Hi I am looking at getting a towbar put on my Kodiaq (2.0tdi, 150 dsg 7 seat)
I have spoken to Skoda who want in excess of £1500 as i require cooling upgrade (grill replacement)
I've never upgraded cooling on a car when fitting a towbar, usually having a detachable, and as I can get a detachable for £620 i'm wondering if it is "essential" and if so does anybody know what the new grill part number is, I guess I could get this part and fit it myself if it is just the grill?

Cheers

Edited 21 February, 20206 yr by Andy_G

It is only the manual which can't tow,  mine is the dsg so homologated for towing upto 2000kg with 80kg nose weight

A lot of what you need, including part numbers, is in the sticky thread at the top of the forum...

 

 

£1,500 is excessive, be sure to shop around. There are dealers out there doing it for closer to £1,000.

 

It isn't just the grill, it's the radiator fans too, and on some models the battery and alternator are beefed-up. Unless you're towing a twin-axle caravan up steep winding roads in Southern Europe at the height of summer I'd say you'll be safe without the front-end upgrades. Skoda do love any excuse to wiggle out of a warranty claim though, and an aftermarket tow bar, or partially fitted genuine tow bar is a perfect opportunity to blame most engine, gearbox and electrical system faults on.

 

The days of retrofitting non-OEM tow bars are getting closer, modern cars are becoming much more complicated. I've read too many horror stories of how aftermarket tow bars just aren't working properly with various features. Skoda's electrics are already questionable in terms of annoying niggles, adding in and coding an aftermarket tow bar isn't going to help.

 

The difference between £1,000 and £650 may sound like a lot, but for me it would be worth every penny to get the factory kit, fitted and coded at a Skoda man dealer.

 

This was the reason we bought our Kodiaq brand new, to get the exact spec we wanted including the tow bar.

 

Edited 21 February, 20206 yr by silver1011

Factory kit also includes some new electronics, some so called “brains” for DSG and engine needs to be replaced... so if You really need it, better take it from Skoda otherwize You defenently will face some problems... as my dealer say, better to take it from factory or not take it at all... too many headics...

The issue is people are buying used vehicles now without the Factory fitted Towing Preparation. 

 

There is a Plate with the allowable weights, but no big sticker in the spare tyre well or anyplace saying. 'This vehicle has not the preparation required to be able to tow.'

 

Car Traders and Dealers might well not know as they sell a vehicle.

A bit OT, but IMO towbar prep should be standard on any car suited to towing. 

If it were just coding I'd be inclined to agree, but the wiring from front to back is a significant cost, when you consider most Kodiaq's will never tow.

 

It's even more unlikely when you see the cost savings Skoda are making right now. Removing hooks from the boot is a pittance compared to dedicated towing electrics.

I have a 2018 150 Edition DSG, no towbar or towbar prep as purchased. I bought a flanged towbar + ball + protection plate + ball cover from Tow Trust for £154 delivered. The local guy who's looked after my various wheels for years, a tried & trusted member of numerous trade bodies fitted it + 7 pin electrics for £354 all in. That included running necessary power from the front end to the relay, all parts & fittings. It took a full day, involved much removal of rear body parts & boot internals. I'm only towing a box trailer 8ft x 4 ft used for moving wood, logs, furniture & the like & doesn't need the towbar prep in his opinion. Likewise, I haven't had the reversing sensors reprogrammed, not necessary in my, or his opinion, I've plenty of towing experience. Looks like I got a good deal compared to some of the prices others have been quoted. Hope this helps.

If the rear parking sensors haven't been disabled then it sounds as though some shortcuts have been taken. The car hasn't been correctly coded. The correct coding also adjusts the traction control, braking systems and driving aids. There are quite a few advantages to getting the car properly coded.

 

You pays your money and takes your chance. 

19 minutes ago, silver1011 said:

If the rear parking sensors haven't been disabled then it sounds as though some shortcuts have been taken. The car hasn't been correctly coded. The correct coding also adjusts the traction control, braking systems and driving aids. There are quite a few advantages to getting the car properly coded.

 

You pays your money and takes your chance. 

 Don’t think Jinga’s too much fussed about the technicalities of the short cuts/ safety issues that have been done . Its the next owner I feel for.

Edited 27 February, 20206 yr by Kenny R

I often wonder how many people who have been "sold" supposedly "dedicated towing electrics" by aftermarket fitters actually end up with no more than the smart relay that I fitted to my vehicle and that Jingaloonie probably has, I think many may believe that they have increased safety through the electronic systems but its not something that you can actually witness except in extremis.

 

certainly parking sensors remaining working is a strong indication that things are not what they should be.