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Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Retrofitting a towing bracket

Fig. 108 gives the dimensions and attachment points for retrofitting a towing bracket to a Volkswagen Golf Mk7 that doesn't have one from the factory. Volkswagen recommends having this done by a qualified workshop, since the cooling system may need modification and additional heat shields may be required — this page explains why.

Fig. 108 Dimensions and attachment points for retrofitting a towing bracket

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

Volkswagen recommends having the towing bracket retrofitted by a qualified workshop. The cooling system may need to be modified or heat shields may need to be fitted. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.

The dimensions must be adhered to for the retro-fitting of a towing bracket. Always observe the minimum distance given from the middle of the ball coupling   to the surface of the road. This also applies when the vehicle is fully laden, including maximum drawbar load.

Dimensions  :

  1. Attachment points.
  2. 838 mm
  3. 513 mm
  4. 293 mm
  5. at least 65 mm
  6. 350 – 420 mm
  7. 1,043 mm
  8. 1,048 mm

WARNING

Electrical accessories that are not connected properly can cause faults in the entire vehicle electronics system and also cause accidents and serious injuries.
  • Never connect the trailer's electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the tail lights or to other unsuitable sources of electricity. Only a suitable connector may be used to connect the trailer.
  • A towing bracket should be retrofitted to the vehicle by a qualified workshop.

WARNING

The trailer can become detached from the towing vehicle if the towing bracket is unsuitable or incorrectly fitted. This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.

Only use towing brackets which have been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type.

    Questions & answers

    Retrofitting a towing bracket — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

    Can I retrofit a towbar on the Golf Mk7?
    Yes. Volkswagen recommends having it done by a qualified workshop because the cooling system may need modification and heat shields may need fitting.
    Does retrofitting a Golf Mk7 towbar require modifications to the cooling system?
    Possibly. Towing generates extra heat. The workshop will check whether a larger radiator, additional oil cooler or extra fan is needed for your engine variant.
    Where are the Golf Mk7 towing bracket attachment points?
    The manual shows a dimensioned diagram of the rear body structure with the bolt positions. The towbar must be fitted exactly to these points.
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