im thinking of getting a towbar for my octy mk2 is there any one i should look out for i dont mind a fixed one and do i need a special wiring kit as its a 2007/ 57 plate? many thanks

When I got my Octavia, Benfield contracted out to this mobile towbar fitting company. They fitted a PCT fixed bar, and wired it up with the Skoda wiring kits, but I did get factory towbar prep. You could get them to wire up using a bypass system, give them a ring for a price. They do a good job.

I change the tow ball to an Alko one to match the Alko stabiliser on the caravan.

http://www.hedley-towbars.co.uk/

thats great thanks. jonny

Specify the wiring kit and use an independant fitter as the dealers don't have the expertise. Tow bar prep is a rip off - Octys have the power socket in the boot as standard.

Barnsley towbar centre do a first class job and disable the fogs and reversing sensors with a data downoad.

Octys have saggy rears with heavy loads so look at MAD springs if you are dragging anything heavy with a full load.

Specify the wiring kit and use an independant fitter as the dealers don't have the expertise. Tow bar prep is a rip off - Octys have the power socket in the boot as standard.

Barnsley towbar centre do a first class job and disable the fogs and reversing sensors with a data downoad.

Octys have saggy rears with heavy loads so look at MAD springs if you are dragging anything heavy with a full load.

Please could you post a pic of where the socket is in the boot and/or describe how to get to it please? Thanks.

Specify the wiring kit and use an independant fitter as the dealers don't have the expertise. Tow bar prep is a rip off - Octys have the power socket in the boot as standard.

Barnsley towbar centre do a first class job and disable the fogs and reversing sensors with a data downoad.

Octys have saggy rears with heavy loads so look at MAD springs if you are dragging anything heavy with a full load.

I fitted a Westfalia detachable towbar on my 61 plate vrs estate with no hastle and i work at a main dealer as a tech, Cant understand what you mean about dealers dont have the "expertise". You cant tar all dealers and techs with the same brush!, Its a dodle to fit a bar, bumper removal remove the rear bumper beam fit new towbar and wire socket up using the suplied wirring diagram

I have a 'right connections' dedicated plug in 13 pin wiring kit for your octavia, the kit cost me £200 when i had it fitted. I had the kit removed along with the towbar after i found my car had outstanding finance on it and i returned the car to the dealer. If you are interested in it then we can talk offers.

Sherlocks - My father in law bought his Octy off you lot after me raving about mine. He had difficultly in getting the rear alignment sorted out though. It was only after handing over over a printout from a Briskoda thread of what the problem was what the solution was that got it fixed. So yes tar brush out.

I've read significantly more negative comments about dealers and towbar problems than positive ones.

I had some minor bodywork repairs at the main dealer in Leeds following a no fault low speed rear end shunt. I told the insurance company that my car was going to Skoda for repairs as the 3rd party had admitted liability - The dealer bodywork and re-spray were fine but their towbar contractor stuffed up the towbar re-wire and so it went back to the Barnsley towbar centre for re-fitting. The BTC also kindly put the exhaust fittings back on correctly!

Anyway back to business.

Here is a great guide to towbar fitting with photos

http://octavia-vrs.c.../towbar-install

I left the purchasing etc to Barnsley Towbar Centre, I just told them I wanted it removable with twin elecs and they did the rest.

Very happy with the work they did and choice they made on the parts