# T7 - Aftermarket (VW) Towbar **Source:** https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/t7-aftermarket-vw-towbar.57284/ **Posts:** 25 --- ### M — 2025-03-04T09:45:40+0100 (Mar 4, 2025) Wondering if anyone has the knowledge around the new T7 Calis, and fitting a towbar to them. I missed the deadline for the retractable towbar to be fitted at factory, due to lack of information from the dealer (no information) until it was too late, so was limited in the options for a bike rack (this question went unanswered three times...) As such i asked VW to fit the removable towbar, as was my only option. Was meant to pick up the new van yesterday, however there was "complications" in fitting the towbar, as "the kitchen area etc" had to be removed. From previous vehicles getting a towbar fitted, this was usually the lighting loom + bumper removal, and wouldn't have involved having to take anything else apart, so has raised a further bit of concern on having a new vehicle that's effectively been stripped out already... VW commercial have been unable to give me any answers at all, and due to the age of it not sure how many have had a tow bar fitted after --- ### — 2025-03-04T09:58:47+0100 (Mar 4, 2025) > [Melyn said:](/goto/post?id=739237) > > Wondering if anyone has the knowledge around the new T7 Calis, and fitting a towbar to them. > > I missed the deadline for the retractable towbar to be fitted at factory, due to lack of information from the dealer (no information) until it was too late, so was limited in the options for a bike rack (this question went unanswered three times...) > > As such i asked VW to fit the removable towbar, as was my only option. > > Was meant to pick up the new van yesterday, however there was "complications" in fitting the towbar, as "the kitchen area etc" had to be removed. > > From previous vehicles getting a towbar fitted, this was usually the lighting loom + bumper removal, and wouldn't have involved having to take anything else apart, so has raised a further bit of concern on having a new vehicle that's effectively been stripped out already... > > VW commercial have been unable to give me any answers at all, and due to the age of it not sure how many have had a tow bar fitted after > > Click to expand... On previous versions the Factory Fitted towbar wiring loom ran through the vehicle but on aftermarket installed equivalent towbar the wiring loom ran under the vehicle. --- ### M — 2025-03-05T14:19:08+0100 (Mar 5, 2025) > [WelshGas said:](/goto/post?id=739239) > > On previous versions the Factory Fitted towbar wiring loom ran through the vehicle but on aftermarket installed equivalent towbar the wiring loom ran under the vehicle. > > Click to expand... Finally got the to bottom of it. The part that was ordered doesn’t actually work with the new vw California, and there is no after towbar currently available for it from VW other than the factory fitted. There is no pre wired options for the new Cali at current either. So it’s get a towbar on day 1, or erm good luck…. So currently cannot transport bikes until something is available --- ### — 2025-03-05T16:07:37+0100 (Mar 5, 2025) Did you try using trunk based bike racks , they seem to work well unless you plan to attack a trailer ? --- ### M — 2025-03-05T16:10:31+0100 (Mar 5, 2025) > [vwcaliindobelgian said:](/goto/post?id=739377) > > Did you try using trunk based bike racks , they seem to work well unless you plan to attack a trailer ? > > Click to expand... I used to have a Saris bones before - the problem with them is they chip the paint pretty badly where the hooks sit unless you've got a 100% clean car + bike rack at all times But with the angle of the t7 spoiler, and the thermoplastic - not sure how safe this will be for 4 mtbs (quite a lot of weight) --- ### — 2025-03-05T16:44:18+0100 (Mar 5, 2025) That is indeed side effects of having them attached to the trunk .I am still looking for a good bike + luggage rack . --- ### C — 2025-03-05T17:43:06+0100 (Mar 5, 2025) > [Melyn