Has anyone had a Tow Bar fitted recently, are their types that suit Skoda better than others as there are so many makes to chose from. What should I expect to pay any thoughts, Thank You

What car do you have?

Do you want detachable or not?

Will you be fitting yourself?

Towing caravan or for bike rack (for example)?

I bought a kit of eBay for our BMW 330d, I have to say for the money the product is good quality, it also came with all fitting instructions for the tow bar and the electrics, it has the added benefit of being detachable at a favourable price.

 

 I assume you want it for your Octavia so I have a LINK here for you to the same on I bought for the BMW.

 

 I have used mine for towing a car trailer with a car on it to track days so it has been used to its maximum quoted figures.

58 plate Octavia 170 CR VRS,

??????

NO

Just looking at a small trailer for general purpose use

James on a Scale of 1 - 10 how difficult was the DIY job, any special tools needed

If you can wield a spanner then fitting the actual bar is not difficult.

However the fun starts with the electronics. Gone are the days of a couple of wire connectors, now you need a specifically designed wiring loom and the car reprogrammed to accept the alterations.

I've got a genuine Skoda detachable one that I'm fitting soon with genuine dedicated electrics.

Ordered it all from Skodateile (with other stuff) and worked out cheaper than sourcing it in the UK.

Bar is easy enough as Lanigraham says and the electrics will be straightforward (apart from lots of trim to remove) if I can remove the terminals to put into the new connector block.

I've tried this before and failed so may have to call upon local expert help if I can't do it.

Have a look at Westfalia as they have excellent reputation. Decide whether you want detachable or not and whether you want dedicated electrics or not (I'd strongly suggest the former).

See here...

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/231316-towbar/

 

 

 

James on a Scale of 1 - 10 how difficult was the DIY job, any special tools needed

I have fitted a few tow bars in the past to a few different models of cars, fitting is time consuming because the bumper needs to be removed, be careful as plastic clips can be fiddly, once that is off then it is straight forward (on the BMW) there are 8 bolts holding the rear crash bar on, remove this, offer up the tow bar bracket and crash bar together and re insert the bolts and torque them up.

 Whilst the bumper is off, thread the electrics through the grommet into the rear of the car, mount the electrics socket before the bumper goes back on, refit the bumper.

 

 In the back of the car, remove interior trim to get to the electrics and follow the instructions to fit the relay, this is also simple, everything is numbered and with a multi meter you can identify the cables you need to connect to.

 

 It took me from 10 AM until 4 PM to complete the whole job, I did take my time, I would happily do the job again as it was quite easy if you have a bit of knowledge and can follow instructions, which are very good on the tow bar I linked you to.

 

 

 Scale of 1-10, I would say a 5-6

You can't fit a towbar to a Fabia VRS, they are not type approved.   You'll need to check with a reputable tow bar supplier on the car you want it fitted.

I'd like to buy a towbar for my skoda mk2 05, I looked in garages so the prices quite high 450 vat with a fitting too. Where the best to buy one and what brand to tow trailer with bobcat on it I know its a lot weight if my skoda can do that??

I know there are different size / weight Bobcats but I'm not sure the Octavia would make an ideal tow car for something this big?

 

 

Any idea on the combined weight of the load and trailer combined?

Edited 31 March, 201511 yr by silver1011

Don't think it's legal above 1600kg gross either.

I need to double check that but it looks exactly like one in picture

Rated Operating Capacity (SAE J732)...................................................................................... 2200 lbs. (998 kg)

Rated Operating Capacity with Counterweight option ............................................................ 2300 lbs. (1043 kg)

Tipping Load (SAE)................................................................................................................... 4561 lbs. (2069kg)

Operating Weight (SAE) .......................................................................................................... 7483 lbs. (3394 kg)

Travel Speed - standard .........................................................................................................6.9 mph (11,1 km/hr)

Travel Speed - Two-Speed option.......................................................................... 6.9/12.0 mph (11,1/19,3 km/hr)

Lift Breakout Force (SAE) ....................................................................................................... 4500 lbs. (4500 kg)

Tilt Breakout Force (SAE) ....................................................................................................... 5000 lbs. (2268 kg)

Push Force

Not sure which one is total weight please someone help me up

But I guess is that operating weight 3394 kg

Yes you right just double checked that so no point to put towbar on my skoda, need to find another way...

Don't think it's legal above 1600kg gross either.