Tow Bar

agbucks · Dec 13, 2020

Apologies if this thread has been covered before but I am new to the Forum having acquired my MY18 Macan GTS only a couple of weeks ago.
I want to fit a retractable tow bar and want to understand the options.
As my vehicle is now covered by a 2 year OPC Warranty, I do not want to fit anything with could put this cover at risk. Would a non-OEM tow bar potentially invalidate my Porsche Warranty?
I have been quoted £1710 inc VAT by my local OPC. Does this sound reasonable?

Thanks for your help,
Andy

Lancerlot · Dec 13, 2020

Andy,

I believe you have Porsche Extended Warranty which is basically 3rd party insurance and consequently you will be unable to fit any non-Porsche approved parts without placing your current cover at risk, since it will not be allowed under the terms and conditions.

If you had 3 years manufacturer's warranty, you would be able to fit whatever accessory you like and, unless it could be proved your modification had led directly to the malfunction, you would be covered. However, at the end of this 3 year period, when you want to look at extended cover, this would not be available under the Porsche scheme since the vehicle would fail the 111 point check.

Our illustrious Register Secretary, Mike knows all about tow bars and he may want to comment here. Otherwise, you could contact him at macan@porscheclubgb.com . He will no doubt be able to provide you with some useful tips.

Regards,

Clive

spook · Dec 13, 2020

Andy,
As Clive says you need to ensure by fitting a tow bar you don’t compromise your ongoing extended warranty. Whilst your Macan will have tow bar preparation I don’t know what Porsche offer by way of retro fit as I’ve always specced mine from the factory.
Regards Mike

spook · Dec 14, 2020

A further issue Andy, is that I think you'll find the lower rear diffuser panel on the Macan is different depending on whether a tow bar is fitted or not . So this would need changing to permit deployment of the electric hitch as well as painting to match your car. Perhaps a thought worth considering might be to try and obtain the complete factory fitted assembly from a scrap vehicle. Which ever way you go, the real issue is will the added non factory fitted tow bar pass the stringent 111 point Porsche Extended warranty check when it comes up for renewal? Only your PC will be able to advise you on this. Hope this helps? Regards Mike

Paul_Sue_Leggett · Dec 14, 2020

I paid £1039 including VAT to have a non-retractable Westphalia tow bar fitted by OPC Newcastle to our Cayenne back in September 2018. I went with non-retractable as I wasn't going to be using it too much and also if anyone got hold of the vehicle keys they would then have been able to hitch it up to our caravan, which was kept at home next to the Cayenne. So potentially for added security the detachable might be worth considering if you have a trailer or caravan parked at home. Just a thought.

6DW · Dec 14, 2020

I had a genuine Porsche retractable Tow Bar fitted to my 2018 Macan about three months after delivery. I have been extremely satisfied with both the neat fitting including cutting a slot in the lower diffuser and the operation of the bar. The cost was around £1,450, and although more expensive than the Porsche Macan Tow Bar when specified on the build, we purchased a showroom car which did not have it pre-installed.

I am sure that fitting the genuine item by an OPC, although perhaps more expensive, would be allowable within your warranty parameters.