Westfalia Tow Bar for Kia Picanto (2011-)

Product Identification & Overview

This document provides installation instructions and technical specifications for the Westfalia tow bar, model 44.0262, designed for the Kia Picanto (TA) model year 2011 onwards. The document also references related model 44.8262.

Vehicle Compatibility: Kia Picanto (TA), 2011-

Tow Bar Details (Model 44.0262):
Art. No: 44.0262
Type Approval: e4*94/20*4378*00
Class: F
D-Value: 5.50 kN
Vertical Load (S): 28 kg
Max. Towing Mass: Refer to vehicle's registration document.

Parts List

The following parts are included in the kit for model 44.0262:

General Safety and Installation Guidelines

Important Compliance: National guidelines concerning installation approval must be observed. Any alteration or modification to the tow bar is strictly prohibited and will void the type approval. The Swedish text within this manual is considered binding in case of any discrepancies.

Preparation:

• Before installation, remove any insulating material or underbody protection from the vehicle in the designated mounting areas for the tow bar.

Intended Use:

• This tow bar is designed and approved solely for towing trailers and for use with load carriers. Any other application or use is prohibited.

Parking Assist System Compatibility:

• Vehicles equipped with parking assist systems (e.g., parking sensors) may experience malfunctions after the tow bar is mounted. This can occur if the tow ball or related components are within the sensor's detection range. If issues arise, adjust the sensor's sensing range or deactivate the parking assist system. The likelihood of such malfunctions is reduced when using removable or pivoting tow balls, provided they are not in the operating position.

Safety Critical Component:

• The tow bar is a safety-critical component. It must only be fitted by qualified and authorized technicians. Incorrect installation poses a serious risk of accidents and damage.

Maintenance Recommendation:

• A run-in period of approximately 1000 km is recommended after installation. During this period, the tow bar and vehicle connection should be checked.

Installation Steps

The following steps provide a general overview of the installation process. Detailed visual guidance is provided in the accompanying diagrams.

1. Step 01: Access Mounting Points
   Identify and access the vehicle's pre-determined mounting points, typically located on the vehicle's chassis frame at the rear.

2. Step 02: Attach Mounting Brackets
   Secure the tow bar's main mounting brackets to the vehicle chassis using the provided bolts (e.g., M10x1.25x35 bolts). Ensure these are correctly oriented as per the diagrams.

3. Step 03: Vehicle Body Modification (if required)
   Some vehicle models may necessitate minor cutting or removal of a section of the rear bumper or underbody trim to ensure proper fitment of the tow bar. Consult the specific diagrams for precise instructions.

4. Step 04: Mount the Tow Bar Assembly
   Attach the main tow bar structure to the previously secured mounting brackets using the appropriate bolts (e.g., M12x40 bolts). Initially, hand-tighten all fasteners.

5. Step 05: Final Tightening and Torqueing
   Once the tow bar is correctly positioned and aligned, proceed to securely tighten all bolts. Apply the specified torque values: M10 bolts should be torqued to 48 Nm, and M12 bolts to 83 Nm. Ensure all washers are correctly placed as indicated in the diagrams.

Clearance and Weight Specifications

Clearance Requirements (Directive 94/20/EC):
It is mandatory to ensure that the specified free space is maintained as per Appendix VII, Diagram 30 of Directive 94/20/EC. This includes adhering to minimum and maximum angles and distances for various components relative to the tow bar and vehicle body. Key clearances include:

• Minimum ground clearance: 140 mm
• Minimum side clearance: 55 mm
• Minimum front clearance: 32 mm
• Maximum tow ball height: 100 mm
• Maximum angle of approach/departure: 45°
• Maximum overhang: R 14.5 / R 40 (refer to specific diagram for interpretation)

Vehicle Weight Considerations:
All installations must comply with the vehicle's permissible total weight (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Ensure that the maximum towing mass and vertical load limits specified by both the vehicle manufacturer and the tow bar manufacturer are not exceeded.

Declaration of Correct Installation

This section contains a formal declaration by the installing company. It confirms that the specified tow bar (type 44.0262) has been installed correctly on the vehicle, adhering to all attachment points and manufacturer's prescriptions. The declaration also confirms that the vehicle user has been fully informed regarding the proper use and maintenance of the installed tow bar.

Key elements of the declaration:

• Confirmation of professional installation according to standards.
• Vehicle details (make, model, registration number) and tow bar type.
• Statement of compliance with attachment points and manufacturer's guidelines.
• Signature and company stamp of the installer.
• Confirmation of user information delivery.

Multilingual Information Summary

This installation manual is provided in multiple languages, including Swedish (S), Czech (CS), German (DE), Danish (DA), Spanish (ES), French (FR), Finnish (FI), English (EN), Greek (EL), Hungarian (HU), Italian (IT), Norwegian (NO), Dutch (NL), Polish (PL), and Russian (RU). The primary language for this document is English, and the Swedish text is considered the authoritative version in case of any translation discrepancies.