Westfalia Detachable Tow Bar for VW Golf 6 Cabrio

Product Identification

This document provides installation and operating instructions for the Westfalia detachable tow bar system designed for the VW Golf 6 Cabrio.

Product Details:

• Part Number: 321 873 600 001
• Vehicle: VW Golf 6 Cabrio
• Approval Number: E13 55R-01 3657
• Class: A50-X
• D-Value: 9.4 kN
• Max. Vertical Load (S): 75 kg

Important Safety Information and General Notes

General Warnings:

• National regulations concerning installation approval must be observed.
• Any alterations or modifications to the tow bar are prohibited and will void the operating license.
• Ensure the tow bar is installed by qualified personnel only. Improper installation can lead to serious accidents.
• Always check the correct locking of the detachable ball bar before each journey.
• Never use the tow bar if any of the safety requirements are not met.
• Never unlock the mechanism when a trailer or load carrier is attached.
• Keep the ball bar and receiver clean for proper operation.
• Regular maintenance of mechanical parts is essential.
• Never use tools or aids that could damage the mechanism.
• When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pressure washer, the ball bar must be removed and the plug inserted into the receiver.

Complaint Handling:

Westfalia products are manufactured with utmost care. If you find a cause for complaint, please contact your contract partner directly and provide the charge number found on the type plate. Without this information, complaints cannot be processed.

Detachable Ball Bar Operation

Before Driving:

Before each journey, verify the following points to ensure the detachable ball bar is correctly locked:

• Green marking on the handwheel aligns with the green marking on the ball bar.
• Handwheel rests against the ball bar with no gap.
• Lock is closed, key is withdrawn, and handwheel cannot be pulled out.
• Ball bar is fully inserted and tight in the receiver. Check by shaking.

If any of these checks fail, repeat the installation or do not use the device.

Removing and Installing the Ball Bar:

The ball bar can be installed and removed manually without special tools.

When not in use (e.g., without trailer or load carrier):

Always remove the ball bar and insert the plug into the receiver. This is particularly important if the ball obstructs the view of the license plate or lights.

Diagram: Detachable Ball Bar Components

The diagram shows the components of the detachable ball bar, including: 1. Receiver, 2. Ball Bar, 3. Locking Balls, 4. Release Lever, 5. Handwheel, 6. Cover, 7. Key, 8. Red Marking (Handwheel), 9. Green Marking (Handwheel), 10. Green Marking (Ball Bar), 11. Symbol (Release), 12. Plug, 13. Stop Pin, 14. No gap between 2 and 5, 15. Gap of approx. 5 mm.

Diagram: Locked Position (Driving)

Illustrates the ball bar in the locked, ready-to-use position.

Diagram: Unlocked Position (Removed)

Illustrates the ball bar removed and in the unlocked position.

Installation Procedure

Step 1: Remove Plug

Pull the plug (12) from the receiver (1).

Step 2: Pre-tensioning the Locking Mechanism (if necessary)

If the ball bar is not in the unlocked position (indicated by a 5mm gap between handwheel (5) and ball bar (2), and red marking on handwheel aligned with green marking on ball bar), the locking mechanism needs to be pre-tensioned.

To pre-tension:

• Insert key (7) and open lock.
• Pull out handwheel (5) in direction of arrow 'a'.
• Turn handwheel (5) to the stop in direction of arrow 'b'.
• The release lever (4) will engage, and the mechanism will remain pre-tensioned when the handwheel is released.

Step 3: Install Ball Bar

Insert the ball bar (2) with the stop pin (13) from below into the receiver (1) and push upwards. The locking mechanism engages automatically.

Keep hands away from the handwheel (5) as it rotates during locking.

Step 4: Secure Lock

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.

Dismounting the Ball Bar

Step 1: Open Lock

Remove the cover (6) from the lock and press it onto the key's handle. Open the lock with the key (7).

Step 2: Release Ball Bar

Hold the ball bar (2) firmly. Pull out the handwheel (5) in direction of arrow 'a' and turn it to the stop in direction of arrow 'b' to unlock it in the extracted position.

Remove the ball bar (2) from the receiver (1).

The handwheel (5) can now be released; it automatically engages in the unlocked position.

Step 3: Stow Ball Bar

Store the ball bar safely in the boot, protected from dirt.

Step 4: Insert Plug

Insert the plug (12) into the receiver (1).

Usage and Maintenance

Usage:

• Clearance Requirements: Ensure clearance according to ECE-R 55 regulations (Appendix 7, Figures 25a and 25b).
• Weight Limits:
  • Max. 60kg for bicycle racks.
  • Max. 30kg for bicycle racks.
  • S = max. ??kg (refer to vehicle's manual for specific load limits).
• Vehicle Weight: Adhere to the vehicle's gross weight rating.

Maintenance:

• Keep the ball bar and receiver clean.
• Lubricate bearing points, friction surfaces, and balls with resin-free grease or oil regularly.
• Treat the lock only with graphite.
• If the vehicle is cleaned with a high-pressure washer, remove the ball bar and insert the plug.

Key Information

The detachable ball bar comes with 2 keys. Note the key number ???? for future orders.