Passat Variant 3B: Towing Hitch Retrofit + Choosing a Trailer

Hello everyone,

I'm planning to add something to the back of my Passat Variant (manufactured in 1999, TDI PD 115 hp) soon, specifically I'm planning to install a tow hitch and purchase a small trailer (750 kg unbraked).

My questions:

1.) Is it recommended to retrofit a fixed or detachable tow hitch according to the original VW specifications, or do the cheaper alternatives, such as those from ATU, Westfalia, or Rameder (www.kupplung.de), perform just as well?

2.) As a trailer owner, single-axle trailers (750 kg unbraked) in aluminum from Humbaur or WM Meyer, or possibly the cheaper alternative from Stema (galvanized steel sheet), are worth considering.

Has anyone had experience with retrofitting a tow hitch or with the aforementioned? {QUESTION}

Thank you in advance for any tips.

Greetings
Thomas

Tom1969 wrote:

1.) Is it recommended to retrofit with a fixed or detachable tow hitch according to the original VW specifications, or do the cheaper alternatives, such as those from ATU, Westfalia, or Rameder (www.kupplung.de), perform just as well?

I would never agree to a retrofit with VW parts again. The original part was defective three times, and the one that VW then created for me was really great:
/viewtopic.php?t=4585&highlight=ahk
As can be seen, Westfalia has two different systems for a detachable tow hitch. The automatic is also the more elegant option (also distributed by Rameder).
My brother has a BRINK winch, and he's very happy with it. I would, however, advise against using the original Oris AHKs. The ball head is only supported by a very small mounting point, and as a result, the ball head has come loose three times for me.

Whether to choose a fixed or removable option is a decision that each individual must make for themselves.
After my odyssey, I would prefer to look at the stars.

Quote:

2.) As a trailer owner, single-axle trailers (750 kg unbraked) in aluminum from Humbaur or WM Meyer, or possibly the cheaper alternative from Stema (galvanized steel sheet), are worth considering.

Have you ever checked out Brenderup?
http://www.brenderup.dk/default.asp?pageid=64
I have a 750kg steel plate trailer from them and I am very satisfied. Although it is empty, it is incredibly heavy, but also very stable.

Hi,

I am also satisfied with my Brink, but unfortunately, there is no way to secure the coupling with a lock, which would sometimes be very useful, especially since most trailer couplings rely on the coupling being firmly attached to the car.

Otherwise, I would prefer a fixed one (this doesn't work with the GP01 due to the license plate), even though the damage may be greater in the event of a strong rear impact, it still protects many inexperienced drivers.

Best regards,

Jan

Well, I don't want to upset you with a completely different opinion, but I'm very satisfied with the original.
I also planted these in a 3B, without any problems.
What I like most is that the clutch is not visible when the ball head is removed. You simply see nothing. Most aftermarket couplings look quite ugly.
I got the clutch through a parts expert, specifically through r-a-r, at the time. It wasn't new, but it was completely unused and sold for 300 DM.
As for me, I don't want a fixed coupling at all. It's clear that my vehicle is "protected" if someone else parks behind me, but I also have to park my own vehicle constantly, and if I'm always directly looking at the car parked behind me, it will certainly become more expensive.

CS

Not original. As far as I know, brands like Oris and Westfalia are often installed as removable versions from the factory (at least in the Passat). Bertil's experiences reflect exactly what other people, especially campers, have experienced with Oris. I have a Westfalia automatic originally installed from the factory (Passat 3BG) and I have already used it extensively. Believe me, nothing rattles...

Hello everyone,

Thank you for your responses!

It will likely be the detachable tow hitch, mounted from below, by Westfalia (Westfalia part number 321505600001), with a 13-pole electrical kit (Westfalia part number 321512300113).
Okay, here's the translation:

Mal eine dumme Frage: diese AHK wird im Forum oft als 'automatisch' bezeichnet - was genau macht diese AHK automatisch?

I'll take a little look around the stands.

Best regards,
Thomas

Tom1969 wrote:

..... Okay, here's the translation: Mal eine dumme Frage: diese AHK wird im Forum oft als "automatisch" bezeichnet - was genau macht diese AHK automatisch?

It is referred to as "automatic" by Westfalia.

Westfalia offers two different systems: a manual and an automatic one. You can see both of these things in the images in my article.
The manual system consists of a pipe into which the AHK head is screwed, and then manually locked (tightened) using a special key.
In the automatic system, the head is simply inserted into the designated mounting and a spring mechanism automatically locks without any further action.

Hello,

Here are two short questions about the installation of the automatic Westfalia tow hitch (Westfalia part number 321505600001) with a 13-pole electrical kit (Westfalia part number 321512300113):

Do I need to get the (self-installed) tow hitch and electrical kit inspected by the TÜV (Technical Inspection Association) before I can use it, or does the Westfalia tow hitch come with an ABE (approval document)?

Must, after the original spare shock absorber behind the rear bumper was removed for the installation of the tow hitch, must a different spare shock absorber be mounted between the tow hitch and the rear bumper?

Thanks if anyone has any information about it!

Greetings
Thomas

Tom1969 wrote:

Do I need to get the (self-installed) tow hitch and electrical kit inspected by the TÜV (Technical Inspection Association) before I can use it, or does the Westfalia tow hitch come with an ABE (approval document)?

No, no registration is required.
The AHK has a so-called "E-approval" and therefore it is no longer necessary to obtain a TÜV (German technical inspection authority) approval. This regulation has been in effect since April 2003.
All parts that require a vehicle-specific E-test do not need to be registered anymore. It can be identified by the "E.~...." marking.

Quote:

Must, after the original spare shock absorber behind the rear bumper was removed for the installation of the tow hitch, must a different spare shock absorber be mounted between the tow hitch and the rear bumper?

No.
The AHK is the new impact absorber.