Need someone with an owners manual of the right year to comment for sure (will list other models if in right region for availability).

My older Treg's are not labeled or stamped individually anyplace physically, rather manual has weights and specifications by model generically. My "vintage" Treg's are GVM plus max trailer...for my older "rig" (not sure that term is used abroad but means tow vehicle plus trailer) is 6,450 kg (this would be my GCM as defined TV plus payload plus trailer plus payload).
Check with someone with manual to confirm for sure as laws may very by country.

 

Hi Weedie
I don't the manual with at the moment but I have a caravan that is 3380 kg and we are well within the weight limits
So you will be fine
You just need to be careful with tow ball weight
If you are buying new then since around 2013 the ball weight was reduced from 350 kg to 280 kg
Ours is 240 so no problems
Just remember that if you have air suspension that you cannot use WDH but it is not needed

If you get steel suspension then I would look at using WDH as I did on previous 2 Touareg's


Fred

 

Good luck in obtaining the GVCM, in Australia that figure is not shown on any compliance plate nor in the vehicle manual although it is available in other markets.
I have contacted VWA a couple of times in the past 6 months that very same question without success for my '08 model, when I suggested that it may be the the GVM plus the 3500kgs max allowable trailer mass they would not confirm or deny that mumber.
First port of call for you would be to call VW customer service (1800607822) and ask them to quote you that figure, they may well have that for such a current model, I would also tell them that a new vehicle sale hinges on them providing you the GCVM.

Re towing feedback, I can say we have towed our off-road van, (GTM 3150/ATM 3500/TB 310+kgs), from Cairns through to Melbourne and back to Mid coast NSW with no issues so far (around 1/3 of that travel was in outback conditions) however, although I have upgraded my suspension (Seikel), I still need to use the Hayman Reece 800lb WD bars to shift some of the load to the front axle, as with 300+kgs on the towball rear end sag is a bit more than what I am happy with.

Big thumbs up from me, best all round vehicle I have owned, go ahead and buy your Touareg, you will not be disappointed!

TonyB

 

Ok found it
The Gcvm is actually in the manual
This is for the 2015 model

 

with thanks

Good afternoon again, everyone. Thank you very much for the info on the GCM. Our van which we picked up yesterday is GVM 2900kg with ball load of 199kgs. It puts us well within the specs of the vehicle which is always an issue with insurance. Many vehicles today have a tow capacity of 3500kg but when the tare of the vehicle is at it's maximum the GCM is exceeded. A true nightmare for all concerned. We have put a deposit on a 2014 Touareg with 180kw motor which has the high and low range gearbox, central diff lock, 100 litre fuel tank etc. Already has towbar fitted, electric brake controller etc. Hope to get many fun years out of both. Will have an extended warranty as well to cover some of the concerns that VW have had. Our last Passat and current Alltrack have them. Gives peace of mind when away from big smokes. Will keep everyone updated. Cheers

 

Hi Weedie and congratulations
Have you air suspension or steel
Have you got a genuine towbar or a Hayman Reese
If genuine is it the horizontal insert of the younger or the vertical insert
If you have steel, I would suggest a WDH and I have one that is set up for a Touareg already
Make sure you have a genuine tow controller, you will find this out as soon as the trailer is connected the remote boot release will not work ( unless overridden by Vagcom etc)
This tow control module is very important as it does quite a few things like changing gearbox shift points, trailer stability, etc

Happy traveling

Fred

 

Thanks for the info Fred K. Car does have air suspension. The photos of the car show what appears to be a Red Arc remote control unit for towing. At this time, I do not know whether it is a genuine or aftermarket tow bar. Is the VW electric brake controller included with the genuine towbar or is it an added accessory - ie: can it be ordered from VW as a genuine accessory and be compatible with an aftermarket towbar. I obviously want the best set up considering the money we are spending on the vehicle and van. The car is not a 'cheap' buy but has all the bells and whistles which would equate to another $20k on a new (demo) car at 150kw

 

Hi weedie,

You probably know this however just to avoid confusion we need to clarify some terminology used on this subject.

