Hello Skoda Lovers!

Firstly, this is not Tony posting but his wife! He does not know I have sneaked in using his name, shhhhh!

He has dropped a few hints about wanting me to buy him a towbar for Christmas for our Octavia, obviously I will get him a few other bits and bobs but would like to get him what he really wants too!

I would like to impress him by just buying one and producing it on christmas day rather than spoil any surprise, usually I am pretty good at getting what he wants but I am not really au fait with car stuff so wondered if I could pick a few brains?

I have looked at a few websites to order one online, I have no problem identifying what towbar we require but there follows a list of 'other stuff' which I have to order on top I presume? Wiring kit: Single or twin? Bypass relay or not? Towball: Do we need one or not? If yes, what is the difference between 50mm or 'long neck'? Bumper plate? So many choices! Is one necessary? :S

What about a socket cover? One? Two? None?

And all the accessories....Adjustable Height Coupling, Breakaway cable & plate, Pin Ball & Jaw?

I am utterly confused....all he needs is a towbar to pull a smallish box trailer for trips to the dump on a Sunday! :(

Can anyone demystify the whole process for me and point me in the right direction with what to choose? We have a 1998 Octavia 1.6 Hatchback.

Thanks again, I shall check back when I can, hopefully he won't see this!

Kind regards

Mrs Tony (aka Diane)

Edited 2 November, 201015 yr by Tony-H

For a normal trailer, you'll only need a single socket.

I'd go for something like this, it has that you need i think. The only modification needed to the car is to cut the rear bumper at the bottom which will be hard to see.

As above, for a trailer you will only need single 12n wiring and one socket cover, no need for a 7 way bypass relay.

Most wiring kits come with an audible relay which beeps when you indicate so you know the bulbs are working.

The breakaway cable should come with and be attached to the trailer if it has a handbrake and for short trips to the dump you can just hook it over the towball. Most small box trailers are unbraked anyway.

Choices of towbar/towbar really depends if you want it on show all the time or removeable so is down to choice. 50mm towball is the standard bolt on type, "long neck" are commonly known as swan neck some of which are removable. If you don't mind it being on show all the time then the 50mm bolt on option is the cheapest.

Many many thanks to you both, very helpful stuff and enough to make sure I get exactly what he needs to play with on Boxing Day!

Much appreciated!

Diane

Opps just realised there was no link!!

My link

This one comes complete with wiring, and is removeable as well