Factory fitted tow bar - gap to bumper.

[LeMans]

The gap between the factory fitted tow bar and bumper looks pretty close.  Obviously will need to get the caravan out of storage and check but does look like there could be a clash when turning.

 

Anyone came across this yet?

 

The caravan has a alko 1300 stabiliser fitted.

 

thanks

[silver1011]

It looks OK to me, you'll have to take some pictures of your caravans hitch...

 

 

 

 

 

When turning does the Alko 1300 Stabiliser get closer to the car? I'd imagine through 180 degrees the distance from the bumper would remain very similar, anything beyond that then I guess you've got bigger issues to worry about 

 

Edited 5 June, 2018 by silver1011

[MrTrilby]

I’ve only towed a box trailer so far. No issues, although I did jump out to check how close it was getting when doing a 3 point turn. 

[silver1011]

I reckon with a caravan you'd be hard pressed to make contact without noticing the impending doom!

 

[lowedb]

I would say the space looks a lot bigger than our Superb. And we have had no problems with an Alko stabiliser though the 2400 (I think). I was concerned but no issues.

Edited 5 June, 2018 by lowedb

[LeMans]

Thanks for all the feedback need to get the van out of storage and check.

[Bignij]

I've only towed a trailer with mine, but it was fine.

[RickTT]

If you wanted to compare it to the Superb (which has enough clearance) take a look at this thread of mine which details the measurements in the form of photos..

 

 

 

[MrTrilby]

I’ve just measured my tow bar to compare with the photos RickTT posted of his Superb - pretty much identical. Looking vertically down, it’s 3” from the bumper to the centre of the ball.  Possibly worth bearing in mind that the Kodiaq is 2cm wider than the Superb if you’re being super critical.

 

[silver1011]

Are you not supposed to grease your tow balls these days?

 

All the images I've seen have grease-free balls 

[SuperbTWM]

7 minutes ago, silver1011 said:

Are you not supposed to grease your tow balls these days?

 

All the images I've seen have grease-free balls 

 

The Alko hitches use friction (like brake pads) to keep the van stable instead of the older leaf spring stabilizers so your not supposed have grease or paint on your balls.

 

I only use my tow bar for trailers so I like my balls covered in grease 

Edited 7 June, 2018 by SuperbTWM

[Frenchtone]

to fall back on the old joke, are we talking of Tom D**k and Harry here?  ; - D)

Edited 8 June, 2018 by Frenchtone
Correction

[MrTrilby]

33 minutes ago, silver1011 said:

Are you not supposed to grease your tow balls these days?

 

All the images I've seen have grease-free balls 

 

I pretty much only use my tow bar for a bike carrier, which needs a grease free ball. 

[stevekhart]

When I measured mine the gap between bumper and tow bar was not quite enough to meet the caravan club’s requirements, even though it’s their tow car of the year! If you go on their training course you’ll need to provide your own caravan due to the restriction. I’ve not found it to be a problem towing my folding camper with alko stabiliser.

 

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/advice-and-training/training-courses/caravan-towing-courses/

”

• A car fitted with a towing bracket and functional 13 pin or 12N electric socket. It will also need a minimum of 70-80mm between the bumper and the centre of the towball to allow clearance of the caravan hitch (not applicable to courses at Elddis in Consett).”

Edited 13 June, 2018 by stevekhart

[MrTrilby]

As per my photo, the gap between bumper and midpoint of the ball on my Kodiaq is pretty much spot on for the Caravan Club’s requirements. 

[silver1011]

It's your use of  imperial (inches) confusing the younger (metric) generation 

 

3" = 76.2mm

 

Edited 14 June, 2018 by silver1011

[DaveMiller]

1 hour ago, silver1011 said:

It's your use of  imperial (inches) confusing the younger (metric) generation 

 

3" = 72.6mm

Er ... when I was at school, 3" was 76.2 mm.

 

So, spot on for what the Caravan Club are asking for!

[silver1011]

Hopefully your teachers weren't so pedantic 

[MrTrilby]

2 hours ago, silver1011 said:

Hopefully your teachers weren't so pedantic 

 

If you’re quoting a number to 3 significant figures, I’d hope your teachers would pick you up for getting the second digit wrong

[silver1011]

In this instance, i.e. the distance between a towbar and bumper...

 

[stevekhart]

My mistake, I thought mine was 2”, I think the guy on the phone asked for the gap between bumper and ball, but as the website says it’s bumper to centre of ball.  I guess it’s good to know how to measure one’s ball

[silver1011]

I wonder what the plastic flap is for on the factory towbar fitted to the SEAT Tarraco...

 

 

You'd imagine it'd be the exact same design as the one used on the Kodiaq, but clearly not...

[Arkaig]

3 hours ago, silver1011 said:

I wonder what the plastic flap is for on the factory towbar fitted to the SEAT Tarraco...

 

That's the towbar electrics socket behind/under the plastic flap ☺️ 

[SuperbTWM]

I think he means the flap on the topside of the bend maybe? Unless @silver1011 needs to have a ride out to Barnard castle to test his eyes? 🤣

[ZacDaMan72]

Looks just like a little cover, if you took that off it'd probably look a lot more like the Skoda/VW one.