I've seen a topic somtiem that might help me on this, but I can't track it down using the search function....

I couldn't see the point getting a towbar fitted when I bought the Scout a few months ago. Tehn my wife finally decided that cycling as a family would be a good thing!

So.....I've picked up the Thule rack which attaches to the rear door. As the bikes will block the lights, I've also picked up the "light bar" - basically a taillight repeater - which now needs a connection. Given that there are so few Skodas here in Oz, I'm looking for any tips for the auto-electrician - should it be a simple enough job to just wire a plug in? I'm not worried about the rear sensors, as I won't be reversing often!

Kent

You're much better off with a towball mounted rack - I haven't seen a boot mounted one yet that doesn't take the paint off if its used regularly - at least the Octavia isn't made of such light gauge steel the rack dents it like a citroen C4 a friend of mine had the displeasure of using. Also if the rack rests on or near the back window be warned there doesn't seem to be any way to stop the rear wiper from doing a sweep of the back window when you select reverse while the wipers are on - unless you unplug the wiper, so make sure the wiper can make a full sweep without being obstructed.

Only warning about installing electrics for the towball is that the car monitors the voltage draw for the rear lights to detect blown bulbs, so you need a relay system that monitors whether the lights are on or off but doesn't put an extra electrical load on the wiring to the rear lights to control the trailer plug. This needs to be powered by a connection either to the battery or the fuse box. There is a full set of instructions for fitting a towbar and wiring it linked on this forum, so a bit of searching should dig it out.

Edited 25 May, 201016 yr by psycholist

I realise towball would have been better, but I hadn't thought it through fully, the non-Skoda dealer fitted ones here in Oz look pretty awful - and I don't want to spend the big bickies on something for occasional use. I've got roof bars, so even the AUD$660 for 3 bike mounts would be cheaper than a towbar install.

As I said in my OP, I hadn't been able to find that thread (which I have seen before ) using the search - anyone remeber the title or poster?

Thanks again

Kent

Edited 26 May, 201016 yr by Inego

The page is here: http://www.octavia-vrs.com/technical/estate_towbar.htm

I fitted my towbar using the instructions above and it was very straightforward indeed. I didn't use the OEM wiring though. Wiring and towbar came in under €300 for me IIRC...