Can anyone help me please?

I have an Octavia Estate 2.0l diesel DSG, L&K model.

I want to put a towbar on for a caravan, but unsure whether to go for universal electrics, or dedicated. (13 Pin)

Is a properly fitted universal kit as good as a dedicated kit, ie would I loose some of the features that would be otherwise supported by a dedicated kit?

If I go for the dedicated kit, is it just a case of plugging it in to existing sockets somewhere in the rear of the car, or is there more to it?

I understand I will need an update to the cars software, so will still need a third party to do that for me but just thought I could save myself a lot of money by doing the donkey work and fit the bar and electrics myself. Also, do I still need the update with a universal electrics kit?

Can anyone recommend a fitter that covers North Lincolnshire?

Any advice would be gratefully recieved

Thanks everyone

I had a badly fitted Ryder "bypass relay" kit fitted, i.e. the fitter merely stripped the wires and sprigged in the relay kit tails.

Kit draws such low current that it does not upset the CanBus wiring. But a terribly terribly poor attempt at the fitting.

 

I then got the correct Skoda kit fitted, and the software adjusted.

Car now knows if a trailer or whatever is attatched.

Unplug with the alarm set and it triggers (theft prevention presumably)

The correct kit will also detect defective trailer/caravan bulbs.

I tink it also does sommat functional when reversing?, cant remember what though.

It may even "tell" the car's ESP system that one is towing and adjust the stability parameters/logrythims to suit.

Definately a better job.

But whether it is justified/justifable?

cheers

M

Today with our 61 reg Octy got estimate from Towsure, £499+vat with dedicated loom, £399 +vat without  dedicated loom.I should mention that is  the detachable bar. 

Thanks for these replies. I have also spoken to a fitter (Harland Fletcher of York) who was uber knowledgable and has reassured me that the way to go is with dedicated electrics due to maintaining inbuilt towing functions such as ESP, fog lights only operate on van and not car when towing, parking sensors disabled when towing etc etc. 

I have been quoted £450 for dedicated 13pin electrics, Witter fixed Swanneck bar and software update, which is not only one of the cheaper quotes but his knowledge of the Octavia and fitting, has filled me with nothing but confidence in their abilities.

I'll let you know the outcome once the equipment has been fitted