said:](/goto/post?id=739363) > > Finally got the to bottom of it. > > The part that was ordered doesn’t actually work with the new vw California, and there is no after towbar currently available for it from VW other than the factory fitted. > > There is no pre wired options for the new Cali at current either. > > So it’s get a towbar on day 1, or erm good luck…. > > So currently cannot transport bikes until something is available > > Click to expand... On the surface I'd say you have an argument that the vehicle isn't fit for purpose and they should take it back and provide a new one. If there's a spoiler no chance of a door mounted rack. I mean for me our vehicle would be useless if I couldn't take the bikes.... How long have you had it? --- ### — 2025-03-05T17:54:43+0100 (Mar 5, 2025) > [Melyn said:](/goto/post?id=739378) > > I used to have a Saris bones before - the problem with them is they chip the paint pretty badly where the hooks sit unless you've got a 100% clean car + bike rack at all times > > But with the angle of the t7 spoiler, and the thermoplastic - not sure how safe this will be for 4 mtbs (quite a lot of weight) > > Click to expand... PF Jones can fit the genuine VW towbar including electrics to the T7 Multivan at their Depots or mobile at house or workplace. Click link below. ![www.pfjones.co.uk](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfjones.co.uk%2Fimages%2Flogos%2F236%2FPF_Jones_logo_200.png&hash=c5aba5d80ba85d95c1ab913a7de0f96c&return_error=1) ### [The UK's most recommended towbar company, 12,000+ Reviews | Excellent.](https://www.pfjones.co.uk/towbar-fitting-mobile-services.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAiaC-BhBEEiwAjY99qBtBAlvDHg5_-yIRxI7WNcpDL9Oc24vCA0JMyiFam1yOYfbo98TS5hoCgaUQAvD_BwE) Fully guaranteed professional mobile towbar fitting service, largest choice best prices, rated as Excellent by over 12,000+ customers. ![www.pfjones.co.uk](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfjones.co.uk%2Fimages%2Flogos%2F236%2F_ICON_Image%252C_48_%25C3%2597_48_pixels_.ico&hash=c8af59c3a8c13aaa419a819df299baa8&return_error=1) www.pfjones.co.uk --- ### M — 2025-03-05T19:48:12+0100 (Mar 5, 2025) > [WelshGas said:](/goto/post?id=739389) > > PF Jones can fit the genuine VW towbar including electrics to the T7 Multivan at their Depots or mobile at house or workplace. > Click link below. > > > ![www.pfjones.co.uk](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfjones.co.uk%2Fimages%2Flogos%2F236%2FPF_Jones_logo_200.png&hash=c5aba5d80ba85d95c1ab913a7de0f96c&return_error=1) > > ### [The UK's most recommended towbar company, 12,000+ Reviews | Excellent.](https://www.pfjones.co.uk/towbar-fitting-mobile-services.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAiaC-BhBEEiwAjY99qBtBAlvDHg5_-yIRxI7WNcpDL9Oc24vCA0JMyiFam1yOYfbo98TS5hoCgaUQAvD_BwE) > > Fully guaranteed professional mobile towbar fitting service, largest choice best prices, rated as Excellent by over 12,000+ customers. > > ![www.pfjones.co.uk](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfjones.co.uk%2Fimages%2Flogos%2F236%2F_ICON_Image%252C_48_%25C3%2597_48_pixels_.ico&hash=c8af59c3a8c13aaa419a819df299baa8&return_error=1) > www.pfjones.co.uk > > Click to expand... It was the Multivan t7 that the vw garage tried to fit, and then had to remove as isn’t compatible for some reason --- ### — 2025-03-05T20:31:24+0100 (Mar 5, 2025) > [Melyn said:](/goto/post?id=739402) > > It was the Multivan t7 that the vw garage tried to fit, and then had to remove as isn’t compatible for some reason > > Click to expand... And you trust the VW garage? I would contact P.F. Jones direct. --- ### M — 2025-03-05T22:38:07+0100 (Mar 5, 2025) > [CaliforniaCylus said:](/goto/post?id=739387) > > On the surface I'd say you have an argument that the vehicle isn't fit for purpose and they should take it back and provide a new one. > > If there's a spoiler no chance of a door mounted rack. > > I mean for me our vehicle would be useless if I couldn't take the bikes.... > > How long have