Anyone put a receiver hitch on a B5?

[2004_Passat]

If so, what brand did you use, and was drilling required?

Thanks.

 

[vw4life]

there are several B5.5 TDI specific threads in this forum about that. Try using the search function when it is back on.

IN the meantime, the short answer is, if you are OK with removing the 5 mph bumper foam and spending a fair load of cash you can order the bosal detachable swan nexk hitch from the UK, no drilling required and has a very good tow rating.

All other options require drilling. Da'Lan requires the most drilling, but in my opinion is the hitch I would get if I couldn't get the bosal.

www.hitch-web.com

 

[DetSette]

Any idea on a web site or other place to purchase the bosal hitch? I've been looking for a european hitch for my '04 tdi passat. So far I haven't found a place to purchase one. Also, you said it would require parting with a bunch of cash. Any ideas on how much?

Thanks!

 

[vw4life]

I think they are around 250-300 UK pounds, plus shipping about 100 USD.

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showflat.php?C...rev=#Post809638

http://www.towitall.co.uk/

 

[vw4life]

also
http://www.towbarwarehouse.co.uk/towbar_accessories/site_map.htm?aspxerrorpath=/site_map2.aspx

 

[vw4life]

just adding to the knowledge base:

http://www.clubb5.com/forums/viewtopic.p...9884f94fbca735c

added:

http://www.clubb5.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=34705

one more

http://www.clubb5.com/forums/viewtopic.p...9884f94fbca735c

and another

http://www.clubb5.com/forums/viewtopic.p...9884f94fbca735c

another

http://www.clubb5.com/forums/viewtopic.p...9884f94fbca735c

 

[deming]

Hey,
My new 2005 Passat just came in and I will be installing a hitch. Maybe we can order or install them at the same time?
I like the Bosal, but it is expensive and may get me in a bind if the car were involved in an accident and the insurance company found out I removed the rear 5 mph bumper.

At this point in time I am leaning towards the Da'Lan, which my dealer in Moline, IL can get me for $181.00.
It does require removal of the rear bumper cover and drilling several holes. The Draw tite hitch is $131.00.

Let me know if you need part numbers or if you have an interest in doing this together at some point. I also plan to install the underbelly skid plate from diesel geek in order to protect my lower engine/oil pan.

I plan on attending the monthly GTG at the Brat Stop in Kenosha last Thursday of the month. The Lake Mills GTG is also October 2, which would be a great time for an install.

Thanks
Deming

 

[2004_Passat]

Thanks for all those links on Club B5--very helpful. I'll probably go with the Da'Lan because I want to stick a bike rack in there as well as tow a light trailer occasionally.

 

[LIVE4SPD]

I have a Da'Lan hitch on my car. It installs pretty easily. You have to remove the inside trunk liner and plastic but you do not have to remove the bumper cover. Works good and I use it for bicycles all the time. I've towed a couple trailers as well, my 1.8T does fine, so I'm sure the TDI will do great.

 

[GoneDiesel]

For those who have put a hitch on, did you have to use any spacers or did the hitch just bolt on evenly? I was abou to have one installed and they mention needing some spacers? I declined on the hitch and install. The hitch on my A4 fit perfect.

 

[GoneDiesel]

what price and where are you guys buying these hitches?

 

[GoneDiesel]

Can you guys post a pic of the hitch attachment area? I believe I may have a different spare tire well set up than what is pictured over at the B5 site. Here is my back end:

Here is the back end of the Passat at the B5 site:

So what does those with the B5 TDI spare tire well look like and what hitch did you guys use? The guy at U-Haul says the hitch for 4-Motion is the one that will fit my car?

Something funny is going on? I can smell it!

 

[GoneDiesel]

I just got back from the stealership to look at the backend of the different passats. The 1.8t and VR6 seem to have same wheel well storage area. The W8, TDI, and 4-motion all have different wheel well storage area. So anyone with a B5 TDI have a hitch installed? If so which model fit properly? Thanks! GD

 

[Alchemy]

I put a Reese on mine. Link HERE

 

[smid87]

Not that it matters this late in the convo, but I put a Curtis on because I only wanted to haul 2k lbs and some bikes on a rack. Now I want to pull a 16' fiberglass boat and I am not sure how much it weighs.

 

[vwztips]

The plastic cover you are seeing on the 1.8t and V6 FWD cars is to cover the charcoal canister. The TDI does not have this, hence the solid metal at the wheel well.

The hitch for the 1.8t and V6 FWD cars will fit the TDI.

 

[50harleyrider]

Better buy a spare GMR tranny too or better still, a truck with a tow package.