A8 towing/towbar

[Mattyb]

Hi all, new to the forum so hello.

Im going to be towing with my a8 but anyone know if there is a best towbar to get,

I was looking at the detatchable westfalia tow bar plus the a8 specific wiring.

Anyone used it.

Matty.

[Architex_mA8tey]

Welcome to the forum Matty
others with experience of tow bars on their own 8's will be along to comment but I believe the westfalia detachable bar is a good option
If you get time post some pictures of your car in the relevant section and youd be welcome along at any meeting we have, check out that section.
Where are you based?

[Mattyb]

Thanks, im from gateshead got sone good pictures of the car to post as my mate does detailing and went over the car for me so its looking good

[Architex_mA8tey]

Well youre in luck - we have an upcoming meet in 2 weeks from today at A8 Parts in Eaglescliffe (Nr Stockton On Tees) on Sunday 21st April - you can meet many owners, get help and advice on your cars and even purchase spares at 50% discount from normal rates, get your aircon regassed free, and feed your face!



Would be delighted to see you there!


.

[paulrstaylor]

Hello,

I fitted a westfalia removable bar and wiring kit to my 4.2 TDI when I first got it and so far as I can tell it is the same as the OEM bar (including Audi markings!).

I specified the actual westfalia wiring kit (rather than a generic vehicle specific one) and coded it with VCDS, again it seems to be identical in function to a factory fitted (but i think the ECU is in a different place for retrofit). If you want the full 13 pin including charging then you need an additional cable also.

It is very neat and un-clips and folds away when not in use so that you wouldn't know it was there.

You can check out the part numbers needed here http://www.westfalia-automotive.de/

I bought mine from PF Jones in Manchester and collected, they also do delivery and fitting if needed.

I also priced up the equivalent from Audi Manchester and it was over twice the price from the dealers for what I suspect to be identical components!

[Mattyb]

I would have came down but iv got to go away to work on that sunday.

Thanks for info paul.

So im going to go for a wastfalia tow bar but im a bit confused about the electrics your recomending.

Did you use the a8 specific wiring or the generic wiring. Do i need vcds to get the electrics working.

I also dont know what electrics i need as i will only be towing a car transporter trailer.

[paulrstaylor]

No problem

I used the Westfalia wiring kit, which includes and ECU and interfaces into the other systems - i.e. ESP, ABS, Suspension, parking sensors etc.. Much better than a bypass relay and splicing cables which may cause lots of issues!

You wont need the charging wires then, just the 13 pin wiring kit (and probably an adaptor to 7 pin for your trailer?).

See the install instructions here: http://www.westfalia-automotive.de/f...6391101-01.pdf

Edited to say: you will need to get the car coded for the towbar module, either VCDS or a dealer/specialist should be able to do it in about 10 minutes!

[Mattyb]

im going to order the tow bar and kit tomorow from pf jones.

Just got to pass my trailer test next week and im sorted.

Thanks for the help

[Mattyb]

Hey architex, if i fitted the tow bar and then brought car down to prestige motor services, would you be able to code it with vcds, and if so how much please.

Thanks

[Architex_mA8tey]

Yes there will be oodles of people with VCDS there so it wont be a problem to get it coded out of the goodness of our hearts!
before you buy the tow bar give David or Carl a call at A8 Parts and just check that they don't have a second hand one in stock as you'll get good discount on the day for coming along