you had it? > > Click to expand... I don't have it yet... Its been at the garage since Thursday last week, was meant to collect it Monday with a tow bar fitted (as they didn't advise the bike rack wouldn't work until a week after it was built) If i knew i couldn't get a towbar, would have got it factory fitted - but i mean, the california is known for going around with a bike rack on it.... Its now ready.. after being dismantled twice... for collection tomorrow - I'm now just 50/50 if i reject it or not --- ### M — 2025-03-05T22:40:58+0100 (Mar 5, 2025) > [WelshGas said:](/goto/post?id=739408) > > And you trust the VW garage? > > I would contact P.F. Jones direct. > > Click to expand... Yeah going to give them a shout --- ### C — 2025-03-05T23:12:10+0100 (Mar 5, 2025) > [Melyn said:](/goto/post?id=739418) > > I don't have it yet... Its been at the garage since Thursday last week, was meant to collect it Monday with a tow bar fitted (as they didn't advise the bike rack wouldn't work until a week after it was built) If i knew i couldn't get a towbar, would have got it factory fitted - but i mean, the california is known for going around with a bike rack on it.... > > Its now ready.. after being dismantled twice... for collection tomorrow - I'm now just 50/50 if i reject it or not > > Click to expand... Well, you might need a day or two to work out if PF Jones can really pull it off. And once you take delivery rejecting becomes more difficult. Right now I presume you have the bulk of your money? If you reject you can then order one which takes bikes.... I'm frankly a bit shocked you need a factory fit retractable towbar to take some bikes on your travels!!! As you say, a bike rack on a California is kind of ubiquitous --- ### M — 2025-03-05T23:17:28+0100 (Mar 5, 2025) > [CaliforniaCylus said:](/goto/post?id=739423) > > Well, you might need a day or two to work out if PF Jones can really pull it off. And once you take delivery rejecting becomes more difficult. Right now I presume you have the bulk of your money? > > If you reject you can then order one which takes bikes.... > > I'm frankly a bit shocked you need a factory fit retractable towbar to take some bikes on your travels!!! > > As you say, a bike rack on a California is kind of ubiquitous > > Click to expand... Yup, have a complaint case with HQ There is 0 plans for an official vw towbar at current There is 0 plans for a bike rack There is 0 plans for pre wiring of a Cali I can fully reject it. But had already paid prior to collection (which was then magically not ready)… I also kindof want the van… it’s a pain --- ### C — 2025-03-06T09:28:01+0100 (Mar 6, 2025) > [Melyn said:](/goto/post?id=739424) > > Yup, have a complaint case with HQ > There is 0 plans for an official vw towbar at current > There is 0 plans for a bike rack > There is 0 plans for pre wiring of a Cali > > I can fully reject it. But had already paid prior to collection (which was then magically not ready)… > > I also kindof want the van… it’s a pain > > Click to expand... Remember rejecting within 30 days is much easier... That's presumably from the date you paid. It would also be less complicated if you didn't pick it up particularly since they have been trying to fit a towbar Is there a long wait for a new one with towball? --- ### M — 2025-03-06T10:12:35+0100 (Mar 6, 2025) > [CaliforniaCylus said:](/goto/post?id=739437) > > Remember rejecting within 30 days is much easier... That's presumably from the date you paid. It would also be less complicated if you didn't pick it up particularly since they have been trying to fit a towbar > > Is there a long wait for a new one with towball? > > Click to expand... Ordered this November, appeared march, so expect similar timeframes I can fully reject but I believe il be blacklisted from vw for ordering from new again --- ### C — 2025-03-06T10:23:27+0100 (Mar 6, 2025) > [Melyn said:](/goto/post?id=739441) > > Ordered this November, appeared march, so expect similar timeframes > > I can fully reject but I believe il be blacklisted from vw for ordering from new again > > Click to expand... Well that didn't used to happen with the 6.1s. maybe tactics to pressure you into taking it. I suggest you call up Breeze Poole and ask for Tom Davidson and explain the situation. Get his take as they are one of the largest and most respected Cali dealers --- ### M — 2025-03-06T22:40:02+0100 (Mar 6, 2025) P F Jones recommendations are the below ; “The bars that I would suggest are, Fixed: [https://www.pfjones.co.uk/volkswage...