The VW "Towing Module" is a VW product which is normally included when a genuine VW towbar is ordered, this unit does quite a few things as FredK has mentioned, changes transmissions shift points, adds trailer to stability control (no-one seems to know exactly how this is done), disables rear proximity sensors, disables electric hatch opening and there may well be other things as well.
It is highly likely that if a non genuine towbar is fitted that the towing module has not, however it can be retrofitted.

The "Brake Controller" is not a VW supplied item, it's an in car device that is required by law to be fitted if the trailer has electric brakes.

This unit basically senses when the towing vehicle brakes are applied and actuates the trailer brakes in unison, it must also enable the driver to actuate the trailer brakes manually (independently) of the vehicle brakes, it generally also enables the driver to adjust the trailer brake bias as well.

Two popular brake controller manufacturers are the aussie manufactured Red Arc and the US manufacturer "Tekonsha".

TonyB

 

spot on Tony - I have just finished getting quotes on an update and although VW dealership will fit tow pack and 7/14 pin cable -they will not touch the brake controller or the breakaway switch. These need to be fitted by a pro who has done tregs before do not get an autoelectrician who hasn't wired a treg before to touch it.

 

Okay, got all that. What sort of trailer connector is fitted to the Touareg - 7 pin round or flat. Jayco vans run a 12 (7 + 5) pin flat plug. My Landcruiser cab chassis has a 12 pin flat plug. The towbar appears to be a horizontal fit square tube, possibly a Hayman Reese and an Anderson plug is visible in the photos which would indicate it has been towing a van as opposed to a horse float.

 

Hi Weedie
The genuineVW has a large 13 pin round that has a twist lock
For Aus they have a short length of 13 to 7 converter in either standard flat or round
I have heard that the 13 to 7 round converter had problems in 2013 &2014

Basically if it has an Anderson plug this better as it means heavier wiring than can fit in the 12 flat so if your van has Anderson all good

Fred

 

Further to aftermarket towbars - Hayman Reese.

Hope this helps, Cherie and others.
I just spoke to Michael, Service Manager at Bayford VW in Epping, Victoria (where car was originally purchased). He was most helpful and happy to provide info about this issue.
Hayman Reese towbars are the most common after market towbar fitted to Touaregs. A very good product, in his words the equal or better than VW.
When supplied, there is a normally a 7/12 pin flat plug extension which connects to original 13 pin round fitted as standard. When plugged into trailer with engine switched on and accessories such as lights, indicators turned on, the dash will light up like a 'Christmas tree' if the ECU module has not been reprogrammed by VW.
Most H.R. installers are very aware of the problem and advise clients to go straight to VW to have the ECU sorted.
I will know tonight when the 'new' car turns up whether ours has been done. Will let you all know when I actually get to see the bloody thing.

 

Hope this helps, Cherie and others.
I just spoke to Michael, Service Manager at Bayford VW in Epping, Victoria (where car was originally purchased). He was most helpful and happy to provide info about this issue.
Hayman Reese towbars are the most common after market towbar fitted to Touaregs. A very good product, in his words the equal or better than VW.
When supplied, there is a normally a 7/12 pin flat plug extension which connects to original 13 pin round fitted as standard. When plugged into trailer with engine switched on and accessories such as lights, indicators turned on, the dash will light up like a 'Christmas tree' if the ECU module has not been reprogrammed by VW.
Most H.R. installers are very aware of the problem and advise clients to go straight to VW to have the ECU sorted.
I will know tonight when the 'new' car turns up whether ours has been done. Will let you all know when I actually get to see the bloody thing.

By the sounds of it you have the HR towbar fitted and the VW tow module has not fitted, is that correct?
I have been around for a while here on CT and have not heard of ECU reprogramming before.
Seeing your new car has been used for towing a van I would expect any electrical gremlins have already been sorted out.

TonyB

 

P.S. to above post. Reprogramming the module apparently does NOT alter transmission shift points but does do all the other things previously mentioned.

