fixed flange towbar fitting - electrics fitting ?

[vRSAnt]

I have a fixed flange (tow-trust) towbar plus a PCT automotive relay that is nearly new from ebay.

 

I was going to have a brand new westfalia and dedicated but they were out of stock, may revisit later if I can get hold of the detachable I want but if the lectrics are done correctly then these can remain as the bar is just a bar? I can remove the tow bit temporarily as it has two bolts....

My thoughts were to ditch the relay I got with it ( its about a £30 model) and have a dedicated fitted - but contacted one place locally don't seem keen to reply to me to confirm.

I *could* attempt the electrics, I have even done cruise control back when I had a Fabia ( and it worked from new until I sold the car a few ago so I can't be that bad right?)

 

But I'm cold feet about the ripping into my electrics on my 2014 and prefer the dedicated but I'm a little discouraged by the scale of this work (despite having done the cruise on fabia when it was still in year 1 ! That seemed like madness but got there in the end in fairness would have rather paid to just have it done and avoid the stress).
By the way I already checked out I'm a non towbar prep car sadly.
I won't be using the towbar that much tbh.....but this is like my main car, don't want ****ty electrics and a job done right is something you won't worry again about.

Anyone do electrics here ?

If I was getting the kit to attempt looks like could use,
https://www.pfjones.co.uk/skoda-octavia-hatch-06-2014-onwards-7-pin-pf-jones-dedicated-wiring-kit.html

 

 

 

Edited 21 August, 2021 by vRSAnt

[DEZMONDE]

23 hours ago, vRSAnt said:

I have a fixed flange (tow-trust) towbar plus a PCT automotive relay that is nearly new from ebay.

 

I was going to have a brand new westfalia and dedicated but they were out of stock, may revisit later if I can get hold of the detachable I want but if the lectrics are done correctly then these can remain as the bar is just a bar? I can remove the tow bit temporarily as it has two bolts....

My thoughts were to ditch the relay I got with it ( its about a £30 model) and have a dedicated fitted - but contacted one place locally don't seem keen to reply to me to confirm.

I *could* attempt the electrics, I have even done cruise control back when I had a Fabia ( and it worked from new until I sold the car a few ago so I can't be that bad right?)

 

But I'm cold feet about the ripping into my electrics on my 2014 and prefer the dedicated but I'm a little discouraged by the scale of this work (despite having done the cruise on fabia when it was still in year 1 ! That seemed like madness but got there in the end in fairness would have rather paid to just have it done and avoid the stress).
By the way I already checked out I'm a non towbar prep car sadly.
I won't be using the towbar that much tbh.....but this is like my main car, don't want ****ty electrics and a job done right is something you won't worry again about.

Anyone do electrics here ?

If I was getting the kit to attempt looks like could use,
https://www.pfjones.co.uk/skoda-octavia-hatch-06-2014-onwards-7-pin-pf-jones-dedicated-wiring-kit.html

 

 

 

Hi VrsAnt, I ended up doing my own electrics fitting using the fantastic guides found on here - apologies to the authors, I forget who they were now (I can email you a copy if you PM address) and those supplied with the towbar.

The overall install took a bit of time but was achieved on my own do you should be fine.

 

Things to consider are:

Is the car suitable (guessing you have a Vrs) as some require additional parts for cooling etc.

Are you able to code the install in? I used OBDeleven and again the guides on here.

All above is at own risk, has to be said.

 

Hope that helps

 

Kev

[vRSAnt]

On 22/08/2021 at 23:16, DEZMONDE said:

Hi VrsAnt, I ended up doing my own electrics fitting using the fantastic guides found on here - apologies to the authors, I forget who they were now (I can email you a copy if you PM address) and those supplied with the towbar.

The overall install took a bit of time but was achieved on my own do you should be fine.

 

Things to consider are:

Is the car suitable (guessing you have a Vrs) as some require additional parts for cooling etc.

Are you able to code the install in? I used OBDeleven and again the guides on here.

All above is at own risk, has to be said.

 

Hope that helps

 

Kev

TBH also may make sense to look at rear view camera AND hooking up heated seats ( fitted ) at the same time but that would be ramping up my work ?

I know in past have been resident experts like Techie but not sure if anyone would be prepared to do the work for me which I would consider.....

much rather someone known than some non Skoda "specialist" who will chuck on another basic relay like I've already got.

I know I can get dedicated kit wiring for only £100+ ish

Petrol vrs... I'd only be towing 400kg car on some lightweight smart style trailer ..... not a caravan

[themanwithnoaim]

On 24/08/2021 at 00:16, vRSAnt said:

TBH also may make sense to look at rear view camera AND hooking up heated seats ( fitted ) at the same time but that would be ramping up my work ?

I know in past have been resident experts like Techie but not sure if anyone would be prepared to do the work for me which I would consider.....

much rather someone known than some non Skoda "specialist" who will chuck on another basic relay like I've already got.

I know I can get dedicated kit wiring for only £100+ ish

Petrol vrs... I'd only be towing 400kg car on some lightweight smart style trailer ..... not a caravan

You need to talk to @SashaGrace

 

Queen of all Mk3 mods & upgrades, does Rear cameras, heated seats, charging pads, rear USB's & everything else

[J.R.]

On 21/08/2021 at 23:43, vRSAnt said:

But I'm cold feet about the ripping into my electrics on my 2014 and prefer the dedicated but I'm a little discouraged by the scale of this work

 

 

Much easier and simpler to fit the £30 relay, it does put any load on the existing wiring (only a tiny sensing current) and you do not have to get involved in coding, the scale of the work and its invasiveness (cant find the term in english that i am seeking) is much less than the dedicated coded wiring solution.

 

You wont get the (supposed) benefits of the integrated solution but neither will you get the headaches of it screwing something up, if your only consideration is your fear of the scale of the work then the simple solution is the one for you.

[vRSAnt]

Thanks all.

I have PCT2500 relay already so its an option ? Will get the balance of opinions - have reached out to Sasha too.

 

I do hope to buy a trailer on the sooner than later, its for a lightweight race car build to have it checked out by some pros and completion works - in case anyone interested see the pic ! Cost me originally 2 grand, and a lot of messing about with it since 2020 at home..... when towed the car is light should only be 400kg the car itself and I'd be delicately driving it about......

 

 

I guess even if I did do the devils scotchlocks then the likelihood of heavens falling I suppose is minimal for just going and picking up a trailer as a one off ?

As mentioned I did just want to get the westfalia detachable and would have had them just coded tbh, but as they were literally unavailable from all sources this was the next best towbar for now and I'm open.