Frequently asked questions
In following we provide answers to the most frequently asked received by our customer service. With some luck you may find your question here, and then immediately proceed to solve your problem in an uncomplicated fashion.
- Tow bar and Accident
- Operating License / Expert Opinion
- Flashing Function not available
- C2 indicator lights are missing
- Attaching Bicycle Racks to Tow bars
- Keys for detachable tow bars
- Control Unit Hums
- Inspecting the Electrical System
Tow bar and Accident
My vehicle has been damaged at the rear following a rear-end collision. Can I continue to use the tow bar?
When vehicles with a towbar are damaged at the rear, it is likely that the tow bar has also been damaged through overloading. This can often be detected by a permanent deformation to the tow bar. Other signs that indicate damage include, for example: Surface damage, unusual notches or distortions in the attachment area, or in tow bars with a detachable ball bar, too much free play of the removable part. We inspect all tow bars that are sent to us using a special reference gauge. If the dimensions of the tow bar are no longer within the reference range, one can assume that the tow bar has been damaged by overloading. It is not permissible to continue to use such damaged tow bars. Inspecting the dimensions of the tow bar does not provide information on any possible cracks or crack initiation which would significantly reduce the fatigue strength. As time proceeds, incipient cracks can lead to complete failure of the tow bar when using it for towing. A crack inspection, for example using dye penetration test or x-ray analysis, is very time-consuming and is uneconomical in most cases. If you are in doubt, we generally recommend that you replace the towbar, although the final decision is to be made by the expert technician.
Operating License / Expert Opinion
I require an operating license/ expert opinion.
The assembly and operating instructions of the tow bar are to be included together with the other vehicle papers. These serve as the operating license during the general vehicle inspection (for example, TÜV in Germany). Additional expert opinions are not required for tow bars not subject to design approval, but rather are accepted on a case-by-case basis. You can download the general operating license from our site or request it at our contact page.
Flashing Function not available
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.
C2 indicator lights are missing
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.
Attaching Bicycle Racks to Tow bars
Can I attach a bicycle rack to my tow bar?
Some bicycle rack manufacturers prescribe using tow bars in which the ball bar is made from 52-3 steel or equivalent. Westfalia tow bars are generally suitable for attaching bicycle racks. Exceptions to this are tow bars for the Audi 80/100/A4/A6 that were manufactured until the mid-90s. These are made from GGG 40 (nodular graphite iron). Ball bars made from this material are not suitable for attaching bicycle racks. Starting around 1996, the nodular graphite iron GGG 52 was used. This is comparable with 52-3 steel and bicycle racks can be attached without problem. 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 tow bar is made of aluminium, we can send you a certificate that permits you to use it with a bicycle rack.
Keys for detachable tow bars
I lost the key for my detachable tow bar. What can I do?
You should always note the number of the key when you receive your automatically detachable tow bar. This number is stamped into the head of the key. With this key number, you can have your garage request a new key from us at any time. If you did not note your key number, have your garage or automobile dealer request a universal key set from us. This contains all of the available keys. After receiving the key set, try out the keys until you find the key that fits and send us back the entire set. You can order the required key or keys through your dealer by providing the number of the key.