This is how to fit a towbar to a 2011 Leon FR+

[maej]

After 4 months of messing around and being let down I have finally got a towbar fitted to my 2011 Leon FR+ TDi.

To try to save anyone else from going through the same hassle and frustration these are the parts you need...

• Towbar - Westfalia 344044
• Wiring kit - Westfalia 321600300153
• Bumper cover panel - Seat 5P0 803 595

The towbar is a detachable sort and is the only one I could find that is approved for the 2011 FR.
The wiring kit is usually listed as being for a VW Passat, but it is a dedicated kit that also fits the Leon and I'm told was very straightforward to install and it integrates with the cars systems correctly. This part number was given to me by Westfalia directly as being the correct one.
The bumper cover panel is actually listed as being for the Altea, but this is the one you need as the one for a standard Leon will not fit at all.

I used Mota-bars in Leamington Spa and they have done a brilliant job With the towball removed and the bumper panel in place it is almost invisible, I couldn't have asked for more. Dropped the car off on the way to work, it was ready before lunchtime and they were a bit cheaper than the national fitters.

Credit goes to Mota-bars of Leamington Spa for firstly accepting the job despite the uncertainty and also for doing such a good job.
Also Huge thanks to Westfalia for being so helpful in researching answers to all my questions and being so willing to help.

Happy towing

 

[PhilYerBoots]

I know this is an old post but just looking at getting same one fitted myself so thanks for the part numbers. I was wondering how much you paid for the job to compare with my own quotes.

Most fitters have been quoting for universal 'bypass' electric kit instead of the dedicated VAG kit, saying its not worth the extra £150 for the dedicated canbus kit as apart from disabling parking sensors while reversing when towing there's no additional benefit.

I'd also be grateful for any opinions or recommendations on the electrics...

 

[maej]

I know this is an old post but just looking at getting same one fitted myself so thanks for the part numbers. I was wondering how much you paid for the job to compare with my own quotes.

It cost me £519 inc VAT parts and fitting. It might be possible to get it cheaper now, but it seemed I was the first to fit a towbar to the new Leon FR and finding a company willing to take on the job wasn't easy.

The wiring kit was a Westfalia car specific kit, not the Seat one. No-one was able to supply a Seat one, apparently it had been recalled with no date for new stock. The Westfalia kit fitted easily with no cutting of wires (so warranty preserved), wasn't too expensive (relatively) and properly integrates with the car. Apparently the integration includes some enhancements to stability control when towing but I haven't noticed any difference. The most noticable difference is the rear parking sensors being disabled when towing. The instruction manual for the kit details all the changes that are made to the cars computer.

I had mine fitted at Motabars in Leamington, they did the whole thing in a morning and did a nice job of it. They even did the reprogramming so I didn't have to go to a dealer for that.

 

[Blade]

Please post up some pics once you have enough posts, thanks

 

[PhilYerBoots]

Cheers for the reply mate.

I needed one fitted for our holiday and found a place that could fit us in next day, Chester Towbars, so had it fitted last Friday.
Unfortunately it cost us a bit more than yours..£630 all in. Its the same Westfalia like yours and I gave the fitters the same part no. for the cover plate (£36 for a slice of plastic.. !) but I suppose worth it for the perfect fit and making the hole unnoticable, unless you're looking for it.
I decided to go with the dedicated electrics too as was convinced by the guy there it was best for integration and preserving remaining warranty like you say. I like that it cuts out the PDC when reversing and the fitter mentioned better stability control for towing, etc.

It was an even more expensive trip as we primarily wanted one for a bike carrier and went for a Thule one specifically for 2 x electric bikes that can take up to 60kg max...so another £325 later..!

We've been using it this week on our hols and its a quality piece of kit, holds 2 heavy bikes rock steady and lets you tilt them 45 degrees to get to the boot. Expensive but worth it imo..

When we get back I'll try and get some photos up of the towbar (and the carrier) as Blade's requested...