Towing Electrics - Specific Kit or not?

[Gj Moss]

Hello all,
Well, by the end of this week I'll be a proud owner of an '02 1.9Tdi SE - should've collected it today but the LHF window mechanism packed up and the garage are changing it. Grrr - at least it will be done by Friday.

Anyway, upon getting our new family wagon, I'll be fitting a tow-bar. No worries with the choice of bar, but I've seen some specific Alhambra kits advertised - I guess they should just plug in somewhere as a new module.

Has anyone got experience of any kits and any advice?

I've previously fitted a bar to a Focus and simply used the generic kit, tapping into the relevant wiring in the boot space. Not a massive issue, but figured there might be benefits to a specific kit (e.g. trailer indicator repeat light in the dash??)

Many thanks, Graham

 

[Gj Moss]

Having now completed this work, thought I'd post a reply in hope that it will provide help for anyone searching the forum.

I bought the Westfalia system (Part #TOWT024b ) from towEquipe.

It was very easy to install, though I didn't have the need to wire in the reverse lights or the rear fog-light bypass.
There's no need for aubile confirmation of the trailer lights working as a failure of a trailer bulb will cause the vehicle's indicators to flash "double speed" - industry standard. A nice feature that makes the installation that little bit more integrated.

 

[90landrover]

I was under the impression that the audible alarm HAD to be fitted but i must be mistaken.

 

[Gj Moss]

I believe the legislation is that the driver must have some form of warning if the trailer indicators are not working.

Thus, with the buzzer, the warning is no sound when you indicate. With this system, the warning will be as normal for cars in that the flash will be double speed.

With some OEM-fit systems, there's no sound, but an icon in the dash that flashes in addition to the normal indicator tell-tale.

 

[90landrover]

Would not a failed indicator bulb also make the system flash at double speed so how would you know if the system was working or just showing a failed bulb ?

 

[Gj Moss]

Errr, surely if the system is working, then no bulbs have failed?

The idea is that legislation lets you know if your indicators have failed? If an indicator bulb fails, then the system flashes double speed, regardless of whether it be car or trailer.

If a trailer bulb fails with an audible system then the equivilient warning would be silence.

I prefer systems that warn when there is something wrong. Otherwise smoke alarms would constantly sound, dash-board icons would be illuminated most of the time and "The Simpsons all-clear" alarm would sound all of the time.

 

[90landrover]

Ok OK - I give up -. Not wanting to get involved in an argument over a few small bulbs.

 

[Gj Moss]

Agreed - there's far more to worry about in the grand scheme of things!!!

Now, need to trace why my auxilary heater doesn't work!!!!

 

[Dan-Alhambra]

In the back of the Alhambra there is aplug wrapped in foam.. and what looks like a fuse ..is this for the wiring of the towbar electrics.... im wanting to fit a towbar and electrical system to my alhambra from towsure and they do a dedicated wiring kit..does anybody know if this will plug straight into the plugs at the back and where do the wiring for the aux plug goes..is this attached via a plug in the back too....

Cheers

Oh and its a R(98) Bammer

 

[Gj Moss]

Sorry about slow reply.

Not sure about the plug you've found - I understood that some models did have pre-wiring fitted for towing, but ours (a 2002) did not.

Some of the suppliers' websites are very helpful in ensuring you order the correct kit.

Hope this helps, Graham