General Information and Safety Warnings
This document provides installation and operating instructions for the Westfalia 314 257 detachable tow bar. It is available in multiple languages, including German, Czech, Danish, Spanish, French, Finnish, English, Greek, Italian, Norwegian, Dutch, Polish, and Swedish.
Important Guidelines:
- National guidelines concerning official approval of extensions must be observed.
- Any alteration or conversion of the tow bar is prohibited and will result in the cancellation of the type approval.
- Remove insulating compound and/or underseal (if existing) from around the tow bar's mating surfaces on the vehicle.
- The tow bar is designed for towing trailers fitted with ball couplings and for use with load-bearing implements approved for attachment to the tow bar. Any use other than the one specified is prohibited.
- Parking Distance Control (PDC) Systems: Malfunctions may occur after tow bar installation if parts (ball bar, ball coupling) are located in the sensor detection area. In such cases, the detection area should be readjusted or the PDC deactivated. Malfunctioning is not expected when using detachable or pivoted ball bars if the ball bar is removed from its operating position.
Subject to alteration.
Operating the Detachable Ball Bar
Pre-Ride Checks
Before each journey, ensure the detachable ball bar is securely locked. Check the following:
- The green marking on the handwheel aligns with the green marking on the ball bar.
- The handwheel rests against the ball bar (no gap).
- The lock is closed and the key is withdrawn. The handwheel cannot be pulled out.
- The ball bar must be fully inserted into the receiver and be tight. Check by shaking it.
If any of these checks are not satisfactory, repeat the installation procedure. If issues persist, do not use the towing device as there is a risk of accidents. Contact the manufacturer.
Installation and Removal
The ball bar can be easily installed and removed manually without tools. Never use aids or tools, as this might damage the mechanism.
Never unlock when trailers are attached or load-bearing implements are mounted.
When driving without a trailer or load-bearing implement, always remove the ball bar and insert the plug into the receiver. This is especially important if the tow ball impedes the sight of the vehicle's registration number or lights.
Component Identification
Diagrams illustrate the detachable ball bar components, typically including: Receiver (1), Ball bar (2), Locking balls (3), Release lever (4), Handwheel (5), Cover (6), Key (7), Red marking (handwheel) (8), Green marking (handwheel) (9), Green marking (ball bar) (10), Symbol for release (11), Plug (12), Stop pin (13). A gap of approximately 5 mm (15) between components 2 and 5 is noted when unlocked, while no gap (14) indicates a locked state.
Locked and Unlocked Positions
Diagrams show the ball bar in the 'Locked position, operating condition' and 'Unlocked position, ball bar not mounted'. The locked position is characterized by aligned green markings and the handwheel flush against the ball bar. The unlocked position shows a gap between the handwheel and ball bar, and misaligned markings.
Installation Procedure
The installation involves attaching the tow bar to the vehicle's chassis. The following steps outline the general process, often illustrated with diagrams showing:
- Accessing mounting points, usually under the vehicle's rear bumper.
- Positioning and securing mounting brackets to the vehicle's frame.
- Drilling holes in the vehicle's chassis if required (e.g., 2x Ø22 mm holes).
- Attaching the main tow bar structure to the vehicle using bolts (e.g., M10 bolts, 10.5x30x3 mm).
- Tightening bolts to specified torque values (e.g., M10-40 Nm) using a torque wrench.
- Ensuring the locking mechanism engages correctly after installation.
Clearance Requirements: European Directive 94/20/EC specifies clearance requirements around the tow ball, including maximum angles and minimum distances (e.g., max 45°, min 32mm, max 100mm).
Maintenance and Care
General Maintenance:
- Repairs and dismantling of the detachable ball bar should only be carried out by the manufacturer.
- Attach the provided warning label in a visible location inside the vehicle, near the receiver or in the boot.
- Keep the ball bar and receiver clean at all times to ensure proper operation.
- Regularly service the mechanical parts. Treat the lock only with graphite.
- Lubricate bearing points, sliding surfaces, and balls with resin-free grease or oil. This also provides additional corrosion protection.
- When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pressure washer, remove the ball bar and insert the plug. Do not clean the ball bar with a steam cleaner.
Keys: The detachable ball bar comes with 2 keys. Note the key number for future orders and keep it in a safe place.
Technical Specifications:
- Type: 314 257
- Approval Number: e13*94/20*00*1317
- D-Value: 10.5 kN
- Max. Vertical Load (S): 80 kg
- Towing Capacity: Refer to the vehicle's registration card.
