ScottyNS

Apologies for the old thread resurrection, just adding this for anyone that searches on this topic... I have a 2018 petrol 245 and mine had the Silica bag with the Coolant tank that was appropriate at the time (the old style as it is now). Anyhow, I contacted my local Skoda dealer and they wanted £71 to supply and fit the new non-silica bag style coolant tank - I'm not brave enough to do this myself, so I gave them the go ahead. It took them 20 min at the most, as I sat and waited for them to do it. Hope this helps others.

You might also be falling foul of the long standing EE network issue too - it simply doesn't work using the EE network and I've never had it working on iPhone or Android whilst on EE. If you're not on EE, then no idea (sorry).

It might be worth checking the cable underneath the windscreen hasn't disconnected - if you search on here about deactivating the sound thing, that will confirm where to check. No idea if this can happen, but might be worth checking until someone more knowledgeable comes along.

Really? I didn’t imagine that when I spotted it! I’ll have another look later and see what comes up. I wonder if it’s known as something from the black pack? Have you tried sending the kopacek link to Skoda or that company that had the grille version?

Hey @johnboy615, this is as close as I can find - I'm not sure if it's the right thing though? https://skodapartsdirect.co.uk/product/skoda-octavia-2013-2017-front-bumper-decorative-strip-black/

I guess it's pretty much a feature! I'll ask the dealer to check it when it goes in for it's last service before the end of the warranty - but otherwise, I can imagine trying to stick it down with something, albeit nothing to permanent just in case.

It does feel inevitable! At least it's not an expensive route to go down too.

Welcome! I have the same happening on mine, albeit just at one end. I just shove it down with my thumb - not exactly effective either so it will be interesting to see what others think.

They both look great and mine is a red vrs, so I think I'll be going for this option when the time comes. Thanks for sharing both of you, it really helps to see some examples 👍

I really shouldn't have looked! Any of those parts look to tempting! Might have to set some money aside and find someone locally to fit them.

Thank you @7ncj, I'll make sure I check that out!

I did try my home wifi but the range isn't long enough - having said that, I might give it a go at the in-laws as their Wifi has a ridiculous range. Thanks for reminding about that option I'm not sure if I am bothered enough to get a Vodafone sim just for this - time will tell. Happy hunting for a solution!

It will be interesting to hear what the latest thoughts are on this, as my mobile is on EE and I can't get it working at all either. I've previously read through the great stuff on here, but came to the conclusion I'm stuffed with EE.

Alas I am on the shorter side of life and I really don't like the thought of lifting heavy bikes up there - we're not enthusiasts etc. so our bikes are not the lightest

Ah, I didn't think about using my cycle to work scheme, great idea! I'll google PF Jones to see where they are and if they're local enough.

Starting to get some better prices, but not near what you guys have paid...£605 for detachable, dedicated wiring from Go Tow Ltd and then for a laugh I asked my local dealer and they're weren't too bad at £725 ish (awaiting price for a minor part). I guess they've gone up like a lot of things these days! Even Westfalia we just over £400 for just the kit without fitting when I did a price on their website. I just need to fine tune my understanding and pricing on bike racks now! @NikTheGeek - thank you, I never even thought about that!

It wasn't mentioned on any on the online quotes/prices I went through - had no idea such a thing could be needed. I can see in the future that I will borrow a small/medium trailer but that would be all. I can't see that I will get into anything more than that to justify that level of change. I'm going to look into the Westfalia (detachable) ones and see where I end up. I really hope I won't need the bumper cutting @grldtnr, that may stop any thoughts of getting a tow bar installed!

Thank you, I will look up Westfalia and see what comes up. It did seem very expensive! Hopefully I can find a decent installer around these parts. If I can can an install for around what you've paid, then that should be doable plus the cost of a bike rack for it. Thank you.

Yeah, everyone that I have spoken has said to avoid them as you simply end up scratching the boot etc. Also don't want to go the roof rack route as I really don't feel like lifting heavy bikes on to the roof. Thank you though - I am not sure I will end up forking out £1200 if that's a realistic cost.

Hey everyone, I'm delving into the murky world of tow bars for my 2018 hatchback VRS, doing online stuff only I am looking at around £800 - £900 just for the tow bar in fitting with so called dedicated electrics - does that sound like I am in the right ball park? I've yet to factor in a bike rack! Oh and one had a generic warning that they may need to cut my bumper! It feels like I am looking at circa £1200 just to move some bikes around! Surely not?! Many thanks, Scotty

Cheers @Dogexplo, that sounds like a plan! One to take my time over so I don't make a hash of it!

Job done. Although toying with the idea of cutting a notch in the foam like others have done. Is this a strong recommendation now? I have scored it for what it is worth, but thought I'd check it out with you all folks before I start hacking! It's a shame I don't have any touch up paint for the pin bolts, I missed a trick there. I think I'll do them in the summer as I have left the main arm on for now. Did you spray or paint brush them?

Apologies for resurrecting an old thread, but I've just ordered this kit list and I wanted to shout out to @ahenners as a thank you! Fingers crossed I am up to the install! If anyone looks to order the struts for themselves, I ended up ordering a pair from Amazon as other places were out of stock. Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/febi-bilstein-27709-pressure-tailgate/dp/B006DHZ5QS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2940BC0FN2F1U&keywords=febi+bilstein+27709+Gas+Spring&qid=1641242349&sprefix=febi+bilstein+27709+gas+spring%2Caps%2C88&sr=8-1 I hope they're the right ones though as they state 'tail gate'! I'm sure they are as they're the same model referenced above (fingers crossed)!

Thanks for the tips everyone - finally have them fitted (Superskoda/Kopacek ones), they did indeed take a couple of minutes too fit! The only quirk I noticed is when I plugged in the new lights they immediately came on, then blinked off for a second or two at the most before coming back on. Otherwise, all good so far

Cheers @CookieMonster87. I'll be adding them after Christmas Day that and the mud guards I ordered - such a shame I'll have to give it a good clean too!