Probably not the first to ask this - my Yeti has the dealer prep for a towbar so I now need to go and get one. Its a 2WD 1.2 if that is relevant. I can't find anything on this forum so I'm hoping some kind soul will advise! If any one can suggest a good fitter in the Macclesfield area that would be appreciated as well!

We have a tow bar mounted bike rack for Mrs Buxton's Mitsubishi Outlander and it works very well. The dealer sent someone out to fit the tow bar at our house and we bought the actual bike rack - I can find out the make if you want but my suggestion is look at a few and if possible try them on your car/tow bar before buying.

Edited 5 September, 201015 yr by Cap'n Buxton

This is what I use

I have the 2 bike version.

Not cheap - but the best never is

With two dogs we can get to them and the boot - without disturbing bikes

Picures of my previous Strada 3 biker

HTH

This is what I use

I have the 2 bike version.

Not cheap - but the best never is

With two dogs we can get to them and the boot - without disturbing bikes

Picures of my previous Strada 3 biker

HTH

Price is a bit "ouch" but it certainly is the sort of thing I'm looking for. I guess as it its without spanners you can get it loaded up in minutes. Need to get the towbar on as well. Thanks for the help

Been a number of posts on tow equipment and tow mounted bike racks, I remember Lady P published some pics of the carrier they use; not seen her post for some time though.

Regard the bar itself the standard set-up I believe is a Westfalia detachable system with thirteen pin electrics. Found one of the threads on the subject;

My link

Regards,

TP

Price is a bit "ouch" but it certainly is the sort of thing I'm looking for. I guess as it its without spanners you can get it loaded up in minutes. Need to get the towbar on as well. Thanks for the help

Rack and (detachable) tow bar can be on/off in less than a minute including connecting up electrics!

Rack can be stowed out of sight in the boot.

I concede it's not a budget fix, but in use almost every weekend and I've shot all over the UK with two/three bikes on at legal+ speeds with no issues.

Rack locks to towbar and each bike is separately and securely locked to the rack. I usually add an ABUS armoured cable lock if I need to park up.

Rack and (detachable) tow bar can be on/off in less than a minute including connecting up electrics!

Rack can be stowed out of sight in the boot.

I concede it's not a budget fix, but in use almost every weekend and I've shot all over the UK with two/three bikes on at legal+ speeds with no issues.

Rack locks to towbar and each bike is separately and securely locked to the rack. I usually add an ABUS armoured cable lock if I need to park up.

http://www.maxxraxx.co.uk/

I've had one of these for 4 years or so now and can highly rate it. Best to fit with a flange type towball rather than swan neck as costs much less.

This one has caught my eye. Similar "Ouch" price but compact.

tom

The beauty of wheel support racks is that there's no contact between the bikes and they are far more stable and secure on longer trips - on the other hand they're pricey - especially if you need easy access to be boot.

Thanks for the help folks! Mow have to source a towbar - will try Chester as I live in Macclesfield.

Thanks for the help folks! Mow have to source a towbar - will try Chester as I live in Macclesfield.

I have contacted the Chester Towbar Centre and have had quotes for a fixed bar and detachable, both with the Westfalia supplied electric loom designed for the Yeti (or so I was told) All I will say about the quotes was that they were some £200 cheaper than the Dealer.

Chester Towbar Center proved very helpful and seemed to know what they were talking about when it came to the vexed question of the electrics and how they affect reversing sensors and bulb failure software. Apparently the choice between fixed and detachable towbars depends on the effect on the reversing sensors.

I have contacted the Chester Towbar Centre and have had quotes for a fixed bar and detachable, both with the Westfalia supplied electric loom designed for the Yeti (or so I was told) All I will say about the quotes was that they were some £200 cheaper than the Dealer.

Chester Towbar Center proved very helpful and seemed to know what they were talking about when it came to the vexed question of the electrics and how they affect reversing sensors and bulb failure software. Apparently the choice between fixed and detachable towbars depends on the effect on the reversing sensors.

Thanks Terfyn! The whole towbar prep thing seems to have been a waste for me as I don't really need it for a bike rack. Sockport towbars says that the loom is the same whether you have it or not! Trying not to have breakdown over it all....

Thanks Terfyn! The whole towbar prep thing seems to have been a waste for me as I don't really need it for a bike rack. Sockport towbars says that the loom is the same whether you have it or not! Trying not to have breakdown over it all....

Tow bar prep is needed, otherwise how are you going to connect the rear light board?

Tow bar prep is needed, otherwise how are you going to connect the rear light board?

Seems that you don't actually get any wiring in the prep - just some software for managing wobbly trailers and a special hole in the bumper. Certainly doesnt seem to be any wiring ready for a connector in my car! Why they don't put the loom in when they are assembling it seems strange! But I may be wrong - I'll find out when I go to the tow bar shop. :wonder:

This one has caught my eye. Similar "Ouch" price but compact.

tom

I got a similar one from Thule - it too folds up to fit in the boot - never used it once like this, as it locks to the towbar.

I have inspected the above close-up and to me did not seem as solid (but probably lighter) - but my other car has a 90kg nose weight limit anyway.

As I'm sure you subscribe to Auto Express - don't forget you get 5% off at roofbox.....

click here first to get the 5%

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/autoexpress

then here for carriers

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/bike-carriers-racks-range.php

I got a similar one from Thule - it too folds up to fit in the boot - never used it once like this, as it locks to the towbar.

I have inspected the above close-up and to me did not seem as solid (but probably lighter) - but my other car has a 90kg nose weight limit anyway.

As I'm sure you subscribe to Auto Express - don't forget you get 5% off at roofbox.....

click here first to get the 5%

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/autoexpress

then here for carriers

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/bike-carriers-racks-range.php

Ta you're a star!

Ta you're a star!

No problems - when ordering i'd recommend adding in a set of their "Fasty" straps - really strong and great for securing the bikes for long trips.

Got the bar fitted today by North West Towbars in Stockport. Westfalia detachable ball, full wiring loom and BuzzCruiser 3 bike carrier for £650 all-in. Here's their details:

North West Towbar Centre

Heaton Lane,

Stockport,

SK4 1AR.

Tel: 0161 474 7474.

E-mail [email protected]

Got the bar fitted today by North West Towbars in Stockport. Westfalia detachable ball, full wiring loom and BuzzCruiser 3 bike carrier for £650 all-in. Here's their details:

North West Towbar Centre

Heaton Lane,

Stockport,

SK4 1AR.

Tel: 0161 474 7474.

E-mail [email protected]

Hi

Did they or the local Skoda Dealer reprogramme the electrics?

tom

Hi

Did they or the local Skoda Dealer reprogramme the electrics?

tom

They did the programming as well. All seems to work properly with the reversing sensors cutting out and a picture of a trailer on the screen.