Having read a bit around the subject of towbars, I understand that the VAG-Com/VCDS codes must be changed to account for the towbar electrics when a trailer/caravan/bike carrier lightboard is plugged in.

From what I understand the VAG-Com/VCDS codes are changed to ensure that the car's rear fog light remains off in favour of the fog light on whatever is plugged in, and the bulb failure indicator on the dash will activate should a bulb on the van/trailer/lightboard fail.

Am I correct? Is there more to it than this? My dealer just gave me a blank look when I asked the above...

Cheers

It also disables rear parking sensors if you have them and reversing light on the car. You also get a picture of a trailer on the bolero when you select reverse to remind you it's there.

Thanks!

Here's hoping the mechanics are more informed than the sales dude.

Having read a bit around the subject of towbars, I understand that the VAG-Com/VCDS codes must be changed to account for the towbar electrics when a trailer/caravan/bike carrier lightboard is plugged in.

Only when using the OEM wiring kit, with a simple bypass relay loom no changes are needed and you don't got get any of the features listed above.

With the OEM kit you'll also get trailler bulb failure notification, and the car alarm will go off if the trailler is unplugged when the car is locked.

Only when using the OEM wiring kit, with a simple bypass relay loom no changes are needed and you don't got get any of the features listed above.

With the OEM kit you'll also get trailler bulb failure notification, and the car alarm will go off if the trailler is unplugged when the car is locked.

I'm having the OEM Westfalia detachable bar/towbar prep cable fitted, but I didn't go for the towing alarm option; which I now wish I had.

Can the alarm function be retrofitted or activated via VCDS do you know?

I think you should get the alarm and trailer stability program with all the other features when the trailer feature is enabled. The towbar fitter should be able to do this if they have a new system on the market which plugs into the diagnostic port and works like VCDS.

Ian