Hello all.

I’m in the market for a Mk3 Skoda Octavia and am pondering the practicalities of fitting a tow bar for our camping escapades. We’re eyeing the 1.5 TSi SE L model and plan to hitch a small trailer for our camping gear.

I’ve come across some information that suggests the vehicle identification number (VIN) might indicate the towing weight, which could be a good sign that the car is ready for such an addition. Is this a reliable indicator? Also, I’ve heard there’s a sticker in the boot that might offer some towing insights.

Could anyone with experience in this area share their thoughts or advice? Any pointers on ensuring the car is suitably equipped would be greatly appreciated. I do not want to buy a car that I find cannot have one fitted.

Thank you in advance for your help!

If you look at the VIN plate it has 3 or 4 rows of numbers.

The first row is for the Gross Vehicle Weight, the Maximum Allowable Mass (MAM) of the vehicle including occupants, fuel and payload.

The second row is for the Gross Train Weight, the combined maximum allowable mass of the vehicle and trailer.

The third and fourth row is Maximum Axle Loads front and rear respectively.

The manufacturer’s recommended maximum towing capacity for Gross Train Weight (second row) minus Gross Vehicle Weight (first row).

 

https://www.trailertrek.co.uk/how-to-check-your-maximum-towing-weight/

 

If you haven't yet bought the car why not search for a car with a towbar fitted already?

 

Price of fitting one that integrates with the car properly can be quite high.

Edited 3 February, 20242 yr by Stonekeeper

3 hours ago, tris179 said:

Also, I’ve heard there’s a sticker in the boot that might offer some towing insights.

 

Pretty sure that's normally on the B-pillar, probably on the passenger side. You'll need to open the front passenger door to find it.

 

Should be similar to this:

 

Where the towing weight would be the second number minus the first.

 

So in the example above, 3460kg - 1960kg to give 1500kg max towing weight.

Not sure if this is country specific, but heard a story of a post production, dealer tow bar installation gone bad, as the resulting max weight allowed for towing was.... 0kg. Needless to owner wasn't a happy chap. So does seem like there may be differences depending on version.