-2025-onwards-tow-trust-swan-neck-towbar.html](https://www.pfjones.co.uk/volkswagen-t7-transporter-nvn-nsn-2025-onwards-tow-trust-swan-neck-towbar.html) (£243.50) Detachable: [https://www.pfjones.co.uk/volkswage...2025-onwards-tow-trust-detachable-towbar.html](https://www.pfjones.co.uk/volkswagen-t7-transporter-nvn-nsn-2025-onwards-tow-trust-detachable-towbar.html) (£357.07)” --- ### — 2025-03-07T08:45:27+0100 (Mar 7, 2025) > [Melyn said:](/goto/post?id=739515) > > P F Jones recommendations are the below ; > “The bars that I would suggest are, > Fixed: [https://www.pfjones.co.uk/volkswage...-2025-onwards-tow-trust-swan-neck-towbar.html](https://www.pfjones.co.uk/volkswagen-t7-transporter-nvn-nsn-2025-onwards-tow-trust-swan-neck-towbar.html) (£243.50) > Detachable: [https://www.pfjones.co.uk/volkswage...2025-onwards-tow-trust-detachable-towbar.html](https://www.pfjones.co.uk/volkswagen-t7-transporter-nvn-nsn-2025-onwards-tow-trust-detachable-towbar.html) (£357.07)” > > Click to expand... Significantly cheaper than VW - who often use a 3rd party if retrofitting a towbar via a VW dealership --- ### — 2025-03-07T09:22:35+0100 (Mar 7, 2025) > [Melyn said:](/goto/post?id=739515) > > P F Jones recommendations are the below ; > “The bars that I would suggest are, > Fixed: [https://www.pfjones.co.uk/volkswage...-2025-onwards-tow-trust-swan-neck-towbar.html](https://www.pfjones.co.uk/volkswagen-t7-transporter-nvn-nsn-2025-onwards-tow-trust-swan-neck-towbar.html) (£243.50) > Detachable: [https://www.pfjones.co.uk/volkswage...2025-onwards-tow-trust-detachable-towbar.html](https://www.pfjones.co.uk/volkswagen-t7-transporter-nvn-nsn-2025-onwards-tow-trust-detachable-towbar.html) (£357.07)” > > Click to expand... These links are for T7 Transporter, don’t you need a Multi Van towbar. ![www.pfjones.co.uk](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfjones.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fdetailed%2F332%2Ft7-multivan.jpg&hash=90b6a00431ef00061e8a06163802f115&return_error=1) ### [VW T7 Multivan Towbars](https://www.pfjones.co.uk/tow-bars/volkswagen-tow-bars/vw-t7-transporter-towbars/vw-t7-multivan-towbars.html) VW T7 Multivan Towbars ![www.pfjones.co.uk](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfjones.co.uk%2Fimages%2Flogos%2F236%2F_ICON_Image%252C_48_%25C3%2597_48_pixels_.ico&hash=c8af59c3a8c13aaa419a819df299baa8&return_error=1) www.pfjones.co.uk --- ### M — 2025-03-07T11:16:58+0100 (Mar 7, 2025) > [Van Diesel VW said:](/goto/post?id=739541) > > These links are for T7 Transporter, don’t you need a Multi Van towbar. > > > ![www.pfjones.co.uk](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfjones.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fdetailed%2F332%2Ft7-multivan.jpg&hash=90b6a00431ef00061e8a06163802f115&return_error=1) > > ### [VW T7 Multivan Towbars](https://www.pfjones.co.uk/tow-bars/volkswagen-tow-bars/vw-t7-transporter-towbars/vw-t7-multivan-towbars.html) > > VW T7 Multivan Towbars > > ![www.pfjones.co.uk](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfjones.co.uk%2Fimages%2Flogos%2F236%2F_ICON_Image%252C_48_%25C3%2597_48_pixels_.ico&hash=c8af59c3a8c13aaa419a819df299baa8&return_error=1) > www.pfjones.co.uk > > Click to expand... Good question.. Although based on the state of my van at current I may just be returning it… they punctured the water tank when trying to fit the tow bar --- ### — 2025-03-07T12:43:21+0100 (Mar 7, 2025) > [Van Diesel VW said:](/goto/post?id=739541) > > These links are for T7 Transporter, don’t you need a Multi Van towbar. > > > ![www.pfjones.co.uk](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfjones.