 grade). Use a torque wrench for accuracy.
Visual Aid: Diagrams show the tow bar assembly fully bolted, with arrows indicating tightening points and torque values.
Step 8: Electrical Connector Routing
Description: Route the electrical connector cable from the vehicle's wiring harness to the tow bar socket. Secure the cable appropriately, ensuring it does not interfere with moving parts or the tow bar's function. Diagrams show cable routing and placement of the socket.
Visual Aid: Diagrams illustrate the path of the electrical cable and the final placement of the 7-pin or 13-pin connector socket.
Step 9: Attaching the Tow Ball
Description: Insert the tow ball neck into the tow bar receiver and secure it using the locking mechanism. Ensure it is properly engaged.
Visual Aid: Diagrams show the tow ball being inserted and locked into the tow bar receiver, with indicators for correct engagement.
Step 10: Reassembly of Vehicle Components
Description: Reinstall any removed bumper sections, trim panels, or covers. Ensure all components are correctly fitted and secured.
Visual Aid: Diagrams show the reassembly of the rear bumper and associated parts, with arrows indicating placement.
Step 11: Final Checks and Declaration
Description: Perform a final check of all fastenings and connections. The document includes a declaration form for the installer to confirm correct assembly, adherence to mounting points, and informing the user about the tow bar's use and maintenance.
Visual Aid: A diagram showing the completed tow bar installation on the vehicle, ready for use.
Step 12: Tow Ball Locking Mechanism Check
Description: Verify the locking mechanism of the detachable or retractable tow ball. Diagrams show the correct engagement (✅) and incorrect engagement (❌) of the locking pin or lever, often with a 0mm or 5mm gap indicator.
Visual Aid: Close-up views of the tow ball locking mechanism, illustrating correct and incorrect operation.
Step 13: Towing a Trailer/Carrying Load
Description: Diagrams illustrate the correct and incorrect ways to tow a trailer or use a load carrier with the installed tow bar. This includes checks for proper connection and weight distribution.
Visual Aid: Illustrations showing a vehicle towing a trailer correctly (✅) and incorrectly (❌), and a vehicle with a bike rack or load carrier.
Step 14: Electrical System Connection (if applicable)
Description: Instructions for connecting the tow bar's electrical harness to the vehicle's trailer socket. This may involve specific wiring configurations or module installations.
Visual Aid: Diagrams showing electrical connections, potentially with wiring colors or module placement.
Step 15: Final Inspection and Usage
Description: Final checks on all components, including the tow ball, locking mechanisms, and electrical connections. The document emphasizes adherence to safety regulations and proper usage.
Visual Aid: Diagrams showing final checks and the completed installation.
Important Notes on Usage
Note on Parking Assistance: If your vehicle is equipped with parking sensors, ensure the tow bar does not interfere. Adjustments or deactivation of the system may be required. For removable or pivoting ball necks, parking assistance should function normally when the ball neck is not in the operating position.
Clearance Requirements: Specific clearance dimensions must be maintained around the tow bar assembly as per Annex 7, Figures 25a and 25b of the ECE-R 55 directive.
Weight Limits: Always adhere to the specified D-value, vertical load (S), and towing capacity of the vehicle and tow bar.
Declaration of Correct Assembly
The installer must complete a declaration confirming that the tow bar has been installed correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions and vehicle mounting points. The user should also be informed about the correct use and maintenance of the tow bar.
