Hitch on Passat B6 installing and wiring

ArraMusha

I got a main dealer price for installing a hitch on a 2006 passat of €320 :eek:

Doing some research into a DIY job and the hitch itself seems straight forward to mount, remove bumper and drop the exhaust, and bolt it on.

The wiring might be a 'bridge too far' ? I don't want to make a thundering shyte of it so i might just go the main dealer route....but from looking online there might be a wiring kit needed that isolates the trailer.

Any advice would be appreciated.

gctest50

You need something to protect the cars wiring and electrics from potentially iffy trailer wiring and to sort out the "bulb gone" warning


http://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Volkswagen/Passat/2006/118562.html?vehicleid=20061176666

ArraMusha

Thanks gctest50,

Based on the pictures it seems like that harness taps into the cars rear light lines and provides power separately to the trailer from a separate 12V supply.

Looking at the pricing, I can get the hitch itself for €100 and that isolation harness will probably be €80 with shipping.. so its €180 versus €320(main dealer)

stress and head skratchin not included..:(

gctest50

That's a USA harness though - might be different - look local for one

George Dalton

Is that €320 including parts?

Chimaera

If it's €320 including parts it's a pretty excellent price. Unless you're confident of doing a good job yourself, I'd pay the dealer and be done with it. Alternatively find an auto-electrician to deal with the wiring for you and fit the towbar yourself.

ArraMusha

George Dalton wrote: »

Is that €320 including parts?

yep. the lot.

ArraMusha

Chimaera wrote: »

If it's €320 including parts it's a pretty excellent price. Unless you're confident of doing a good job yourself, I'd pay the dealer and be done with it. Alternatively find an auto-electrician to deal with the wiring for you and fit the towbar yourself.

I know its not a bad price alright, i'd kinda like the job of doin it myself(which is another factor) so looking for a youtube video or picture guide now.

FrontDoor

ArraMusha wrote: »

yep. the lot.

Where, if you don't mind me asking?

Something I am interested in myself.

I have found lately that some main dealers are pretty competitive with indys.

ArraMusha

FrontDoor wrote: »

Where, if you don't mind me asking?

Something I am interested in myself.

I have found lately that some main dealers are pretty competitive with indys.

PM sent.

gctest50

You might have to bring it to the dealer anyway to activate the Trailer Stability stuff - dunno

ArraMusha

gctest50 wrote: »

You might have to bring it to the dealer anyway to activate the Trailer Stability stuff - dunno

Any more detail on the "Trailer Stability stuff" ??

mickdw

I'd say the harness for the passat is pretty straight forward plug in stuff so I doubt an auto electrician is needed.
There might be a box to tick with vagcom to tell the car that towbar is fitted.
That would be about it imo.

gctest50

easy enough once you have fly-by-wire throttle and abs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gyc4Dmgbew

Chimaera

The wiring will have a line that has to run back to the fuse/panel to supply power to the trailer electrics. A good towbar should come with the full wiring kit included: look for Bosal. DO NOT USE SCOTCHLOCKS!

ArraMusha

Whats the story with the NCT and hitches..i.e. do they test the electric socket?

I read a post here saying they dont, but thats an old post. Noting definitive.

I cant see them testing it

Chimaera

I've yet to see them test the socket on my car, but I wouldn't rule it out in time. We're starting to see things tighten up now on rules and regulations around towing, I'd imagine it's only a matter of time before they turn to trailer wiring, and rightly so IMO.