I have had a tow hitch fitted to my GL today the bar is by Witter.
Upon collecting the vehicle I have been made aware that it is nescessary to remove the whole of the factory behind the bumper crash bar to fit the new hitch.
This crash bar is box formed steel and runs the whole width of the car.
Now I have no crash protection to each side of the rear end only the part maybe 2ft where the new hitch is fitted.
I am trying to visualize your GL without a rear bumper. With the factory installed tow hitch, the center of the rear "brush guard" is notched to make room for the hitch. After market hitches require that some of the plastic/aluminum be cut to make room for the hitch.
Bumpers are not removed! Ever!
__________________
Somewhat disillusioned...
This is a great driver's car, except for the comand center and lack of gauges.
The little gremlins come and go at will.
This is not a factory bar, it is made by Witter, a TUV approved manufacturer.
The bumper has been removed together with the steel crash bar that sits behind it. The crash bar is the full width of the vehicle and is usually invisible, it is bolted to the chassis at the back and is obviously designed to protect the vehicle in a serious accident once the bumper cover itself has deformed.
The new bar bolts to the positions where the crash bar was fitted to the chasis, it does appear as if the crash bar cannot be refitted but this just doesn't seem right to me?
In the Westfalia example, the rear bumper bar is replaced with the new tow bar and appears to cover the identical width. Yes, the old bumper is tossed in this instance, but the new bumper still covers the same area as the old one. The bumper cover is not modified.
Sounds like a lot of work for a flimsey looking receiver...
My friend has recenty had a Westfalia hitch fitted to his 320cdi by Banc farm trailers at Carmarthen.
The hitch is great but the installation was frankly a shambles. They did not cut a hole in the undershield and stainless cover for the hitch to mate with its socket nor did they position the electric socket so it could be used. This had to be repositioned.
If it was me I would not have accepted the job until it was done properly.
I had a factory fit towbar on the X5 which I was not impressed with and the Westfalia seems to locate better. Had a look at the Witter and didn't like the socket design although it could be OK.
What you say about the removal of rear beam is a concern. But if they remove that, what does the hitch attach to, considering that it seems to need to attach to the side rails of the car somehow and that it needs to tow 3.5 tons on road and more if hauling a big Ifor Williams trailer off-road?
__________________ Spare a duck by using Duck Oil sparingly.
I spoke to Witter following the initial installation to discus my concerns.
Witter sent a rep from head office to check my installation, they took the car back and modified various items from the initial installation including the electrics and re installed the long bracket that supports and stiffens up the leading edge of the bumper cover and skid plate under the car that the fitter stated wasn't needed.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Spare a duck by using Duck Oil sparingly. 
Linear Mode
