It just hit me that we have another Touareg-er on this forum.
Turns out he's a nice guy with a great wife and from the looks of his posts so far, he's a real contributor to boot! And, he got himself an '04 19' CCD (as of last weekend)...
I know Westfalia (Aircooled) from the Touareg forum (www.vwvortex.com) and can attest to his technical prowess and love for fun and adventure. He's an asset.
Thanks Xray! I'm glad to be part of the Family. Yes, I'm likely to have a few questions as I get familiar with with the Airstream and her systems.
Tonight will be our first trial run camp out. We will be dry camping, of course.
This will be our preparation and shakedown cruise for our week long Touareg 4x4 Rally in southern Colorado, starting next Saturday.
__________________ Chris - Boerne, TX / Evergreen, CO
2008 27'FB Int'l Signature CCD - Thank You Airstream of Arkansas! 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 6.7 CTD Mega Cab 1977 VW Westfalia Camper, hardtop 'Weekender'::Pictures
"Keeping an open mind is important, but not so open that your brain falls out."
I know that AS looks familiar....why of certainly....that's the one I've got!!! Best wishes on the new CCD. I'm writing this from mine camped just south of the WI border. And the T-reg....someday when financial climate warrents, the V8 for me.
Sort of a rough outing this time: I first had completely set up, leveled, awning open, stabilizers down, ready to crack the first of dozens of Belgium and micro, only to find I was in a RESERVED site, and not reserved by me. I was a little tired and just didn't see the BIG 'ol reserved sign from the angle of travel. Don't ask! DOH!!!! And there's more:
After my short stay in site "A" I found another site, and as I was backing in, being a little tired, angry with myself, and hot (90 degrees out), I managed to hit the site number post, and down she went. Not one of the flexible brown deals that I see everlyone running over, but a six inch wooden post!!! This is what happens when you get even the slightest bit lazy and don't exit the vehicle to see where the hell you are going!
Could this be the start of my worst dream realized?
Fortunatly the post appeared completely rotted at the base, and there was NO damage to the bumper at point of contact. Ther is a god.
So I then did what any self respecting idiot would do: I high tailed it out of there, found a site that I knew I could get into, plus I have a water hydrant about 10' away from me, a good chance to test hooking up the CCD to preasurized city water. Works just fine.
Finally, if you are wondering, I did go to the camphost, actually two, and told them that I remodeled a site. I offered to cover the expense to re-plant the number post. Not to worry they say, happens all the time, but not usually with Airstream owners. Major pride repair needed.
Medicating myself that evening took on Titanic proportions. Along with sky rocketing gas costs, expect to see beer prices to go up since I seemed to have cornered the market. Things have much improved since two nights ago. And the wife is joining me shortly.
I digress as ussual...
Best wishes on the new everything, and be careful.
Jonathan
__________________
I'm out of my mind right now, but will be returning shortly......
Jonathan, great story. That is the exact reason why I have my wife in the back with the two way radios. I simply can't see behind me, and the damage can get expensive quickly.
On the Touareg front, I'm really surprised how well the V6 tows the 19'. Yes you can feel it back there, but I can still accelerate up on ramps and pull steep hills at 45mph. Good enough for me, for now.
__________________ Chris - Boerne, TX / Evergreen, CO
2008 27'FB Int'l Signature CCD - Thank You Airstream of Arkansas! 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 6.7 CTD Mega Cab 1977 VW Westfalia Camper, hardtop 'Weekender'::Pictures
"Keeping an open mind is important, but not so open that your brain falls out."
Hey all.I am wondering if the 2005 19' Bambi comes with brakes and what type.Would i need to get a brake controller and if so,what are you all using.Trying to get prepared before purchasing one right now.Hopefully it will be really soon before we are in the heart of hurricane season.Thanks
Hey all.I am wondering if the 2005 19' Bambi comes with brakes and what type.Would i need to get a brake controller and if so,what are you all using.Trying to get prepared before purchasing one right now.Hopefully it will be really soon before we are in the heart of hurricane season.Thanks
The '05 Bambi has electric drum brakes, and yes, you will need a brake controller.
__________________ Hi Yo Silver, Away 2005 28' International CCD
2007 Chevy Silverado Classic 2500HD Duramax
Equal-i-zer/Prodigy
Yes - all Airstream trailers have brakes. I believe the Bambi's all have electric drum brakes. You will need a brake controller. Search this site and you can read about the various brake controllers.
