We are pleased to send you a new type plate as soon as we receive from a garage a Statement under oath, which includes the identity of the towbar. The German Federal Office of Automobiles has taken the decision that the delivery of type plates directly to the vehicle owner is no longer permitted.

To simplify this procedure you can download the attached Statement under oath, ask your garage to complete and then fax back to us on 08715 227 730. When we have received the completed form along with a legally binding signature, we will dispatch the type plate to your garage immediately.

The arrangement fee for this service is £18 including VAT.

MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN DAMAGED AT THE REAR FOLLOWING A COLLISION. CAN I CONTINUE TO USE THE TOWBAR?

When vehicles with a trailer hitch are damaged at the rear it is likely that the towbar has also been damaged through overloading. This can often be detected by a permanent deformation to the towbar. Other signs that indicate damage include surface damage, unusual notches or distortions in the attachment area or in towbars with a detachable towball too much free play of the removable part.

We inspect towbars that are sent to us using a special reference gauge. If the dimensions of the towbar are no longer within the reference gauge, you can assume that the towbar has been damaged by overloading. It is not permissible to use a damaged towbar.

Inspecting the dimensions of the towbar does not provide information on any possible cracks or crack initiation which would significantly reduce the fatigue strength. As time goes on incipient cracks can lead to complete failure of the towbar when using it for towing. A crack inspection, for example using dye penetration test or x-ray analysis, is very time-consuming and uneconomical in most cases. If you are in any doubt we recommend that you replace the towbar although the final decision should be made by an experienced towbar fitter.

I REQURE AN OPERATING LICENCE

The assembly and operating instructions of the towbar are to be included with the other vehicle papers. These serve as the Operating Licence during the general vehicle inspection. Additional expert opinions are not required for towbars not subject to design approval but are accepted on a case by case basis.

AFTER INSTALLING A TOP TRONIC SYSTEM, MY TURN SIGNALS NO LONGER FUNCTION PROPERLY ON THE TRAILER AND AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.

In most cases, this is due to not having connected the continuous positive to the additional relay. Please check this.

THE C2 LIGHTS HAVE NOT BEEN INCLUDED IN MY ELECTRICAL KIT.

The C2 lights are generally included with the cable bundle. However with Top Tronic systems, they are not required and are therefore not included.

CAN I ATTACH A BICYCLE RACK TO MY TOWBAR?

Some bicycle rack manufacturers recommend using towbars in which the ball bar is made from 52-3 steel or equivalent. Westfalia towbars are generally suitable for attaching bicycle racks. Exceptions to this are towbars for the Audi 80 / 100 / A4 and A6 that were manufactured until the mid 1990’s. These towbars are made from GGG 40 (nodular graphite iron). Ball bars made from this material are not suitable for attaching bicycle racks.

Starting from around 1996 the nodular graphite iron GGG 52 was used. This is comparable with 52-3 steel and bicycle racks can be attached without any problems. The GGG 40 or GGG 52 materials are indicated by a stamp on the side of the ball neck. Ball bars that are not stamped are always made from 52-3 steel.

If your towbar is made from aluminium, we can send you a certificate that permits you to use it with a bicycle rack.

I HAVE LOST THE KEY FOR MY DETACHABLE TOWBAR. WHAT CAN I DO?

You should always keep a record of the number on your key when you receive your Detachable Towbar. The key number is stamped into the head of the key. With this number you can get a replacement from your local Westfalia Fitting Partner or directly from us.

If you do not have a record of your key number, contact your local Westfalia Fitting Partner who will be able to request a Master Key Set from us. This contains all of the available keys. When you receive the Master Key Set try out the keys until you find the one that fits. Using the number on the key you can then order a replacement from your local Westfalia Fitting Partner or directly from us.

When you have finished with the Master Key Set please return it to your local Westfalia Fitting Partner or send it directly to us.

WHEN I CHECK THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, THE CONTROL UNIT BEGINS TO HUM. WHAT CAN I DO?

Check whether the trailer contains a rear fog light. The control unit detects the trailer through the rear fog light. If not, this has to be retrofitted to the trailer.

THE DIODE TEST PLUG THAT I AM USING TO INSPECT THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT LIGHTS UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE. WHAT CAN I DO?

Diode test plugs are not appropriate for inspection purposes due to their low loading capacity. The electrical load has to be 21 watt.