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Any advice greatfully received!
Do I need the dedicated electrics or is the bypass ok? What is the difference between the 2?
Do I need the detachable swan neck because I have parking sensors or will a fixed swan neck be ok and not set them off?
TIA
I asked a similar question a while back, have a quick read & see if it helps you [url= http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/can-anyone-explain-towbars-to-me ]HERE[/url]
Oh & I never fitted the one I bought so I can't comment any further.
Cheers.
Depends. The towbar won't set of the reversing sensors by itself (well the one I just fitted to my T5 doesn't. If you are just wanting to use a bike rack then it probably isn't worth paying the extra £100+ notes for the dedicated electrics. If you will be towing though it is worth it as it will be coded into the system which will not only disable the reversing sensors when a trailer is on, but will also modify the DSC anti-skid program to suit (so I am led to believe)
Thanks - all very useful!
Am only going to use for a bike rack so non dedicated electrics sound good at £200 less!
Is there anyway of telling if the towbar will set off the sensors when nothing attached? Would prefer non detachable as less faff
Filks
I've just been quoted for that model of car....
360 fixed ball
520 removable
Both with electric whizzy box and 7 pin electrics
80 less for crimp it in wiring.
I have factory fit sensors and was told fixed is ok. I HAVE NOT HAD IT DONE SO CAN'T CONFIRM 100%.
I have used this fitter at least twice before so would trust the quote.
Still umming and ahing whether to do towbar or roof rack.
Pm me if you want more details.
If you're not bothered by the towbar being on the car permanently then get a fixed otherwise detachable. Neither will set the PDC sensors off when fitted.
Electrics most new trailers, caravans and bike racks are coming with 13 pin so unless you have something specific to fit that is 7 pin then go for the newer standard. Even with 13 pin you don't need to wire it up fully for battery charging functions for a caravan. You can buy 13 to 7 pin adaptors to use with other attachments.
I would always go dedicated now after previous problems with canbus caused by a clipped in towbar electrics. With the dedicated as well as automatic adjustment to the vehicle stability programs when you attach something it will also deactivate your rear PDC whilst the front if fitted remain functional, rear fog light on the car deactivates so it doesn't reflect back into your vision and the alarm is extended so if someone tries to disconnect your electrics whilst attached to the locked car that alarm goes off.
Craigxxl
Thanks will ask about 13 pin for mine then.
I had a 2012 Passat with bypass electrics with no problems. Regarding parking sensors, the towball itself didn't affect them. When the bike rack is attached it obviously sets off the sensors as soon as you put the car into reverse. I found this useful as a reminder that the rack was fitted as I often left it on the car without bikes on and you can't see the rack through the rear window. I'm sure without the warning I'd have ploughed it into many walls and other cars etc.