Hi all,

I've got a 2014 Octavia TSI Ambition Plus hatch.

I need a towbar with a square removable hitch so I can attach a bike carrier (So the Euro-style towbars won't suit).

 

There's a maker local here in Australia called Hayman Reese (link) who make these type of bars, but the ones they list for mk3 octavias are listed as "wagon" with no reference to the Hatch.

 

Can someone advise if there are differences in chassis mounting/tow points etc between the wagon and the hatch?
Generally, will a towbar that fits an MK3 Octavia wagon also fit a hatch?

 

Looking at the 03135RW

 

Alternatively - if anyone in Australia has a different suggestion on towbars for Octavias that offer a 50mm square reciever

 

Thanks!

I did not think there was any structural difference between the wagon (estate for the Brits) and the hatch underneath. Just the rear treatment and the rear doors, so largely cosmetic.

Simple enough to contact Hayman Reese and confirm though.

I know you claim it is just for the bikes but the temptation to actually tow something means that they or whoever fits it needs to be competent with VW/Skoda electrics and coding. That would be my main concern.

I'm pretty sure all mk3 imported to Aus have the towing electric provisions fitted as standard, which is a big plus as I'm sure the mk2 did not

.

 

Thanks for that Gerrycan.
I gave Hayman Reese a call, and the guy wasn't too helpful - he basically read what was on the website and said he wasn't familiar with the car.

I'm tempted to fit just the bar myself without the electronics (It shouldn't interfere with the parking sensors if the hitch is removed, right?).

Although I didn't know that the MK3s had towing electrics as standard - is there any checks I can do to confirm this?

I had a look at the Hayman Reece site and you are right it is a bit ambiguous. Did you get a price?

Rather than asking here you might be better off looking around a couple of Australian Forums with local knowledge and resources.

Skoda has still to make an impact sales wise but those that do buy tend to be a bit more savvy than usual.

VWwatercooled.com.au has a fairly active Skoda and Octavia section and although quite a few of its members are also on this site there are a few towbar threads you can search out.

There are a few web sites providing kits but none are what I would describe as cheap or even reasonable.

 

 

Markus if you only do what suits you, ensure that you etch the towbar as non-skoda standard.

 

These O3's have very complex systems which alter the car's handling and capabilities, you wouldn't want the next owner to drive whilst towing something big and have a horrible accident would you ?

Edited 3 March, 20179 yr by themanwithnoaim

Whatever you do, do not use the HR electrics, they just tap into the loom using connectors. Use the genuine loom with the proper coding (westfalia offer one as well), otherwise the reverse sensors won't work properly, nor the stability control or alarm system. from memory Westfalia may have a towbar with the normal OZ flat tongue, rather than the 'ball', which would suit for a standard bike carrier.

http://evt-automotive.com.au/tow-bars-towbar-kits/345-a40v-skoda-octavia-7-wagon-2013-06-2014.html

 

Or the Prof Svar bar might have a flat tongue as well. this is OE fitment in OZ from the dealers.

 

do not take 1600kg or 2000kg weight as gospel in OZ, it is 1500kg, as per the ADR requirements, even if the bar says more.

I have the wagon with a HR towbar, just tapped in and everything including rear sensors work perfectly.

2 hours ago, themanwithnoaim said:

Markus if you only do what suits you, ensure that you etch the towbar as non-skoda standard.

 

These O3's have very complex systems which alter the car's handling and capabilities, you wouldn't want the next owner to drive whilst towing something big and have a horrible accident would you ?

This is a valid point - thanks mate

12 hours ago, Ralliartrobbo said:

I have the wagon with a HR towbar, just tapped in and everything including rear sensors work perfectly.

As said, tapping into the light wiring does not turn off the reversing sensors when reverse is engaged, nor does it recognize a trailer connected and adjust the stability programming to suit. (as well as showing the trailer icon on the screen when in reverse.) From my understanding it can create fault codes in the system due to the change in current draw through the trailer wires. I'm not saying that it can't be done, but cheapening the installation to remove a safety feature is not something i would even consider.