The car didn't come with the key to remove this, I've scoured the site and can see that westfalia made these and the only way to find the right key is to take it to westfalia and get them to try every key on their master set - at a handsome sum of £. I thought I would double check that is still the case before I unbolt the whole thing? I may use it in the future but not needed right now. 

 

Cheers all,

The key number is usually engraved on the barrel of the lock.

 

Probably covered in grime but it should still be there.

https://www.witter-towbars.co.uk/accessories/keys/westfalia-detachable-neck-keys

 

Have a look here.

 

I had similar with the Thule towbar on mine. Arrived with no key.

The OE towbar is made by Prof Svar, not Westphalia. Like @softscoopsaid, the key number is engraved on the lock. A dealer might be able to get you a replacement if you give them this number.

Hi guys, 

 

There is definitely no number on the barrel of the lock...it's clear. 

 

From what research I had done (it's hard to find ones that look like mine) I thought it was a westfalia...but I could be wrong if you guys are saying otherwise...

It looks to be the same one on this 2014 Octavia...

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.parkers.co.uk/amp/skoda/octavia/vrs-2013/long-term-reviews/skoda-octavia-20tdi-cr-vrs-estate-5d---tickin-that-towing-box/

If it's a Thule or Brink then again the number should be stamped on the barrell.

 

It took a lot of cleaning and scraping to see the number on mine.

 

Daft question, but are you sure it's even locked?

This is what it started out like.

 

 

 

After a lot of scraping, it was only just visible.

it is clear and shiny, no signs of anything ever being on there unfortunately.

There are some numbers on the actual neck of the bar, but mean nothing to me and assume they won't correspond with the barrel anyway.

 

On the definately not stupid question of is it even locked...I don't know! I've tried to move things around any which way possible and not had any luck so assume locked...although I don't know what it would do if it was unlocked so, I'd like to find out!

 

Cheers for your help on this by the way 

 

Try pushing in the red button and then push the release lever down.

I've tried pushing down but no luck, I dare not put all my strength into it for fear of it snapping...but I can do if anyone can confirm that won't happen!

Try hitting the ball of the towbar with a hammer, so you're hitting it towards the car, i.e. it's levering it up, whilst at the same time trying to turn the release lever.

 

If it's been on a while it could be a bit seized and a good whack can free the locking mechanism up.

Mine is a Superb 2 2011 4x4, where the towbar came as standard. It's Westfalia and looks the same as yours.

I tried whacking it but no luck, it definately seems locked.

 

Nobby, if you don't mind would you be able to share your code with me pls if I DM you? For the sake of a £4 key I may as well give it a go...

 

Thanks!

 

Demps

If factory fitted surely skoda know what number key it is?

Apparently not - I would guess they don't for security reasons, I don't even know if it is tied to model/year etc, or if they are all assigned randomly. When I asked at my main dealer they didn't have a clue what brand tow-bar it was let alone the code for the key. 

Are you really bothered about being able to lock it ever again?

 

It might be possible to force the lock open with a screwdriver and hammer etc.

Often locks like that aren't the best security devices.

 

The towbar should still be able to lock in to place with the key lock "permanently unlocked"

 

I'm fine with it being unlocked to be fair, as long as I can get it on and off functionally. I just didn't know if the key had to be in the lock for it to work - the only video I saw he kept it in but that could have been for many reasons I guess.

 

Nobby, sorry to be a pain but could you tell me if the key indentation is on the bottom or the top when the key is in the unlocked position pls? I had best check before I go at it and discover it was already unlocked....

 

I assume a basic locksmith would have it open rather than me attack it with a hammer, as much fun as it sounds.

Update, took it to a locksmith and had 2 guys go at it for an hour, they picked it within 5 mins so the key hole moved 360 degrees - but the bar that is locking the mechanism doesn't budge, they couldn't find the biting point and we all gave in. £20 for the attempt.

 

I'm almost thinking about getting the thing drilled out and binning it, then looking for a new towbar end with a key and clicking that back in....

Did they leave the lock locked or unlocked?

 

As I said even when I got mine unlocked, It took quite a few whacks with a 2lb hammer whilst turning the release lever to get it to free the mechanism.

I could try that this weekend but I can see the locking bar that is still connected to the neck..so I don't see how banging it will release it. I'll give it a go.

 

Small update, I found a towbar specialist near me who had a master set of westfalia keys, he took one look at it and said it isn't a westfalia...tried the keys and completely different. So there you go. He had no idea how to get a code other than through Skoda, which I already know doesn't work. Looks like it's going to have to be drilled out if banging doesn't work, then find a new neck with a key!

If the locksmith left it unlocked then you don't need a key to get it off. 

 

Chances are the release mechanism is just stuck.

 

Does the release mechanism move even a small amount as you try to turn it?

The lever moves down about 1-2cm like its about to release but from there you can see the metal bar that locks into the neck, and this is solid, does not move...

Have you got anyone assisting you? Probably easier if someone is using the hammer and you're pushing down on the release lever.

 

Get some releasing fluid (plusgas or similar) into as much of the mechanism and where it all connects as you can.

 

Give the towball a good whack in all directions as you push down on the lever.

Also looking at your original picture, does the red/ green button need to be pressed in at the same time as turning the lever?