 

Thanks, Tony.
Only going on what service person said.
However.... as soon as Maureen got home, first thing I did was plug the van in to the fitted 12 pin flat plug. Turned the engine on, plus lights blinkers etc and had no 'Christmas tree' of lights on dash. All seemed to work okay. Didn't think to try the remote boot release. Any suggestions as to how to find out if the 'towing module' has actually been fitted. Would VW keep records of such things seeing that it would have to go to a dealer to be fitted. Can't ring the previous owner as there is no record in handbook.

 

Thanks, Tony. Only going on what service person said. However.... as soon as Maureen got home, first thing I did was plug the van in to the fitted 12 pin flat plug. Turned the engine on, plus lights blinkers etc and had no 'Christmas tree' of lights on dash. All seemed to work okay. Didn't think to try the remote boot release. Any suggestions as to how to find out if the 'towing module' has actually been fitted. Would VW keep records of such things seeing that it would have to go to a dealer to be fitted. Can't ring the previous owner as there is no record in handbook.

Hi Weedie,
We bought a my15 back in March, 180. Vw towbar for the new model wasn't available so we were advised to go with HR.
Worst thing we ever did.
The car went back several times since. VW solution was to change the whole wiring harness. I now have a OEM VW tow harness. All features now work.
HR harness will not cancel rear park sensors. You will have to manually cancel every time you start the car. Blue motion will not cancel again you must do manually. This must be off for towing as per VW. Stability control doesn't work. Rear hatch stays active.
Highly recommend to change the full harness

 

Try the remote boot release. If tailgate opens, you have a non-VW towing ECU.

My HR towbar was fitted with a HR towing ECU [when MY12 treg came to Australia, VW were going through issues with VW towbars and did not offer a VW towing option for some 12 months]. Anyhow, HR ECU works fine but lacks some of the features of the VW ECU e.g. does not isolate remote tailgate release or rear parking sensor; no interface to vehicl stability control; and more.

 

Try the remote boot release. If tailgate opens, you have a non-VW towing ECU. My HR towbar was fitted with a HR towing ECU [when MY12 treg came to Australia, VW were going through issues with VW towbars and did not offer a VW towing option for some 12 months]. Anyhow, HR ECU works fine but lacks some of the features of the VW ECU e.g. does not isolate remote tailgate release or rear parking sensor; no interface to vehicl stability control; and more.

The hatch test is not 100%. Someone may have reprogrammed it with a VAG COM or similar device like I did. My trailer doesn't interfere with my hatch so I wanted it to be able to open with the trailer attached.

 

I bought a new 2014 4XMotion from a VW dealer and they had their approved contractor fit the towbar and an Anderson plug, so all is covered by VW as it's their contractor. When towing, the rear parking sensors are disabled and the power tailgate is also disabled. Everything works fine and the brake controller has been hidden away with just the adjustment knob visible next to the headlight controls. I am very happy with the installation and the built-in smarts.

 

Weedie,
do you have an update for us now that you have had a bit of time to play with your new Touareg?
Were you able to find out is a brake module has been installed?

Tonyb

 

Somethings I didn't see reading through this thread regarding the features of the VW tow module: Pulling the trailer plug out of the Treg will result in alarm sounding, if alarm is active. Added theft prevention is always nice.

Lastly, trailer light out warning...and it has been correct on mine to date.

 

an update.

