Manufacturer | 914RUBBER |
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Tow bar mount for flat towing the 914. The bar is constructed from 3/8” steel and bolts right to the frame of the car. We supply the bolts and standoff spacer to ensure the geometry is correct, and the 3.8” means you can’t use the factory ones. This allows the use of VW tow bars on the 914, such as the EMPI VW1401330 made for the Super Beetle. Tow lighting, chains, and a tow bar will be required in order to make a complete tow setup.
We also make Adapters for the Harbor Freight tow bars
It takes about 20 min to install if you are slow like me. You will need to remove the factory metal valance to attach the bar. You can’t run the factory metal without modification, so I use the LE air dam so keep it attached all the time. Allowing me to hook up in about 10 min, if I need to. I do sell the LE and the flexdam, both will work with this unit.
You will need to obtain the following for a complete tow kit –
Tow bar – I use the Empi VW1401330 made for the super Beatle I like that it is fixed and less moving parts. These are a little more expensive in that they run $130 to $170 depending on where you buy them. I can get them for about $115. I would stock them, except you probably can obtain at your local VW parts house without the shipping added in. There are some adjustable tow bars that you may also be able to use that are even less expensive.
Chain or suitable securing devices
Tow lighting – There are units at Harbor freight I have used. You can get on sale at $10, or pay full price $20. The wire is cheap and will wear out in about 2 years of my use. I personally wouldn’t opt for the LED mainly because the wiring fails before the lights burn out.
These are very easy to use, you just need to remember a couple of points –
1 –You MUST TAKE THE CAR OUT OF GEAR
2- The steering MUST NOT BE LOCKED
3-You can’t back up with it. You can however easily take it off the ball to reposition it as needed.
4- if you are staring at an angle you can get dynamic oscillations if the steering wheel is not pointed in the direction you are turning. As you accelerate the wheel will correct itself, and them overcorrect itself. If you are accelerating it compounds the problem. Easily solved, stop accelerating, or better yet stop completely (as this mostly occurs when you are just starting to move). It will correct itself.
Once you have used this type of set up you will enjoy it.