Westfalia Tow Bar Installation Guide for VW Golf VII Variant & Alltrack

Product Identification and Specifications

This document provides installation and operating instructions for the Westfalia tow bar system, part number 321 781 600 001, designed for the VW Golf VII Variant (from 2013) and VW Golf VII Alltrack (from 2015).

Key Specifications:

• Approval Number: E13 55R-01 3651
• Type: 321 853
• Class: A50-X
• D-Value: 10.2 kN
• Maximum Vertical Load (S): 80 kg
• Towing Capacity: Refer to vehicle registration document.

The D-value, a measure of the tow bar's strength, is determined by the formula: D = (T x C) / (T + C) x 0.00981 kN, where T is the maximum vehicle mass and C is the maximum towing mass.

Important Safety Information & Guidelines

General Compliance:

• National guidelines regarding the approval of mounted equipment must be followed.
• Any alteration or modification to the tow bar is prohibited and will void the operating license.
• Before installation, remove any insulating compound or underbody protection from the vehicle's contact surfaces for the tow bar.

Intended Use:

• The tow bar is designed for towing trailers and for use with load carriers. Any other application is prohibited.

Vehicle Systems Compatibility:

• Parking Aid Interference: Vehicles equipped with parking assistance systems may experience malfunctions after tow bar installation if components (e.g., ball neck) are within the sensor's detection range. Adjust the sensor range or disable the parking aid if necessary. Tow bars with removable or pivoting ball heads are less likely to cause interference when the ball head is not in its operational position.

Installation Safety:

• The tow bar is a safety-critical part and must be installed exclusively by qualified professionals.
• Incorrect installation can lead to a serious accident hazard.
• The German text of this manual is binding.
• Subject to change.

Clearance Requirements:

Ensure adequate clearance as specified by ECE-R 55 regulations (Annex 7, Figures 25a and 25b). This includes maintaining specific minimum distances and angles from the vehicle's end points and the ground.

Maintenance Checks:

• Torque all mounting bolts to the specified values (e.g., M10x45 to 50 Nm + 180°, M12x75 to 95 Nm + 90°).
• Re-check the torque of all bolts after 0 km and again after 1000 km of use.

Installation Steps

The following steps describe the installation process. Refer to the diagrams for visual guidance.

Step 1: Vehicle Preparation

Carefully remove specific sections of the vehicle's rear bumper and trim (indicated as X.1 and X.2 in diagrams). Access to the mounting points may require working around the exhaust system.

Step 2: Mounting the Tow Bar Frame

Attach the main tow bar frame (1) to the vehicle's chassis using the provided mounting hardware. This typically involves bolts like M10x45 and M12x75, secured with appropriate washers.

• Install M10x45 bolts, torquing them to 50 Nm plus an additional 180° rotation.
• Install M12x75 bolts, torquing them to 95 Nm plus an additional 90° rotation.

Crucial: Perform a re-torque check on all bolts at 0 km and again at 1000 km.

Step 3: Attaching the Tow Ball Assembly

Assemble the tow ball unit (2) and its associated components (e.g., M12 bolts, washers 13x24x2.5) to the tow bar frame. Ensure correct alignment and secure firmly.

Step 4: Bumper Reassembly

Reinstall the removed bumper cover (X.1) and trim pieces (X.2), ensuring they are properly aligned and secured.

Step 5: Final Checks and Declaration

Confirm all connections are tight and that no vehicle systems are malfunctioning. A "Declaration of Correct Installation" must be completed by the installer, confirming proper mounting and that the vehicle user has been informed about the device's use and maintenance.