I’ve seen a lot of posts about the towing ability of the Kodiaq, and the inability of some models to tow (exclusively, I think, the 150bhp 4x4 manual). For those variants that ‘do’ tow, the limits seem to be either 80kg or 100kg maximum nose weight on the tow ball. As my Kodiaq (190bhp DSG 4x4 5 seat) can allegedly take a vertical load of 100kg at the rear (and I’m looking to get a towbar fitted) I would like to make use of this capacity HOWEVER I have still to see an aftermarket fixed or detachable towbar that, when fitted to the Kodiaq, is certified for a vertical load of more than 80kg in this scenario, and regardless of what the Kodiaq technical literature says the car can take. I assume perhaps the factory fitted one does? Anyway, I suppose my question is (to those that tow and have aftermarket Towbars fitted) what have you had fitted, and what is your take on the nose weight limitation? I’m just looking for a bit of reassurance and/or advice.

My towbar has a nose load limit of 100kg. 

The difference in nose weight was to do with if you have 5 or 7 seat version.  5 seat is 100kg, 7 seat 80kg.  I guess the extra weight towards the rear of the car will be the factor in this difference.

That's it exactly. I would think there'll be no difference between any of the towbars themselves as far as bolting on, whether they're for a 5 seat or a 7 seat kodiaq, whether it's an aftermarket or factory Towbar. It's the vertical "nose - weight" limit on the vehicle itself thats different. The fact you are struggling to find an aftermarket towbar rated for 100kg would say to me perhaps towbar manufacturers have not bothered to homologate the same towbar for different nose - weights. They have perhaps just focused on the more popular 7 seat model (I think the 5 seat option is only available on the SE trim now in the UK anyway). 

Also for warranty reasons (and finance if applicable) any aftermarket towbar you choose would have to be approved by skoda/your dealer and fitted by an authorized Towbar fitter. 

In the latest spec list (see here: https://az749841.vo.msecnd.net/sitesengb/alv1/652be36b-47f9-45e7-8d36-028235c8cbc4/SKODA_KODIAQ_Pricing_and_Spec_AUG19.97654d2396bfe02239e7ca0cde5b6159.pdf ) every single model that is homologated for towing, whether 5 seat or 7, shows 100 kg load.

Thanks everyone. Yes, my Kodiaq is going into Buchan Towbars in Glasgow next week for towbar fitting. It had occurred to me that I have a car which has specs that say it can take 100kg on the towbar, but the towbar specs (Witter, Westfalia) all say they will only take 80kg vertical load if fitted to my car. Gmac983 I think you’re right about the homologation issue. I’ll maybe put a call into Witter and ask them. 

Just spoke to a tech guy at Witter. He said their towbar has only been ‘certified/tested’ to 80kg. I suspect what he cannot tell me is that it will probably take a good bit more. I mean if it snapped off under an 81kg load a few caravanners would surely be in trouble.

51 minutes ago, DaveMiller said:

In the latest spec list (see here: https://az749841.vo.msecnd.net/sitesengb/alv1/652be36b-47f9-45e7-8d36-028235c8cbc4/SKODA_KODIAQ_Pricing_and_Spec_AUG19.97654d2396bfe02239e7ca0cde5b6159.pdf ) every single model that is homologated for towing, whether 5 seat or 7, shows 100 kg load.

 

Must have a closer look at what my Kodiaq is rated for. Mine is a 2020MY 7 seater. 

I think as per Dave Millers post they’re all 100kg now. However could you do me a favour Gmac983, put your reg in at the Witter website and see what Towbars it offers, and then see what vertical load the towbar offers on the towbar spec sheet. My guess is it will be 80kg.

Yep 80kgs for my car on witters website. 

Just checked my own car/towbar, (I have the factory folding job) it's stamped at 100kg, in line with skodas' latest data as of August 2019 (DaveMiller) 

The 80kg limit that Witter have applied to their towbar is for the towbar alone.

 

The 100kg limit that Skoda have applied to their factory fitted towbar is for both the towbar and the cars capabilities.

 

If you want the higher nose weight you'll need to find a Kodiaq with the factory fitted towbar.

 

In reality, an aftermarket Witter towbar rated at 80kg will have plenty of bunce built into it allowing for a safe nose weight approaching 100kg.

The ŠKODA genuine towbar product code is in the accessories booklet if you want to get it. 

80kgs will be the static nose weight. Whilst towing a heavy load that weight is obviously going to fluctuate greatly on that figure. Putting it another way I've never heard of anyone getting nicked for being over the vehicles nose weight limit, overall weight/axle weights yes but never nose weight. 

.. and so Buchans of Glasgow have fitted my car with a ‘Tow-Trust’ detachable tow bar. On checking the website it is rated at 100kg static load (20kg higher than the Witter equivalent), although the sticker (see photo) seems to say 140kg?. I hadn’t heard of Tow-Trust but they’re British made and Buchans seem to be fitting them as standard. All which is good news to me as my (5 seater) Kodiaq has a certified 100kg load capacity. Thanks to everyone who contributed. I’m happy I have both car and towbar with 100kg rating. All that remains is to test it out at the September holiday weekend. Cheers, Andrew.

Hi Andrew, just curious, why did you go with an after market tow bar instead of going back to Skoda for them to fit the official part?

Good question to which I’m not sure I have a good answer, other than to say firstly that Buchans have fitted 5 towbars for me over the years so I guess It is partly that I’m a creature of habit! I probably also just assumed (without checking at my local dealer) that the official towbar when retrofitted would be the more expensive option given the factory fitted option seems to come in at over £1,000 incl VAT.

It depends how much Buchans charged you for the Tow-Trust.

 

The factory fitted towbar is £860. Early in the Kodiaq's life main dealers were charging well over £1,000 to retrofit it, however since then there have been a few reports on here of dealers getting very close to the factory price.