The detachable towbar

 

The detachable towbar has benefited from the trend towards more elegant visual lines in cars. Once the tow ball neck is removed, only a small part of the towbar remains visible.

The product is available in two automated variants: vertically and horizontally detachable (find out more about the variants).

Detachable towbars are the ideal solution for those who only need a towbar occasionally, e.g. to transport a bike carrier or tow a caravan.

Below you will find important information on assembly/disassembly as well as care and maintenance of the towbar. Please pay attention to these carefully, as a towbar is a safety part.

The illustration shows a vertically (as opposed to horizontally) detachable towbar (A40V).

The functionality of both variants is identical.

Attachment of the tow ball

  1. Remove the plug from the receiver.
  2. Insert the tow ball into the receiving tube from below and push up. The locking process is then carried out automatically. The hand should not be in the area of the hand wheel, but under the tow ball. After it clicks, close the lock and remove the key (Fig. 1). This secures the tow ball in the receiving tube. Then press the cover cap onto the lock.
    Normally the tow bar is in the "engaged condition" when it is removed from the trunk. This can be recognized by the fact that there is a distance of approx. 5 mm between the handwheel and the tow bar and the red marking on the handwheel is in the green area of the tow bar neck. The tow ball can only be used properly in this condition (Fig. 2). If the ball rod is not pretensioned, proceed as follows: With the key inserted and the lock open, pull the handwheel out to the side and turn in the direction of the arrow as far as it will go.

For safety reasons:

Always check whether the tow ball is properly locked and secured. You can recognize this by the following characteristics:

  • The green marking on the handwheel is aligned with the green area on the tow bar neck. (Fig. 1)
  • The handwheel is resting against the ball bar (no gap).
  • The lock is closed and the key is withdrawn. The handwheel cannot be pulled out.
  • The tow bar neck must be fully inserted into the receiver and be tight. Check by shaking it.

If the test of all four features is not satisfactory, the assembly must be repeated. If one of the characteristics is not fulfilled even then, the towbar may not be used. Please contact a workshop.

 

Removal of the tow ball

  1. Pull the cover off the lock and press it onto the handle of the key. 
  2. Open the lock with the key. (Key cannot be removed when the lock is open.)
  3. Hold onto the tow ball, pull the handwheel out to the side and turn against the spring force in the direction of the arrow as far as it will go. (Fig. below)
  4. Remove the ball rod from the receiving tube.
  5. The handwheel can now be released. It locks automatically in the engaged position.
  6. Insert the sealing plug in the receiving tube. Tip: If you grease it before inserting it, it will hold better and the receiving tube will also be sealed more tightly.
  7. When the towbar is not in use, the tow ball must be removed if it covers the license plate, fog light or parts thereof.
  8. The towbar neck must never be removed when a trailer or a bicycle carrier is attached.

 

Important - Please pay attention!

  1. The assembly and disassembly of the ball bar can be carried out with normal manual force without any problems.
  2. Never use any aids, tools, etc., as this could damage the mechanism.
  3. Repairs and dismantling of the detachable towbar may only be carried out by the manufacturer.
  4. No changes may be made to the entire towbar.
  5. You should write down the key number for possible subsequent orders.

Maintenance of the tow ball

  1. To ensure proper function, the ball rod, the receiving tube and especially the wedge surfaces must be clean.
  2. Regular maintenance of the mechanics is important. 
  3. Lubricate the bearing points, friction surfaces and balls with resin-free grease or oil. Treat lock only with graphite.
  4. If the detachable tow ball is not used for a longer period of time, the locking mechanism should always be relaxed (locked position) to relieve the spring element. Release see "Mounting the ball rod".
  5. The tow bar neck has to be removed and the plug inserted when cleaning the car with a steam jet cleaner. The tow bar neck must not be cleaned with a steam cleaner.

 

 

Operating and installation instructions

The above information can be found in every operating or installation manual for the towbar. Please consider these carefully.

For more information on detachable towbars, see the following download link:

Find more information about detachable towbars

How to order new keys