Have a search through my old posts and I was given some great links on fitting the towbar and electrics including how to remove the rear bumper which isn't difficult. If it's windy make sure you have some help as its flimsy and you don't want it folding if caught by the wind.

Also search PF Jones and the Westfalia towbar have good fitting instructions.

Hi, Im looking at installing a tow bar on my Octavia elegance estate but worried the tow ball will set off the reversing sensors even when no trailer attached. (a friend had this problem on their BMW X1 which was fitted by the main dealer. They eventually had to get a removable hitch instead) Has anyone had this issue on an Octavia?

 

I am looking at getting either the Bosal  033491 or 033494. I think the only difference between them is the removable tow ball. I presume the electrics are sold separately for this?

Get the westfalia removable tow bar and dedicated electrics.. once the module is coded when you hook anything to tow bar electrics it deactivates the rear sensors, shows on your display you have a trailer attached and extends your car alarm to the trailer so if it's disconnected when whilst alarmed it set the alarm off.

i got a detachable fitted at the dealers. Think i payed bout £450 ish.

 

Personelly i would advise is if there available is to go for a tow bar that can carry a heaver load thank you need.

I think Westfalia have the highest rated nose weights of 85kg but that is irrelevant as the car only permits a nose weight of 75kg and the rest is down to permitted tow weights. Exceeding nose weights removes grip from the front wheels creating traction, steering and braking problems

 

The Westfalia is the factory fit tow bar as are the electrics. Going to a dealer for one fitting your car they will just call in an independent tow bar fitter, who will fit a tow bar of they favour. The dealer will just add a markup to their fees. If you are not fitting it your self then just go to an independent  and cut out the middle man.

Sounds like the removable hitch is the way to go to avoid any issues with the parking sensors.  I am based in the west of Ireland. I checked the local dealer and they are looking for €370 for hitch and €340 for the fitting, I think that was a fixed hitch. I have been looking at some online stores but cant see any westfalia distributor in Ireland. Any other compatible hitches i see don't mention the wiring kit being included. Is the dealers the only place to get the CAN module? I have only seen bypass relays on other sites (or is this the same thing?). If anyone has any suggestions for suppliers in Ireland who have the kit i need, it would be much appreciated.

P F Jones in Manchester will have you need and their very knowledgable so long as they'll supply you in Ireland.

 

I wouldn't bother with a bypass relay just get the dedicated electrics fitted. Again P F Jones will help.... hopefully

Edited 6 January, 20179 yr by CWARD

Are there any Witter distributors in Ireland?

I have a Witter detachable towbar with dedicated electrics module fitted to my Octavia and I am very pleased with it.

Edited 7 January, 20179 yr by Liger1956

Thanks, will check them out. I see a distributor in Dublin for Witter, will dig a bit more to see what my options are over this side of the country.