Devo, that Bambi brakes work quite well when the brake controller is adjusted properly. On Xray's advice (BTW, he's XRAYO on VWVortex) I bought and installed the Tekonsha Envoy controller, and I mounted it under the dash, next to the diagnostics port. The only problem with this location is that I can't see the light on the controller which tells me the brakes are connected and what proportion they are currently stopping at by changing from green to orange to red.
Also, to follow up on the WD hitch (in another thread), I am using an Equil-i-zer brand WD hitch w/ sway control. So far, so good, but I also have the air suspension, and leveling out in not a problem. Xray also had air and a WD hitch. However, I believe that we a both have the factory hitch. Going by numbers alone, you are not exceeding the hitch specs by towing with the Curt hitch, but there is a certain percentage of leeway that the fine towing folks here like to use. Once you add the WD portion, you might be exceeding the curt specs. The extra capacity of the factory hitch (7700/770 tongue) keep me in the green. Of course, I installed the factory long before I thought I would be towing an airstream. If you do decide to upgrade to the factory hitch and electrics (with brake controller provision), try calling Liberty VW. They used to have a group buy, and still honor it if you call. I got my hitch for $600 shipped to my door, with the electronics.
Devo, I'd love to be more help, but I am leaving in a hour or so for our maiden voyage with our Bambi on the Colorado Touareg 4x4 rally, so I'll be incommunicado for a week. I've been so busy this week with trailer prep and work, this is the first change I've really had to respond. I hope this helps. I know you won't go wrong if you go Airstream; it was love at first sight for my wife and I.
Good luck!
__________________ Chris - Boerne, TX / Evergreen, CO
2008 27'FB Int'l Signature CCD - Thank You Airstream of Arkansas! 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 6.7 CTD Mega Cab 1977 VW Westfalia Camper, hardtop 'Weekender'::Pictures
"Keeping an open mind is important, but not so open that your brain falls out."
Also, to follow up on the WD hitch (in another thread), I am using an Equil-i-zer brand WD hitch w/ sway control. So far, so good, but I also have the air suspension, and leveling out in not a problem. Xray also had air and a WD hitch. However, I believe that we a both have the factory hitch.
Welcome Westfalia, I think our Touaregs share the same paint color
We haven't installed our hitch yet and like you and Xray we have a WD hitch w/sway (we also have Equal-i-zer), V-8/air, and am wondering about this factory hitch installation. Are there any modifications or details I should know or ask about before we have this done? I did read something about a coverplate needed for the hitch but there isn't one available from VW, is this correct? Any advise from the resident T-reg owners is much appreciated
I'm also wondering how this vehicle would do towing a 25' as someday in our future I'd love to see a SafariSE (with the FB) following behind
Seems like pulling the Bambi will be a breeze which is nice to know!
Barb
Last edited by CaliforniaStreamin; 08-15-2005 at 02:25 AM.
The Volkswagen Touareg for 2004 ... by Garth W. Cane
This is not your father’s Volkswagen Bug- that had a rear air cooled engine and terrible heater. This premium luxury SUV frees you from the obstacles of travelling in areas that have difficult road surfaces for ordinary cars to manoeuver. The Touareg name means "free folk" and is the name of a nomadic tribe from the Sahara. With a full-time four-wheel-drive system and room for five passengers with lots of cargo (31 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 71 cubic feet when folded), the Touareg boasts a trailer towing rating of 7,716 pounds in both V6 and V8.
Since the trailer hitch for the Touareg is a $1000 dealer installed option, we took our test vehicle to CedarBrae Volkswagen on Markham Road where Mike Bruene dropped the rear bumper, bolted on the hitch, installed the lighting control unit and re-program the lights, re-installed the bumper, then wired the Tekonsha brake control under the dash. This process takes about three hours to complete. I would like to think that this would be done at the factory where nothing would need to be taken apart, but VW considers that the dealers should do the installation.
The permanent four wheel drive system is called 4XMOTION™ and automatically shifts power between axles to match driving conditions, such as pulling your trailer up a gravel hill to the campground. The 4XMOTION system includes an adjustable multi-plate clutch of the center differential that is automatically controlled by the Differential Control Module. During normal operation, torque is distributed from the engine to the front and rear axles (on a 50/50% split) by the automatic transmission and center differential. The multi-plate center differential lock is allowed to disengage whenever the Differential Control Module determines a power differential between the front and rear axles is required. A transfer case, equipped with off-road reduction, delivers power to drive the wheels via electronically controlled differentials. With the option rear differential lock, up to 100% of the torque can be used by any wheel that still has traction.
