I'm about to get a Octavia hatchback and will be fitting a towbar. Has anyone had any problems with interferance with the rear parking sensors as a result of fitting one and if so with what make of towbar? So far I've been offered either Witter or PCT fits, but would be greatful for any other reccomendations. Have a PCT one on my Fabia and had no problems.

It shouldn't be a problem unless the sensors are set low and there's one in the middle, also depends what accesories you bolt on, cycle rack base plates and bumper protectors might affect it.

I have a witter with twin electrics on my elegance. With the tow ball cover on occasionally I get a single beep on reversing when there is nothing there. With the cover off its not a problem. I have a removable bump plate as well - that sets them off but I only have that on for the final hitch move.

The towbar guys had vagcom so with the caravan on the back the reversing sensors are disabled as is the rear car fog light so that it doesn't shine off the van.

Do you have a dedicated wiring kit fitted to allow this?

You need the harness that goes back to the fuse box. I got mine from ebay for about £50 also the bulb failure warning lights will work on dashboard if bulbs faiI. I do have vag com so I have turned off parking radar and rear fog lights when towing this link will show you how to do it

Octavia-vRS.com - Octavia II Estate Towbar Install

I had a fixed towbar which caused the sensors to work intermittently. Eventually swapped for a removable. I can't remember what make the fixed was now though.

Do you have a dedicated wiring kit fitted to allow this?

Yes I have a OEM wiring Kit fitted by an independant tow bar specialist. I also have an additional fridge fused wire run from engine bay fuse box to allow plenty amps & volts to the fridge. It plugs into the boot somewhere and allows the fancy features like the bulb warning light. In fact the only factory feature I don't have is activation of the alarm if the cables are unplugged. But I saved £200 off the mainstealer price.

Am i the only one who really has problem with the sensors, it drives my wife up the wall every time i reverse. Th towbar is Witter and i presume standard electrics. Its been back to the dealer but they say nothing can be dione unless i change to the SKODA mega bucks one. I have tried first with the ball cover off then the electrics covers but still no good.Question, can the reverse sensors be turned say upwards so missing the bits?.

Should not be a problem, I have one fitted and it does'nt interfear with the sensors.

Had it fitted by dealer when I bought it.

I recently fitted a Westfalia removable tow bar, i use it for carrying my bike and when the bike rack is fitted it makes the parking sensors go a bit nuts but it's easy to switch off. When i'm not using the bike rack i remove the towbar as it's a doddle to do so seems silly not to. Completely hidden when not in use and no cutting required for the bumper.

On 18/03/2009 at 20:06, pastiche said:

Am i the only one who really has problem with the sensors, it drives my wife up the wall every time i reverse. Th towbar is Witter and i presume standard electrics. Its been back to the dealer but they say nothing can be dione unless i change to the SKODA mega bucks one. I have tried first with the ball cover off then the electrics covers but still no good.Question, can the reverse sensors be turned say upwards so missing the bits?.

Did you have any luck with directing the sensors away from the ball to stop the interference but still allow you to use your parking sensors Alex

Fixed witter with no interference with reverse sensors, i used a dedicated electric kit so the reverse sensors and fog light's are disabled with trailer attached, also have heavy duty springs fitted which makes towing a lot more pleasant as the bar used to contact the road with standard springs, and that was with only 70 kgs on the ball.

On ‎23‎/‎03‎/‎2018 at 15:41, albadouche said:

Did you have any luck with directing the sensors away from the ball to stop the interference but still allow you to use your parking sensors Alex

Since my last post on this we changed to a 61 reg and the sensors work perfect on this year without any mods.Have same make riged towbar as before ie Witter