Tow bar fubar

[winmoz]

So I need to tow my toy car to track days (I’m getting old and the thought of no windscreen, no heater, no doors, no roof, no music, no comfort etc  after 8 hours of extreme noise/speed terror doesn’t seem that appealing) and took my L&K 280 estate to the dealer to get a removable tow bar fitted.

 

I figured, as it’s an 18 plate, I had better preserve my warranty and go OEM despite the scary quote  for parts and fitting.

 

They have had the car for two days now and want it for a third as they are struggling with the software.  Anyone else had this problem?

 

cheers

 

winmoz

[Steviedakota]

Had a removable non OEM fitted to mine (saloon) in 2 hours with no issues. I'd be a bit concerned that they don't know what they are doing.

[winmoz]

Got it back.  Nice job, includes a new rear valance and rear cross member (they kindly have given me the old one should I want to swap back when I sell the car).

 

Don’t know why the software was such an issue.  They just said the new loom would couldn’t be recognised.  It is now, so hopefully it was a better fix than turning it off and on again.

[SuperbTWM]

Maybe they had a faulty controller and had to order a new one, would explain the time.

 

The piece you have is the rear crash bar, it has to be removed as the tow bar sits in its place.

[TTruckie]

hi winmoz,

 

I'm thinking of doing the same with my Sportline 280.  Would be most grateful if you could give and details (and costings if you don't mind - please feel free to PM me).

 

Thanks

 

TT

 

[winmoz]

Hi TTruckie, 

No worries. I was quoted £817 supplied and fitted which was comparable to a car specific 13pin fit from a specialist.  The bill shows £330 labour, £210 for the bar, the rest being fitting kits, vat etc.

 

Will take some pictures as I think they did a good job.

 

[winmoz]

Hi TTruckie, 

No worries. I was quoted £817 supplied and fitted which was comparable to a car specific 13pin fit from a specialist.  The bill shows £330 labour, £210 for the bar, the rest being fitting kits, vat etc.

 

Will take some pictures as I think they did a good job.

 

[winmoz]

Some photos

[TTruckie]

Thanks winmoz  

 

i was quoted £1500-1800!  but i think that was for the folding OEM type.  This looks like a much more cost effective option.  I'll go and re-engage with my local dealer.

 

TT

[RickTT]

On 30/03/2019 at 17:47, winmoz said:

Some photos

 

On 28/03/2019 at 18:35, winmoz said:

I figured, as it’s an 18 plate, I had better preserve my warranty and go OEM despite the scary quote  for parts and fitting.

 

 

That does not look like the OEM towbar.

[SEL190Combi]

On 03/04/2019 at 16:29, RickTT said:

 

 

That does not look like the OEM towbar.

 

I agree, aren't the electrics supposed to 'swing' up under the valance?

 

I had a Westfalia detachable that the electric point pivots up under the valance with a full electrics kit (so the car can't be put into Eco mode and the rear sensors switch off if something is connected etc) done back in 2016 by All Tow Bars, I live in Thatcham, and the guy said they do the retrofitting for Skoda Reading. 

[nicknorman]

The standard OEM towbar on a Superb III is a fold out one. So you have a nice towbar, but it’s not the same type as a factory fit one.

[Superb Smartie]

That's the same as we get as OEM in Australia, being the Prof Svar detachable type. The electrics should swing up out of the way.

 

[RickTT]

 

Video i did off above the post - this is the OEM towbar

 

 

[edwards]

On the OEM one, the electric socket is in the hitch swan neck and swings up with it.

 

Edit: Rick TT beat me to it!

Edited 9 April, 2019 by edwards

[winmoz]

Ah.  I have a removable swan neck.  You unlock and depress the pedal and it drops out.  It locks back in automatically.

the electrics look to be solidly mounted, however I will check.  

 

The car car still runs in eco mode, but being a 280, that’s not why I bought it :-)

[RickTT]

i may add, the towbar fitted above does look a smart one

[smo_1981]

Looks like a neat job.

Watching that video i can only imagine the cost of retro fitting the "factory" version as it would require many many parts to be replaced and not just the addition of the bar and loom.

[RickTT]

26 minutes ago, smo_1981 said:

Looks like a neat job.

Watching that video i can only imagine the cost of retro fitting the "factory" version as it would require many many parts to be replaced and not just the addition of the bar and loom.

 Think it cost £800 from the factory.

[smo_1981]

5 minutes ago, RickTT said:

 Think it cost £800 from the factory.

 

Which is fine when placing an order, mine however is my ex-company lease which is 2 yrs old and now im buying it i want a towbar but cant rewind time sadly.

[RickTT]

1 minute ago, smo_1981 said:

 

Which is fine when placing an order, mine however is my ex-company lease which is 2 yrs old and now im buying it i want a towbar but cant rewind time sadly.

 

no, but gives you a price to compare against,  though recall posts from 2016 on a few members paying around £500 with a dedicated electric kit.

[highflight130]

Just had a towbar fitted today to my 68 plate L&K 190 estate today.  £570 including the vat fitted.  Westfalia removable with fold away 13pin socket (invisible when removed).  Programming of the car and dedicated electrics including fridge charging cable for the shed on wheels.  When the 13 pin socket is connected you can't open the electric boot by key or button but only by pressing the button on the boot so you don't smack it into the trailer or bike carrier etc.  Shows a trailer in the reversing camera view and turns off the parking sensor beeps.  Also switches off the car fog light.  The main thing for me is that the car knows there is a trailer connected and therefore adjusts to suit.  Was a really good job by a place local to me in the midlands.  I think it also connects to the alarm but haven't connected the trailer to test yet.

 

Price quoted for the foldable was £1200 fitted which was just too much in my opinion.

[RickTT]

4 minutes ago, highflight130 said:

Just had a towbar fitted today to my 68 plate L&K 190 estate today.  £570 including the vat fitted.  Westfalia removable with fold away 13pin socket (invisible when removed).  Programming of the car and dedicated electrics including fridge charging cable for the shed on wheels.  When the 13 pin socket is connected you can't open the electric boot by key or button but only by pressing the button on the boot so you don't smack it into the trailer or bike carrier etc.  Shows a trailer in the reversing camera view and turns off the parking sensor beeps.  Also switches off the car fog light.  The main thing for me is that the car knows there is a trailer connected and therefore adjusts to suit.  Was a really good job by a place local to me in the midlands.  I think it also connects to the alarm but haven't connected the trailer to test yet.

 

Price quoted for the foldable was £1200 fitted which was just too much in my opinion.

Sounds like a good dedicated electric kit that does everything... One other thing to note when a pin socket is connected it disabled eco mode in driver profile, (does on my factory one) though you can re-enable if you do wished via the custom profile

[technics100]

My 220bhp is going in for a detachable one on Friday.. £450 fitted.. will post some pics when done

Edited 10 April, 2019 by technics100

[winmoz]

£450?  Is that from a specialist or a Skoda dealer?