Westafalia Deatchable Towbar Review

JTMonza · May 23, 2020

Just in case any of you are interested - Click here for a Review on my channel of the Westfalia Deatchable Towbar that we have had retrofitted to our T6 California.
Campervan Journey - Westfalia Towbar Review
Thanks

mikeelawson · Apr 13, 2021

Does anyone know if you can get a wider neck? I have the factory fitted towbar and when input my bike rack on, the bikes handlebar touches the back windscreen. Can I get a wider neck?

Chris_BLG_Ocean · Apr 13, 2021

mikeelawson said:
Does anyone know if you can get a wider neck?

Stretching seems to work for these people

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mikeelawson · Apr 13, 2021

Not sure the copper rings would work on the Cali

WelshGas · Apr 13, 2021

mikeelawson said:
Does anyone know if you can get a wider neck? I have the factory fitted towbar and when input my bike rack on, the bikes handlebar touches the back windscreen. Can I get a wider neck?

Officially, Westfalia will say No.
However, the quick release mechanism is the same but the Detachable Towball varies in length depending on the vehicle bumper depth.
A Forum member has used an Audi Towball which is longer. Westfalia will not recommend this.

Atera Strada DL3-4 compared to Thule G6 Euro Classic 928/9

Prompted me to give a quick word of caution with the Atera as I got caught out with it not locking in the forward position, something I thought I had checked. Some WD 40sprayed up into the sliding mechanism made it slide much easier and make a more positive click when locked as I was beginning...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Post 49

B J G · Apr 13, 2021

As @WelshGas says Westfalia will not and cannot recommend this.

I contacted Westfalia who were helpful in explaining that VW give the Towbar design criteria as to tow ball distance and loading from the towbar chassis mounting points (bolt holes to be specific). Any non standard towball hitch would be outside this spec.
You can find your own alternative but bear the above in mind.

Easiest option would be to have a fixed towbar and inset a spacer behind the bolt on towball, various sizes are available. Not much help once a detachable one fitted.

SAM49 · Apr 13, 2021

mikeelawson said:
Does anyone know if you can get a wider neck? I have the factory fitted towbar and when input my bike rack on, the bikes handlebar touches the back windscreen. Can I get a wider neck?

Mike,
I have the Atera rack, the 3 bike version. FWIW ..... Although not for the reason you mention, I always turn the handle bars through 90 degrees and mount the bikes nose to tail on the rack. This should give the wriggle room you need, however, once the bars are turned for transportation, or reorientated for riding, do remember to tighten up the bolts to the recommended torque.....