[Hoodie]

I am thinking about installing a tow bar (did not tick that box when I put the order in). Once again I find a huge price difference between two Volkswagen dealers in Sydney one being $804 and the other being $1066. They both seem to be selling a "Kit".

My question is has anybody done the install themselves on a T2 (Volkswagen quote 6 hours)? The photos below are of the drivers side compartment in the boot. To wire it up do I have to splice into other wires? Or is it plug and play?

Thank you in advance for your comments.
Carson

 

[Vegas Matt]

I don't know how different the T2's are than the T1s, but on a T1 there are two connectors that are used: That green connector in your photo, and another one that is basically on top of the right-rear wheelwell. You need to remove that entire side trim panel, or at least partially remove it and flex it back out of the way, to get to the area where the other harness is. The hidden connector plugs into the VW Trailer Control Module, that you should get with your trailer hitch kit. The harness from the hitch has two plugs, one of which plugs into this trailer module and the other plugs into the green connector in your pic.

It took me about four hours to do mine, with occasional help from a friend. This is with me never having done one of these before, so six hours for someone with the actual manuals seems a bit excessive IMO.

Good luck,
Matt

 

[aircooled]

Moved into the general offroad and towing forum. The green plug is the cross connect for the trailer brakes and a matching harness will direct connect with it. I'll post some more about it later, but I need to walk out the door.

 

[Hoodie]

Moved into the general offroad and towing forum. The green plug is the cross connect for the trailer brakes and a matching harness will direct connect with it. I'll post some more about it later, but I need to walk out the door.

Thanks for your comments and thoughts - but please move the thread back to the Australian Forum. We have a lot less options in Australia for a tow bar and I was wanting local input.

Thanks
Carson

 

[fbs1992]

6 hours is definitely a long time.

It took me less time than that including a 30 minute round trip to the dealer to get the correct bolts.

I would recommend doing it yourself since it isnt a difficult install and youll save loads of money.

 

[Hoodie]

I don't know how different the T2's are than the T1s, but on a T1 there are two connectors that are used: That green connector in your photo, and another one that is basically on top of the right-rear wheelwell. You need to remove that entire side trim panel, or at least partially remove it and flex it back out of the way, to get to the area where the other harness is. The hidden connector plugs into the VW Trailer Control Module, that you should get with your trailer hitch kit. The harness from the hitch has two plugs, one of which plugs into this trailer module and the other plugs into the green connector in your pic.

It took me about four hours to do mine, with occasional help from a friend. This is with me never having done one of these before, so six hours for someone with the actual manuals seems a bit excessive IMO.

Good luck,
Matt

Hello Matt

Thanks, I think there maybe some difference as I have contacted several tow bar installers locally and all can do T1's but they can't do the T2 for some reason. I looked at Haymen Reece's website (well known Australian tow bar manufacturer) and they have the parts for Touaregs up to 2006. I emailed Treg Central and they will not ship to Australia.

I am thinking about tackling this one myself, just need the sign off from SWMBO.

Thanks
Carson

 

[Flipper Dog]

Hello Carson,
I had the install of the tow bar done by a dealer after the vehicle was delivered.

I can't remember the time it took but it was almost a full day in the shop getting done, so 6 hours give or take an hour or so would be about correct.

When I had mine done (the first T2, facelift model in Sydney) the only option was VW supplied, but shopping around I was able to get it supplied and fitted for around the same price as factory fitted. PM me if you want the dealer I went through. I spoke to several dealers inquiring about having the work done outside of the dealership and all said the bar was no issue but the electronics package must be from VW. You may want and check this now thoe.

I have attached some photos of my work.

You will see that there is a control box behind the CD charger and the green tube running down contains all the wiring. The green connector looks like plugging into the control box as also stated. I can't see and splicing into the cable (without taking other parts off the side) so can't comment on that.

The lower bumper where the bar is fitted is able to be removed (the plate just comes off) so there is no cutting involved. What I found was the entire rear bumper was removed to fit the bar so be careful with your sensors and the alightment of your back muddies. The trailer plug I got was the 7 pin large round type.

If you need any other info or photos just let me know.

 

[Hoodie]

Hello Carson,
I had the install of the tow bar done by a dealer after the vehicle was delivered.

I can't remember the time it took but it was almost a full day in the shop getting done, so 6 hours give or take an hour or so would be about correct.

When I had mine done (the first T2, facelift model in Sydney) the only option was VW supplied, but shopping around I was able to get it supplied and fitted for around the same price as factory fitted. PM me if you want the dealer I went through. I spoke to several dealers inquiring about having the work done outside of the dealership and all said the bar was no issue but the electronics package must be from VW. You may want and check this now thoe.

I have attached some photos of my work.

You will see that there is a control box behind the CD charger and the green tube running down contains all the wiring. The green connector looks like plugging into the control box as also stated. I can't see and splicing into the cable (without taking other parts off the side) so can't comment on that.

The lower bumper where the bar is fitted is able to be removed (the plate just comes off) so there is no cutting involved. What I found was the entire rear bumper was removed to fit the bar so be careful with your sensors and the alightment of your back muddies. The trailer plug I got was the 7 pin large round type.

If you need any other info or photos just let me know.

Thanks Flipper Dog, that's great info.

Carson

 

[Hoodie]

Found the following video of how to install a tow hitch on youtube. It does not have the electrics covered.

 

[axg1040]

I watched this before I did my hitch last weekend. It did help to see how it all comes apart. The wiring was not bad at all. I just had problems getting the side trim panel back into the window clips. Dealer wanted 5 hours of labor to put it all in.