[27litres]

I fitted my AutoHak bar myself.
Very straight forward, very strong build and strong mounting points on the car.
No cuts or intrusions into the boot space.

Originally Posted by IT

The aftermarket one is a bit more of a lottery. They usually need the bumper cutting, but shouldn't need to go into the wheel well.

AutoHak, Bosal and PFJones all mount in a similar manner to the factory bar only requiring removal or reshaping of the small splash guard between the spare wheel well and the bumper under the car (* they do not damage the bumper *)

Originally Posted by IT

I'd never buy a car that's had a none genuine one fitted as it shows clear signs of budget spend on a flagship car

That's not really fair considering the factory bar hasn't been available for about 8-10 years (I reckon Westfalia would be making a killing if they still had the bar available, by the frequency with which it comes up here!).

I bought AutoHak as it was the only viable option here at the time. The hitch receiver is a bit of a pain hanging down in the breeze (hits curbs on occasion in the S8), but the construction of the bar is excellent and plenty strong enough to rescue vehicles that get stuck on our steep gravel driveway.
It is rated to the factory spec of 2400kg, but the ball down load is only about 120kg though (5% instead of 10% - but so is the factory bar), so if you're towing a caravan get either a light one, or a tandem.

Originally Posted by MikkiJayne

I have noticed there is a difference between the swan neck on early and late versions, I think changing at the point where the bumpers became two-piece. I had a factory bar on my '99, and I have just put the same bar on my 02 but the swan neck doesn't clear the bottom of the bumper. I'm going to have to cut a slot about 2" deep to clear it properly.

Having also seen a proper 02 factory bar, the swan neck is a different shape, obviously to clear the later bumper.

Interesting - I have a Westfalia bar sitting in my garage that I picked up about 2 years ago from a PFL car... I tow quite regularly, so glad I haven't tried to fit it up yet! Been trying to source a couple of bits (dust cover and keys) from Westfalia Australia, which has been a painful experience. I'm going to take it to a locksmith to sort the keys, Westfalia here are useless for that!

So what's the difference between a FL and PFL rear bar?

Originally Posted by Ameiseuk

I would also add in a point about liability, if an aftermarket bar fails allowing the prized caravan to detatch and cause goodness what carnage, you're likely to be on your own.

If the towbar is rated and meets relevant standards you're covered. No problem with AutoHak, Bosal or PFJones there. The only other issues are installation and trailer coupling for which if something isn't attached properly the onus is on the installer (in the case of towbar attachment to the car) or the driver (trailer coupling to towbar, or swan neck attachment in the case of removable towbars).
So the liability is the same factory, or non-factory...