Avant Towbar Electrics Kits

[gary_a4_quattro]

As time has come to get the towbar on with the impending spring bank holiday camping event just around the corner, I was wondering which electric kits have been used ? Mines 2009 car and doesnt have the red plug in the o/s/r/ 1/4. Only ever going to need 7 pin, but if the kit comes as 13 pin then so be it.

Spoke to my local towbar suppliers, who I've known for many years, their thought was a regular bypass kit ( I presume they don't want to get into coding the vehicle ) but obs, wouldn't have the extended functionality of park sensor inhibit etc. as would be available with o.e. kit. Full functionality would be my preference.

Has anyone had any experience of the dedicated kits and how effectively they integrate with other vehicle systems ? ( Have vcds so coding if required will be ok )

Ryder do the following here:

Ryder SmartCan Dedicated 7-pin Towing kit for VAG 1 vehicles

Jaeger Dedicated Audi A4 to10.15; A5 09.09> (Add TF721074 for 12S control)

 

[MattS5]

Have a towbar with 13 pin electric kit. Its a dedicated kit, not bypass, which wasnt cheap, but its the 2nd S5 I've had with same set up (Bosal detachable) fitted and coded by a local specialist. I've been more than happy with it. Disables sensors on reversing etc. plus its impossible to see the cut out unless your on your hands and knees looking upwards from the floor.
Cost was around £600 fitted

 

[gary_a4_quattro]

Cheers @MattS5 , any idea which electrics kit was used by any chance ?

 

[MattS5]

Apologies, don’t. It wasn’t listed as a separate item on the invoice.
However, a quick check on the PF Jones website lists them from aroun £130. No idea what brand they are though.

 

[desertstorm]

It's best to get a fully integrated set up. Mine is a 2008 car that came with a factory fit tow bar . When the caravan is connected the ESP knows there is a trailer and this alters the way it works so it's more likely to help out if the trailer starts snaking.

https://www.towbarexpress.co.uk/trailer-stability-control/

 

[gary_a4_quattro]

Thanks Karl, interesting comparison between the Tiguan and Mazda CX-5, does the B 8 have the T-esp from factory in its stability program and thus just requires the correct coding to activate do you know ?

And thanks again Matt, going to phone Ryder and PF Jones today and get further info.

 

[desertstorm]

If you use the Westfalia kit which is the OE towbar supplied with the car and code it then it will support the trailer ESP. The factory module has several CAN connections so will talk to the ABS module and other modules in the car over the CAN bus.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Westfali...els-08-15-B8-13-Pin-Wiring-WOTP/280527182385?

 

[gary_a4_quattro]

Cheers Karl, thats just the job !