Touareg’s standard independent suspension contributes to the vehicle’s outstanding on-road and off-road capabilities allowing the vehicle to navigate very difficult terrain on the way to your favorite lake. Our test vehicle had optional air suspension and Continuous Damping Control that adapts the suspension to driving conditions and vehicle speed. The damping characteristics of the shock absorbers are adjusted from the input of sensors that monitor road conditions through vehicle movement. The air suspension will raise the body in two different stages to provide more ground clearance for off-road driving. The Touareg also features a Hill Climb Assist that prevents the vehicle from rolling back on a steep incline. Not only does it keep the vehicle steady, it makes it easier to accelerate up the hill from a standing stop after photographing the scenic view from the lookout on the mountain road.
The Touareg’s body has a completely new, self-supporting construction and provides as much static and dynamic rigidity as possible. The body does not flex or twist, even in the most tortuous off-road driving conditions.
The body’s high dynamic torsional rigidity contributes to Touareg’s stability and driving comfort. The rock-solid chassis allows the doors, hood and tailgate to close without problems, even with the tightest gap tolerances. The body structure also provides optimum design for the running gear properties, and the Touareg’s front mud wings are made of a flexible plastic material for added durability. The bumpers are made of thermal-resistant, extremely rugged plastic that protects them from heat emanating from the engine compartment and exhaust system, and they are flexible enough to protect against parking lot dings.
The center console provides quick, convenient access to the controls, including the gear shift selector, mirror adjustment switch and the switch for running gear and height adjustable self-levelling suspension. All controls are positioned ergonomically, in easy sight and reach of the driver, including a knob for dampening control. Our Touareg had the standard AM/FM radio with CD player, but for Rvers, the Navigation package would be ideal for travelling in unfamiliar country.
The large tailgate with an independently opening window guarantees optimum accessibility and convenience. The two-piece tailgate, opened by invisible spring absorber units, also offers a high degree of technical details and tactile luxury. The tailgate is unlocked electronically by either the keyfob or a switch on the driver’s door and an adjustable roof rack is standard.
Touareg’s luxury character begins with world-class dual-zone Climatronic™ air conditioning system with separate temperature levels for the right and left side. An available four-zone "Climatronic" system provides two individual temperatures, air flow and air distribution zones for the front as well as the rear passengers. Both systems feature residual heating function, activated charcoal dust and pollen filter, and an air-conditioned glove box.
Touareg offers exceptionally comfortable front seating with standard eight-way manual adjustment on the V6 and standard 12-way power adjustment on the V8. The 12-way power front seats are adjustable to longitudinal position, height, seat and backrest angle by means of buttons directly on the seat. Integrated lumbar support and electrically adjustable (up/down, front/back) controls conform the seat to the best anatomical, fatigue-free position. All front seats are heatable.
The noise and comfort level of this luxury sedan are guaranteed by the acoustically insulated subframe, with double wishbone construction of the front axle and four-link suspension of the rear axle. The enhanced Traction Control System prevents the drive wheels from spinning on snow or loose gravel with braking action or engine torque. The standard Electronic Differential Lock makes it easier to drive when one wheel is on the pavement and the other on the shoulder of the road, where different surfaces have different friction, by braking the spinning wheel.
The standard engine is a V6 3.2L 24-valve that produces 220 hp at 5400 rpm and has 225 pounds-feet of torque at 3200 rpm. The optional V8 in our test vehicle produced 310 hp at 6200 rpm with 302 pounds-feet of torque at 3000 rpm. A deeper oil pan and a spraying tube facilitate oil distribution in off-road situations. More belt-to-pulley contact prevents the accessory belt from slipping when driving through water.
The six-speed automatic transmission reduces fuel consumption , and reduces emissions for quieter operation than five-speed units. The "Tiptronic" transmission allows manual-style shifting by moving the gear selector from "D" to the right and gently moving the lever forward or backward to shift the gears up or down. A Sport position automatically selects gears at higher engine speeds, resulting in quicker acceleration. This transmission is one of the smoothest shifting we have driven. It effortlessly shifts down from 6th to 5th on steep hills without losing speed, and the upshifts can hardly be felt.
The air suspension will raise the body in two different stages to provide more ground clearance for off-road driving. These variable settings give Touareg an advantage in off-road situations by providing outstanding approach angles, departure angles and breakover angles to permit the vehicle to easily negotiate hills, rocks and other rugged terrain that many conventional SUVs cannot handle.
Going down a steep hill is easier for Touareg because of Hill Descent Control. At speeds of less than 15 mph on a decline of 20 percent or more, this control automatically cuts engine torque to slow the vehicle and enhance engine control. If necessary, the brakes will be applied automatically. The sporty Touareg V8 (228 kW / 310 bhp ) develops no less than 302 pounds-feet of torque accelerating the Touareg to 100 km/hr in just 8.1 seconds.