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fdetailed%2F332%2Ft7-multivan.jpg&hash=90b6a00431ef00061e8a06163802f115&return_error=1) > > ### [VW T7 Multivan Towbars](https://www.pfjones.co.uk/tow-bars/volkswagen-tow-bars/vw-t7-transporter-towbars/vw-t7-multivan-towbars.html) > > VW T7 Multivan Towbars > > ![www.pfjones.co.uk](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfjones.co.uk%2Fimages%2Flogos%2F236%2F_ICON_Image%252C_48_%25C3%2597_48_pixels_.ico&hash=c8af59c3a8c13aaa419a819df299baa8&return_error=1) > www.pfjones.co.uk > > Click to expand... On PF Jones website you select VW, T7 and then Transporter T7 or Multivan T7. The actual Towbar Ball is the same just the fittings and wiring looms differ + coding. --- ### C — 2025-03-07T13:29:55+0100 (Mar 7, 2025) > [Van Diesel VW said:](/goto/post?id=739541) > > These links are for T7 Transporter, don’t you need a Multi Van towbar. > > > ![www.pfjones.co.uk](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfjones.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fdetailed%2F332%2Ft7-multivan.jpg&hash=90b6a00431ef00061e8a06163802f115&return_error=1) > > ### [VW T7 Multivan Towbars](https://www.pfjones.co.uk/tow-bars/volkswagen-tow-bars/vw-t7-transporter-towbars/vw-t7-multivan-towbars.html) > > VW T7 Multivan Towbars > > ![www.pfjones.co.uk](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfjones.co.uk%2Fimages%2Flogos%2F236%2F_ICON_Image%252C_48_%25C3%2597_48_pixels_.ico&hash=c8af59c3a8c13aaa419a819df299baa8&return_error=1) > www.pfjones.co.uk > > Click to expand... I think I'd offer those links to the dealer and leave it their problem... > [Melyn said:](/goto/post?id=739544) > > Good question.. > > Although based on the state of my van at current I may just be returning it… they punctured the water tank when trying to fit the tow bar > > Click to expand... So they removed the kitchen, damaged the water tank and abandoned the installation of the towbar. I think returning it would be a good call... --- ### L — 2025-03-07T16:39:08+0100 (Mar 7, 2025) Not what you want to hear, but if it was me, I think I would be rejecting it. Start again and order one with the factory fit towbar if it is now available on the options list. Several years ago I had one of the 1st Jeep Wrangler JL 2.2 diesels in the UK. Getting a towbar and electrics was a nightmare as not even Jeep had the electronic wiring harness module available for over 12 months after launch. I wasn't prepared to bodge the job using a cheap universal bypass relay trailer loom as this would have meant losing the interface with the vehicle stability management system, gear shift mapping, etc. The only towbar bracket I could locate was made by Umbra Rimorchi in Italy. They claimed that their earlier Jeep JK towbar was a direct fit on the JL, but it turned out not to be the case for the diesel JL. The Adblue tank on the diesel Jeep JL obstructed and blocked some of the towbar bracket locations meaning a different set of brackets had to be produced. After the Jeep experience I concluded that if I ever bought a new vehicle and wanted a tow bar on it, I would only go with a factory fit. --- ### M — 2025-03-07T18:46:58+0100 (Mar 7, 2025) > [CaliforniaCylus said:](/goto/post?id=739551) > > I think I'd offer those links to the dealer and leave it their problem... > > So they removed the kitchen, damaged the water tank and abandoned the installation of the towbar. > > I think returning it would be a good call... > > Click to expand... Didn’t damage the water tank in the end - just left the valve open from build - oh and the new water release for the cali looks like the attached - like someone’s put two drill holes in the bottom Absolutely baffling The manual is 100% pointless “the drain is behind the rear left wheel” which actually means under the shower point inside the boot… ![IMG_0225.jpeg](images/img_0225-jpeg.133238 "IMG_0225.jpeg") ---