Have just bought a used octavia 2 scout with skoda goose neck tow hitch. How do I fit and remove it. I believe instruction come with ball. Can anyone help please Thanks johngm

I have now inserted the shaft and it sprung into place with a reassuring click but I can't work out how to remove it. Its supposed to be detachable

Edited 15 October, 201114 yr by johngm

If it is a genuine Skoda bar then it will be made by Westfalia.

If it was fitted by the Skoda dealer then there is also a chance it was contracted out to a local fitter so could be a Witter etc.

The Westfalia website is useful for downloads including operating instructions.

http://www.westfalia-automotive.de/index.php?id=home&L=1

Here are the instructions for the removing the swan neck for a Skoda Octavia 4x4 which will be the same type as fitted to a Scout (scroll down to page 21 for English)...

http://www.westfalia-automotive.de/fileadmin/templates/pdf/317-skoda/a317036691101.pdf

Heres a Witter detachable on my Scout. Removing it is simply a case of inserting the key twisting the knob and pulling the bar down...

Edited 15 October, 201114 yr by silver1011

Many, many thanks. Problem solved much to my relief! Very good of you johngm

Your welcome John, if you get time remember to add yourself to this list of other happy Scout owners!

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/162947-scout-owners-register/

Oh, and feel free to share any pictures, we are a nosey bunch!

Here's mine...

I've had no amount of trouble with one of these fitted to my sister's Elegance. I was going to get one but I think I'll stick with a fixed set up. Am I alone in this feeling?

A little more detail wouldn't go amiss, what kind of 'trouble'?

You're not wrong there, sorry for the lack of detail and appalling post.

It just seems to be a bugger to get off. My sister can't get the barrel into the "unlocked" position so that you can pull the tow bar out. She took it back to the dealers once and they struggled like mad and got it off and then greased it up. Still seemed reluctant next time it came to taking it off. I tried and applied too much pressure and snapped the key in the barrel. We managed to get the barrel out but don't want to risk snapping the spare key so it'll be staying in. I think it says you're not supposed to leave them attached for long periods of time but the hassle of trying to get it off meant that in reality for my sister that it stays on all the time.

Its a proper dealer fitted accessory.

I am as guilty as you, in that I leave my detachable bar permanently attached.

My main reason for this is the additional protection tow bars can provide against rear end shunts and inconsiderate parking.

Strange, but I prefer the look of the tow bar in situ, something about the rugged look of the Scout!

Why not just fit a fixed bar I hear you ask, well it's simply down to the fact the detachable swan necks look much nicer, benefits from hidden electrics and does away with the dirty great big bracket that rusts.

I too had a problem removing it, my own fault for a. leaving it attached and b. not WD40'ing the lock. The spring loaded sleeve stuck preventing me from inserting the key. Some gentle persuasion and lubricant solved it and once off I greased the whole lot.

Admittedly my Witter is set up different from the Westfalia but ever since giving it a lube and grease it's been just fine

You see its a dilemma I face as I want to put a tow bar on my vRS but I think a fixed tow ball with a rusty bracket isn't going to look great so I might still be fickle and order a detachable item.