VW Passat Estate

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  • flatcoat
    flatcoat Forum Participant Posts: 1,571
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    edited June 2018 #32

    I am still not clear if you are talking about the gap BETWEEN the bumper and towball or the distance from the bumper to the centre of the towball? Even if it is the latter, Alko give 4 differing figures ranging between 60 and 68mm. If it is the former then you can go down to a 43mm gap.

  • Fysherman
    Fysherman Forum Participant Posts: 1,570
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2018 #33

    Hi Flatcoat

    I am simply wanting to tow a uk caravan fitted with an Alko 3004 hitch head. Alko have told me this requires a minimum distance from the bumper to the centre of the towball of at least 68mm. Thats from alko and I am sure I have seen that 68mm figure quoted somewhere else as well. VW customer service have told me that the distance on the 2018 Alltrack is 65mm. Thats for the factory fitted towbar and towball. Its possible VW have got this wrong but thats what they emailled me as written confirmation after a good half hour on the phone to them. It all seems crazy to me but I am not wanting to mess about with aftermarket or dealer fitted bar which will probably end up as a standard passat estate towbar and not one for an Alltrack with its increased ride height. I am spending a lot of hardearned and naturally want it right.

    Might be a delay in any answer from me as I am on a campsite now and the signal is not 100%

    I genuinely appreciate everyone's help with this. Thank you.

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2018 #34

    Just noticed this discussion.  Fysherman why are you not interested in a retrofit tow bar?  I have one on my Tiguan as does my neighbour; his is a detachable and the  clearance centre tow ball to bumper is 100mm well over the 68mm required for an Alko 3004.  Not only will the retrofit probably be cheaper to purchase but with dedicated electrics it will do everything you need.  Also, there have been some stories on CT about fridges not working with factory fitted tow bar/electrics.  If you go to a reputable fitter (I used Towbex) they will ensure that the height/distance criteria are met.  Just tell the fitter that you are after a tow bar for an Alltrack and they will tell you if it meets the criteria; I am very surprised that VW supplied one does not meet the Alko spec!

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2018 #35

    Further to my post above.  Have done a little research and this problem with VW factory fitted tow bars and ALKO is not new.  However, all is not lost; Towbar Express do one for £507.60 which they state is 'compatible with ALKO stabilisers'.  Also as a CMC Member you can get a discount for Witter and Brink Tow Bars, may be worth checking.

  • flatcoat
    flatcoat Forum Participant Posts: 1,571
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2018 #36

    I would look at a Westphalia detachable, same as factory spec. 

  • norab
    norab Forum Participant Posts: 64
    First Comment
    edited June 2018 #37

    I’ve just changed my car from Ford mondeo . Lovely car but was getting old . 

    I wanted a Volvo or bmw .

    but had to settle on a Kuga . It tows. Dry well but at the moment I can’t say I really like it . 

    I just do t like change this is different and it’s an automatic.

  • Fysherman
    Fysherman Forum Participant Posts: 1,570
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2018 #38

    Hi comeyeas. Hope you are well.

    The reason I wanted a factory fitted towbar was to ensure I got the right one and all the electrics were compatible. Simple as that. Some chance!

    You quote a perfect example. The Towbar express towbar you mention (as far as I can see from the web page) is for a Passat Estate NOT an Alltrack. As flatcoat will confirm, the Alltrack needs a different towbar due to its increased ride height and fancy bumpers. It might be different with other manufacturers (will check out westfalia but the factory one does not fit the 2018 car) also I have not found ANY towbar that is for a current Alltrack and is currently in stock. 

    I find this all bonkers and the caravan club should be be looking into this seemingly common problem of towbars not fitting properly. I realise some might not mind towing with the caravan nose up/ down / impossible to hitch up properly but I have been doing this too long to fall for this.

    I am now minded to keep my current car another year now and consider going back to a motor home.

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