Westfalia Tow Bar Installation and Operation for Subaru Impreza (2013-)

Important Safety Information & General Guidelines

Adherence to national guidelines concerning tow bar installation and approval is mandatory.

Any modification or conversion of the tow bar is strictly prohibited and will result in the cancellation of the type approval.

Before installation, remove any insulating material or underbody protection from the vehicle's mounting surfaces.

The tow bar is designed for towing trailers and for carrying loads. Any other use is prohibited.

Vehicles equipped with parking assistance systems may experience malfunctions after tow bar installation if components (e.g., ball head) are within the sensor's detection range. In such cases, the sensing range should be adjusted, or the parking assistance system deactivated. Using detachable or pivoting ball tow bars typically avoids parking assistance malfunctions when the ball is not in the operating position.

The tow bar is a safety-critical component and must only be installed by qualified technicians. Incorrect installation poses a severe risk of accidents. The Swedish text in this manual is considered binding.

Subject to change without notice.

Installation Instructions

Follow these steps for the correct installation of the tow bar:

1. Step 01: Access the rear of the vehicle, typically by opening the tailgate.
2. Step 02: Remove the rear bumper cover. Mount the main tow bar beam (part 1) to the vehicle's chassis, aligning it with the mounting points.
3. Step 03: Attach the mounting brackets (parts 3) to the vehicle's frame.
4. Step 04: Secure the tow bar assembly using the provided hardware, including M10x1.25x40 bolts (2x).
5. Step 05: Install additional support brackets using M10x40 bolts (2x).
6. Step 06: Attach the second part of the main tow bar beam using M12x40 bolts (2x), torqued to 83 Nm.
7. Step 07: Connect the vehicle's electrical wiring harness to the tow bar system. Secure the tow bar assembly with bolts, torquing M10 bolts to 48 Nm and M12 bolts to 83 Nm.
8. Step 08: Re-install the rear bumper cover.
9. Step 09: Complete the tow bar assembly.

Diagrams illustrate each step of the installation process.

Clearance and Weight Specifications

Ensure adequate clearance space as per ECE-R 55 regulations (Appendix 7, Figures 25a and 25b). This includes specific angles and minimum/maximum dimensions.

Consider the vehicle's total permissible weight when installing and using the tow bar.

Load Limits:

• Accessories mounted on the tow bar may have load limits, e.g., max. 60kg or max. 30kg for bike carriers.
• Vehicle load capacities with tow bar installed may be specified as X 21Kg or X+21Kg.

Detachable Ball Bar Operation

Before each journey, verify the correct locking of the detachable ball bar:

• The green marking on the handwheel must align with the green marking on the ball bar.
• The handwheel must be flush against the ball bar, with no gap.
• The lock must be closed, the key withdrawn, and the handwheel should not be pullable.
• The ball bar must be firmly seated in the receiver tube; check by shaking it.

If any of these checks fail, repeat the installation procedure. If the issue persists, do not use the tow bar and contact the manufacturer.

Installation and Removal:

• The ball bar can be easily installed and removed by hand. Never use tools or aids, as this may damage the mechanism.
• Never unlock the ball bar when a trailer or load carrier is attached.
• When driving without a trailer or load carrier, always remove the ball bar and insert the plug into the receiver. This is crucial if the ball obstructs the vehicle's license plate or lights.

Maintenance:

• Keep the ball bar and receiver clean at all times for proper function.
• Lubricate the lock mechanism only with graphite.
• Regularly lubricate bearing points, sliding surfaces, and balls with resin-free grease or oil for corrosion protection.
• When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pressure washer, remove the ball bar and insert the plug. Do not direct high-pressure water at the ball bar.

Ball Bar Storage: Store the detachable ball bar safely in the vehicle's luggage compartment, protected from dirt.

Keys: Two keys are provided with the detachable ball bar. Note the key number for future reordering.

Diagrams illustrate the ball bar mechanism, locking checks, and installation/removal steps.