I appreciate that this query has been raised many times but im looking to fix a removable type tow bar for a cycle carrier onto my Vrs Octavia. Halfords mobile service seems quite expensive.  Would a garage fit be cheaper ? Also how do i ascertain the correct wiring fixtures etc.

Any mechanic can fit one easily. It will only take a couple of hours.

As above the mechanical fitting of the towbar is a simple task any competent DIY could do, but you really want to have the dedicated wiring fitted so it properly interfaces with the likes of the rear fog light, parking sensors if fitted and it's this that takes the time as you need to run wires from the boot to the fusebox and the body control module for the CANbus input 

Please for the love of all things holy - DONT let halfords touch your car.

 

Take it to a tow bar fitter or to a garage that has done them before. The reason is that vehicles nowadays often have dedicated wiring and a control module that all need coding with a few specific tools. Universal kits can be fitted which involves hacking into your wiring and leaves you with less features but its cheaper, personally if youre doing the job. Fit a fully functioning 13pin socket with dedicated wiring. 

 

If youre near north london feel free to drop me a message 

It's a 12 year old vehicle that is going to be carrying a bicycle on the rear, not the Space Shuttle.

 

A bog standard cheapy towbar with a high impedance towing relay will be just fine, the towbar does not interfere with the reversing sensors (if fitted) on the MK2.

 

I do agree with steering clear of Halfords though!

Okay cheers.

I used to use a rear carrier but the weight / movement on the rear glass was always quite concerning. Then went over to roof bars but the risk of damage to great as I'm going for a electric bike  ( heavier) now. 

I've have emailed some local specialists to see what their prices are like.

No plans to change the car yet 

My car was fitted with towing gear as an extra by the supplying dealer. It has a 13 way socket and removable tow hook but the electrics are connected through a relay similar to this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/322395656405?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=7101533165274578&mkcid=2&itemid=322395656405&targetid=4585169652812017&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=&poi=&campaignid=412354547&mkgroupid=1305120599331881&rlsatarget=pla-4585169652812017&abcId=9300541&merchantid=87779&msclkid=dfd33beb0e0415ee5ef9590496662df5

 

A similar relay and a 7 way towing electrics socket is all you need. I would leave fitting it to a local auto electrician or garage as the rear bumper may have to be removed and cut to suit your choice of towbar.

 

For the bike carrier your choice is more limited due to the weight of an electric bike, even if you carry the battery in the car. Suitable ebike carriers to take two bikes cost around £200+ second hand on a well known auction site but don't come up very often.

 

I have had my large pedelec for over 10 years and can get it in the rear of my Octavia 2 estate once I have removed the front wheel of the bike but I also have to lay down the rear seats thus limiting it to driver and one passenger.

 

 

 

Edited 7 August, 20223 yr by pikpilot

Designed for vehicles that use mutliplexed, CAN-Bus, Low Voltage signals to the lights.

 

More Canbus confusion for the unwary to latch on to,  the lights are powered by 12 volt battery voltage, the signal from the switch to the lighting node is transmitted by the canbus network.

 

The relay takes its control signal voltage from the 12v outputs to the filament or LED bulbs, it is high impedance so does not drop the voltage and will not trigger bulb overload current warnings.

 

But yes, that is the relay to use and they are 100% reliable fit & forget (if not bodged) unlike the old school predecessors with windings around a reed switch that have to be spaced.