The Touareg can climb a 45% incline and also remain stable when crossing the side of a hill. The door seals prevent water from entering, and with waterproof headlamps and connectors, special air intake ducting, the Touareg can ford water up to 500 millimeters ( 580 millimeters with air suspension) without a problem.
The key, that is like no other key, is a flat bar with grooves engraved in each side instead of notches along the edges, and has a transponder to recognize its driver.
We borrowed a 30-foot Classic Airstream travel trailer equipped with a Hensley hitch from Andy and Kirk Thomson at Can-Am RV in London for our test of the Touareg. We weighed the combination at the Flying "J" scale on Highbury Ave in London to be sure that we were within the 7700 pound design limts of the Touareg’s towing capacity. The Airstream came in at 6700 pounds giving us another 1000 pounds of load carrying capability for food and clothing.
This SUV was a delight to drive, both solo and with a trailer in tow. I had to watch that I did not accelerate too quickly with so much power available at the wheels. The Touareg handled the trailer very well in sudden lane changes at highway speeds with no body roll or diving in the corners. This is one fantastic tow vehicle that can tow a substantial trailer like the Airstream without any effort and in complete comfort.
My one disappointment was the placement of the cup holders for the driver and passenger. It was necessary to place your wrist in an unnatural position to insert the cup or remove it from its position at the rear of the console. Base price for the V8 Touareg in Canada is $60,550. Our test model equipped with Bi-xenon headlamps, winter package, 19" alloy wheels with summer tires, four corner air suspension, and rear differential lock was $69,350. The V6 will sell for $52,000.
Garth W. Cane
Technical Director
RV Lifestyle Magazine
Taylor Publishing Group
1020 Brevik Place,Ste 5
Mississauga, ON L4W 4N7
Welcome Westfalia, I think our Touaregs share the same paint color
I LOVE my Silver Blue Touareg. It doesn't show dirt.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CaliforniaStreamin
We haven't installed our hitch yet and like you and Xray we have a WD hitch w/sway (we also have Equal-i-zer), V-8/air, and am wondering about this factory hitch installation. Are there any modifications or details I should know or ask about before we have this done? I did read something about a coverplate needed for the hitch but there isn't one available from VW, is this correct? Any advise from the resident T-reg owners is much appreciated
The factory hitch will be more than enough for what you want to tow. I bought mine for $600 and installed it myself. MAKE SURE that you get the updated bolts that increase the rating from 616 lbs of tongue weight to 770. If it a new hitch, you should be fine, but it is not easy to change once it is done. The factory electrics are nice, and fully provide for the addition of a trailer brake controller. The only problem is with the LED lights on the Bambi and the Touaregs reporting system. You will get a 'Check Brake Lights' and a 'Check turn Signals' warning in the MFI every time you plug in or start the car. At some point, I will make a resistor package to fix this problem.
__________________ Chris - Boerne, TX / Evergreen, CO
2008 27'FB Int'l Signature CCD - Thank You Airstream of Arkansas! 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 6.7 CTD Mega Cab 1977 VW Westfalia Camper, hardtop 'Weekender'::Pictures
"Keeping an open mind is important, but not so open that your brain falls out."
I LOVE my Silver Blue Touareg. It doesn't show dirt..
Looks great with the Bambi, can't wait till we get ours set up!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Westfalia
. The only problem is with the LED lights on the Bambi and the Touaregs reporting system. You will get a 'Check Brake Lights' and a 'Check turn Signals' warning in the MFI every time you plug in or start the car. At some point, I will make a resistor package to fix this problem.
Does this happen even without bieng attatched to the TT? If so what a pain!
If you come up with a fix VW should pay you for it IMO.
I think MFI means mal-function indicator...correct me if I'm wrong...my mind came up with a few other possibilities
Will plan on the factory hitch and bring this info along, thanks!
Last edited by CaliforniaStreamin; 08-15-2005 at 04:39 PM.
Looks great with the Bambi, can't wait till we get ours set up!
Does this happen even without bieng attatched to the TT? If so what a pain!
If you come up with a fix VW should pay you for it IMO.
I think MFI means mal-function indicator...correct me if I'm wrong...my mind came up with a few other possibilities
Will plan on the factory hitch and bring this info along, thanks!
No big, really. I don't even notice it (MFI "lights" warning) anymore. And, I don't think there's a fix... VW has been meaning to update the flash for the trailer module...
No, it doesn't happen until you connect the trailer and start the Treg.
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