Posted on 27/03/2019 11:43
I have recently purchased a 2018 VW Tiguan with the factory fitted swivelling towbar and this has a height from floor to top of ball of 490mm. This is making my Swift Caravan quite nose high when coupled and it is suggested in the VW handbook that any retro fitted towbars should be between 350 and 420mm. Has anyone had any experience of this with any advice please?
Posted on 27/03/2019 13:42
It was the same with our Passat Alltrack because they fit the same towbar to the Alltrack as to other Passats ignoring the additional 50mm or so of ride height. By the time we loaded all the stuff in the car it was ok and the van was just about level. At the risk of being flamed I don't think VAG have a clue about towbars.
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Posted on 27/03/2019 14:37
I have a 2017 190 diesel SEL DSG and yes the towbar height is high unladen. As birderbilly says, when car is loaded and caravan has 90/95kg noseweight its about level.
We did Spain and back last year with no issues at all stability wise, and 28 - 32 mpg towing. Even shorter trips without as much weight in car gave no problems.
Posted on 27/03/2019 15:03
I have a 2012 Tiquan 2 TDI 4motion and use a detachable towbar pulling my Swift Challenger and as advised by previous replies have no problem once we have filled the car boot with heavier items, have no problem towing at all. Stability is good and providing you do not exceed recommended weights you will be fine I am sure.
Posted on 27/03/2019 16:40 by LutzThe 350 to 420mm towball height requirement, as laid down in the regulations, applies to the laden condition, not unladen.
Posted on 27/03/2019 17:03 by birderbillyso basically unless you put a massive amount of kit in the boot so as to cause at least 70mm of suspension sag it doesn't comply - genius !
Posted on 27/03/2019 16:37 by EmilysDadI assume then that those whose caravan is OK after the car is loaded do not have any kind of self levelling suspension ... having air suspension, my car is the same height at the back irrespective of what's in or on the back of it.
Posted on 28/03/2019 11:50
If the tow ball does not drop to a legal level when hitched and assuming the hitch weight is sensible then the tow bar is not fit for purpose and you are within your rights to demand your money back. Quote the Consumer Protection Act 2016. Ask the clubs legal helpline for help if you need it.
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