Good afternoon all.
First off let me thank everyone who has responded to this thread. The information has been first rate and has gone a long way to convincing me that I have done two things right - joined this site and bought a Touareg.
Picked up a Canyon Grey 2014 Treg with 30k km last Wednesday week. The other half stuffed around in Sydney for a couple of days and then had a leisurely drive up the Pacific Hwy to Kempsey. First thing I did was back up to the van and check the wiring harness for the HR towbar. All lights worked as required, however, the rear proximity sensors etc did not cancel out which indicated that there was no 'tow module' fitted.
Went for a drive to Coffs yesterday and called in at local dealer armed with all my info. Parts bloke knew what I was talking about, looked up the item, quoted $645 plus fitting - 'will probably need it all day, might be $600 - $700 labour.' Service section said, '3 hours max' Mechanic said, 'I've fitted a few recently only a couple of hours work with the computer recalibration'
Rang Port Macquarie dealer this afternoon, similar answer but quoted $660 and about $450 fitting. Booked in for next week.
What has surprised me is that there appears to be no consistency in cost of parts and or labour. The other thing is that when you ask about what the module ACTUALLY does, everyone is a bit vague. The only thing they agree on is that it cancels the proximity sensor when a trailer is hooked up.
Time will tell. Hope to have the 'white whale' hooked up in the next week or two for a couple of shakedown runs.
If you see a Jayco van with a picture of a whale and MOBY written underneath, give me (us) a wave or a call on the UHF. Would love to catch up for a cuppa or a beer / scotch / red wine or ten.

 

The other thing is that when you ask about what the module ACTUALLY does, everyone is a bit vague. The only thing they agree on is that it cancels the proximity sensor when a trailer is hooked up.

Weedie, if it is the oem genuine module/controller, then it should:
1. De-activate: rear sensors, powered tailgate open/close and the start/stop system.
2. Activate: trailer stabilisation program (as part of the ESC), additional trailer light warnings/faults on dash and with mine the Areaview has an additional reversing camera "image option" with safety distance lines and towball/hitch alignment lines to the trailer.

Could be others, they're the main ones I can think of.

Cheers Paul.

 

Hi Weedie.

It sounds like you have a lovely setup with your 4XMotion and van. We have a 2013 180TDI 4XMotion and tow a 22' 2860kg Jayco Sterling currently. We are purchasing a new off road van soon - still looking. We were thinking Lotus Freelander, but with our options, it was going to be too heavy for my liking, with a tare of over 3000kg. Now considering either a custom built Van Cruiser Cobra at 22' or JB Scorpion at 21' Both will have a tare of about 2700 - 2850 kg with an ATM of 3500kg. TB weights will be about 250kg. What van did you end up with and have you "gone bush" yet? How does it tow and do you have fuel figures? I'm currently averaging 14.5 l/100 at a GCM of 5660kg on a weigh bridge. I got rid of my VW vertical tongue tow bar and fitted a Hayman Reece. Much better. My VW agent tells me that the ball weight of 350kg as stated on the Hayman Reece compliance plate is correct. The 280kg refers to the VW bar - I'm checking further!

 

We ended up buying a 24' Jayco Sterling, tare about 2200kg and 200kg ball weight. Fuel economy much the same as yours. Had no issues so far on the three trips we have done. Much more comfortable than the 79 series Cruiser for sure. Ours tends to use a bit of oil when towing, but have been told this is not unusual. Was talking to a very reputable Repco mechanic a couple of days ago who had a customer with a Touareg (year unknown) which used 2 litres of oil in 5,000km 'normal' driving. She complained to VW on numerous occasions but was told it was 'acceptable'. He tried various different oils over a period of time and eventually found one that stopped the oil usage. Couldn't remember what it was but had it in his records. Only problem that I can see would be with any normal or extended warranty.

 

Divemedic,

Even though the Hayman Reece has a Bar weight of 350Kg, the actual vehicle only has 280kg and cant be changed.

 

Thanks Packhorse. I have written to VW Australia and am awaiting their reply. You are probably correct but given that the TB load is part of the vehicles pay load which doesn't change and also that the extra 70kg down force will only make about 80kg difference to the rear axle load it doesn't make a lot of sense. As mentioned, I don't intend to exceed 250k ball weight. It's really just ancademic exercise. :nerd:

 

Weedie,

You have a great all round vehicle, that is a lot more capable offroad than most people will ever understand. I was VERY disappointed to find VW no long do the Low Range gear box. Have had to use it only about 10 times in the 4 years of ownership but very glad I had it. Will need to update vehicle soon as I now have 150,000 ks on it, and not sure whether to get the last of 4Xmotion second hand or do without it. I think the 2014 was the last year they made them ?

