Hello from down under guys & girls,

 

It's currently over 110 degrees F here so we are swealtering a bit!

 

My new Yeti 112 TSi DSG 4x4 in Black Magic Pearl is proving to be a wonderful new toy!

 

I've organised an original set of front mudflaps, and original set of back mudflaps and an original set of locking nuts from SuperSkoda.

 

The front mudflaps and the locking nuts have been fitted with the back set to be fitted in the next couple of days.

 

I'm now looking for a towbar. I have looked down under and the prices are just plain ridiculous!

 

Over $500 just for the towbar plus fitting and electrics.

 

Over $950 for towbar & electrics plus fitting.

 

I've looked at Witter, Thule & Westfailia and they all seem to be quite good quality.

 

Do people have a preference for brand and type from personal experience?

 

Do people have a preference for supplier?

 

Thanks in advance guys & girls!

 

Christopher

Hi Chris,

 

The "standard" towbar offered by Skoda here in Europe is the Westfalia removable. I had mine installed on delivery and it has worked effectively. Easy to fit and remove and a planned panel to cover the cut-out when the towbar is removed.

+1

I have the Westfalia (fitted by my Skoda dealer) and it's a good bit of kit.

+1 What the Boss said

I had a dealer fit Witter detachable flange Yeti tow bar, with full Skoda electrics which is generally the issue, but there is some discussion on tow bar height with the Westfalia. With the flange this can easily and cheaply rectified with drop plate, and other options such as jaws bike rack, etc can also be used. Westfalia do not make a flange fit, but I have a Westfalia Swan neck on an 04 BMW . Both are without fault in quality. Just what you want to use it for really!

.... there is some discussion on tow bar height with the Westfalia. ....

Wasn't it only Johann who had a problem, recently?  That was a peculiarity of his caravan, I think. 

 

Not that I have any preference for Westfalia per se; I had a Witter removable on my previous X-Trail that was a bit easier to set up and remove.  But I do agree that Škoda factory wiring does seem to be the way to go.  

Dad's got a Witter detachable on his Yeti, he's had no issues - And just today, i've had a Westfalia fitted to my E Class with dedicated elecs & coding into the car (and no bumper cut!)

 

Al. 

Sounds like you want an aftermarket tow bar. Try PF Jones. Had Witter tow bars from them for both Yeti. They have a full range of bars & electrics to suit. Then you need to find a good fitter. Hope this helps a bit.

Hi Christopher, I think if you search previous posts about tow bars you should find a series of posts from one of your fellow countrymen on this very same topic.

I recall that he eventually did a deal with PF Jones of Old Trafford, Manchester who shipped a kit to him at a greatly reduced cost compared with buying locally. They fitted mine for me (a Skoda recommended Westfalia detachable one) though you'll need to decide exactly which type of electrics kit you want to go with it.

We used to have a 7 pin plug & socket setup here for trailer lights, with a secondary 7 pin plug & socket to provide caravan power etc.

Now, Europe has standardised on a single plug 13 pin system which may or not be available outside the EU, although simple adaptors are readily available.

Also the Yeti's electronics have the ability to automatically adapt the ESP, alarm, rear fog lights, and reversing sensors when a trailer is attached, but only with the right preparation and may require a reprogram. PF Jones will advise you of the different costs, but I'd recommend doing a bit of research about your vehicle (to see what tow bar preparation its already got) before you ask for prices.

 

Hope this helps

 

John H

OK, so the general consensus of opinion from a parts point of view seems to be:

Westfalia (Skoda original) or Witter - not really so important.

Genuine Yeti (Westfalia) electrical wiring kit - way more important than the actual tow bar itself!

I have emailed PF Jones about a week ago, but am yet to receive a reply.

I have also seen some towbars locally, but they are carrying different names. I can't see the local people creating their own, so I'm guessing they are either Westfalia or Witter. Now to find out which.

I will keep you informed!

Christopher

I recently had a towbar fitted by my local Skoda Dealer they use an outside contractor,

and he fits Witter bars. Mine has the Alko Tow Ball and came in spot on for height

As stated above my Westfalia detachable is spot on for height. It is my caravan that's peculiar. Hence sorted with a Tiguan detachable towbar.

Have had no problems with mine apart from the eye watering cost which was £832 in 2010.

I emailed PF jones 4 times and had reply by the next day. Would check the email address and try again.