Just a tip when unhooking the van I find really useful. When you have backed the van into position, change the height of car to off road height. Then when jockey wheel in place lift the tail gate and use the lowering button just inside back right corner of car to lower vehicle height. Car will normally just lower and van will come off tow ball with ease. All doors on vehicle need to be closed to do this.

 

VW are still making 4XMotion versions, UK Escape model, but may have stopped imports to Australia early.

 

To those following Touareg towball weights, here is VW Australia's answer to my question of whether the tow ball weight is determined by the car or the tow bar specifications. In short, Peninsula Volkswagen's Commercial and Passenger divisions' tech's told me the tow ball weight is based on the tow bar specs, so the HR bar's 350kg ball weight was valid if a HR bar and tongue was fitted. Bare in mind that TB weight is part of the payload which doesn't change and the difference between the rear axel loading is about 80kg at 350kg, it makes sense that there's really no problem with the higher ball weight. Here's the answer - the ball weight is determined by the tow bar manufacturer's specs which must be obtained from the towbar manufacturer.

Hi Rob,



Thank you for your email regards the tow bar on your Touareg. Please be advised that Volkswagen is unable to provide specification on non genuine products like a Heyman Reece tow bar. Those specifications would need to be obtained from Hayman Reece.



Please contact our office, should you require any further assistance.



Kind Regards





John Foster



Customer Experience Ambassador

VOLKSWAGEN Group Australia

24 Muir Road

Chullora NSW 2190

Direct: 1800 607 822 | Main: +61 2 9695 6000

Fax: +61 2 9742 7288

Email: john.foster@volkswagen.com.au

 

... to my question of whether the tow ball weight is determined by the car or the tow bar specifications.

Logically, it's whichever is the lowest of the car limit and the towbar limit.

 

Divemedic,

Still doesn't advise that VW are happy to go to 350kg on a Hayman Reese Bar. If I use a bar off an F250 with a 600 kg Down Weight will that be OK. ? I doubt it.

Bar is rated to 350kg but maximum VW will allow is 280kg.

 

Well put, +1

TonyB

 

Interesting Packhorse and Seafarer2B. Packhorse, no, it doesn't say that VW is happy to go to 350kg, but remember, the payload remains the same, so the weight the car carries doesn't (or shouldn't unless you overload) change and the rear axel load only increases slightly. At 350kg ball weight, you take less equipment with you than you would at 280kg ball weight. Your F250 example is ludicrous, as you obviously can't put an F250 towbar on a Touareg as it's not designed for it, but a Hayman Reece towbar Product 02854RW Rating/Ball Weight 3500/350, is and Seafarer2B as a mechanic, you should know better than to support such a ridiculous assertion. I have never expressed my opinion. I have quoted commercial and passenger car technicians from a well regarded Melbourne dealership and then a letter from VW Australia staff. You did get me thinking however and I have since spoken to the author of the letter I included this afternoon and he confirmed that the towbar is rated, not the car. Ring him yourself. I can only share what I've been told. If these guys are wrong, then I stand corrected. Clearly, you two know far more than the dealership technicians and VW Australia staff. I was merely adding to the debate and those who have replied seem to delight in putting down the conversations I have had with qualified technicians. The vertical tongue on this VW towbar is held in place by an unrated hitch pin. It's unlikely ever to shear but I wouldn't want to hang 350kg ball weight on it. Lets face it, it's made for light weight European vans/trailers on excellent roads where 280kg is more than enough. When it's all said and done, it's up to the individual what ball weight you add to your beloved Treg. I have no intention of putting a 350kg ball weight on my Hayman Reece Bar. That's what it's rated to, rightly or wrongly and three VW staffers have told me it's the bar and not the car that's rated. So, please, don't shoot the messenger. It gives me a huge safety factor (and adjustable height) over that crappy VW product and if nothing else, that's worth while. The new horizontal VW hitch at 280kg, is a far better towbar than the VW vertical type, but why confuse the issue by changing that bar's rating. It's more than enough for light weight Euro vans and sufficient for a double horse float and a couple of nags.