Howdy, as above I have a 2021 Kodiaq RS diesel.

 

I bought it second hand and now considering getting a tow bar. Quote from Skoda to install one was $2600 Aussie!!!! ($1350 pounds). Quote from a reputable tow bar specialist was $1150 (tow bar and simple wiring lume for lights etc) which will only allow me to tow 750Kg and then an extra $750 for another wiring lume (made by TAG) if I want powered brakes for the trailer and could then tow 2000kg (maybe 2500kg).

 

I read somewhere that some Kodiaq's have the tow bar prep wiring preinstalled, how can I work out if I have this? And how would this help?

 

I'm dubious about the $750 wiring lume that is not an official part, rather made by a company called TAG, will it have all the features I need (parking sensors, if have any of reverse camera, ACC, blind spot monitors etc). Can I buy the genuine skoda wiring lume somewhere and have them install and code it?

 

Cheers,

 

 

 

1 hour ago, nomisg said:

which will only allow me to tow 750Kg and then an extra $750 for another wiring lume (made by TAG) if I want powered brakes for the trailer and could then tow 2000kg (maybe 2500kg).

 

 

Powered brakes? Usually trailers with brakes have inertial brakes which have nothing to do with the wiring.

At least here in the UK, ‘towbar preparation’ isn’t standard on any model, it’s a factory cost option.

14 hours ago, linni said:

 

Powered brakes? Usually trailers with brakes have inertial brakes which have nothing to do with the wiring.

I think I've heard of electro-hydraulic or electrically operated brakes being used on trailers across the pond - possibly also a thing in The Land Down Under. 😁

7 hours ago, Warrior193 said:

I think I've heard of electro-hydraulic or electrically operated brakes being used on trailers across the pond - possibly also a thing in The Land Down Under. 😁

 

That`s interesting. Way to make simple things complicated.

4 hours ago, linni said:

 

That`s interesting. Way to make simple things complicated.

When you think about how an override (inertial) type trailer braking system currently works - tow vehicle starts braking, trailer pushes against tow coupling - possibly with some force - which then operates the trailer brakes - I can see a potential for jack-knifing the rig if the push against the rear of the tow vehicle happened while in a turn.

 

If you consider, ABS and front-assist emergency braking operate on a electro-hydraulic system, I can see a trailer braking system not necessarily needing to be so complicated.

 

With the trailer brakes being applied at the same time as the tow vehicle, or even slightly in advance, I can see a potential gain in stability from that type of system. It would work in much the same manner as a big rig. 

Yes, you might be correct.

However I have been towing constantly 2 tons trailer (loaded) with inertial brakes and it works just perfect, even during winter.

So in Aussie, under 750kg no brakes required, 750-2000 kg overide/inertial brake, 2000kg plsu electric 

 

https://www.racq.com.au/articles/rvs/2018/6/a-guide-to-trailer-brakes

 

So since I started this thread, Found out I can tow upto 2000kg with the $1150 quoted price from reputable tow bar specialist, provided the trailer has overide/inertial brakes. For my use case, The Camper trailer I have, has both overide/inertial brake and electirc brakes. So all good in that regard. 

 

But I won't be getting any of the Skoda software assistance stuff such as turning off rear sensors, blind spot etc. Which I am interested in, but not for $1450 gap in price. 

 

So still have the following questions:

• Some Kodiaq's have the tow bar prep wiring preinstalled, how can I work out if I have this? And how would this help?
• Can I buy the genuine skoda wiring lume somewhere and have the 3rd party install and code it? Maybe Skoda will do a better price just on the wiring, vs the entire system for $2600. 

 

Gday cobber, if you've had the vehicle from new - just reread your post and see that you bought 2nd hand.  

The white PR code sticker in the trunk may have the information if you are able to decode it - or you could try a PM to @ApertureS - you may need to let him know your VIN for the full build code. Good luck.

Edited 17 February, 20242 yr by Warrior193
added information

As @Warrior193 said, if you send me your VIN, I’ll send you a build sheet and check for Towbar prep.

 

or if you don’t mind, post it here and I’ll reply with it.

I thought I'd read (probably here) that if the VIN plate on the door pillar shows a towing weight then the car has the towbar prep option.

If it doesn't, some have claimed it's illegal to fit a towbar (UK / EU).

Unfortunately, that's not the case - my Octavia Combi has a towing weight listed on the load plate - and I know that it doesn't have tow bar prep.

The 'max. towed weight' figure just means that a tow bar is permitted.

Edited 18 February, 20242 yr by Warrior193
added information

Same here...   Our kodiaq has towing weights listed on the plate but no towbar prep.  I checked via the chat on the Skoda website.

Somewhere in the trunk there must be a sticker which has all the codes for the accessories installed in your car.

Preinstalled tow bar harness has a code 1D7.

 

You can find here some parts, if you couldn`t find that code:

https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-parts/kodiaq/tow.html

https://www.kufatec.com/en/skoda/kodiaq/?p=1&o=1&n=12&f=146

https://www.carsystems.eu/swiveling-trailer-hitch-set,id4024.html

 

Maybe it's the other way round - if the VIN plate doesn't show a towing weight you definitely don't have  the prep package, and some people have claimed it's illegal to fit a towball in that case, even if it's just for a bike rack.

1 hour ago, linni said:

Somewhere in the trunk there must be a sticker which has all the codes for the accessories installed in your car.

Preinstalled tow bar harness has a code 1D7.

 

You can find here some parts, if you couldn`t find that code:

https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-parts/kodiaq/tow.html

https://www.kufatec.com/en/skoda/kodiaq/?p=1&o=1&n=12&f=146

https://www.carsystems.eu/swiveling-trailer-hitch-set,id4024.html

 

How sure are you its 1D7, as his car has 1M5

Trailer hitch

1M5

Trailer hitch preparation

 

So should have the pre installed harness.

 

1D7 doesnt seem to be a PR code anywhere ive looked offically.

1D0 is no tow bar prep.

1M6 is tow bar fitted from factory.

 

Edited 18 February, 20242 yr by ApertureS

Not 100% sure, but searching the internet you can find it. But it can be older version as well.

Another thing is - skodaparts sells the whole solution, except you cannot install it on 2,0 diesel cars. Is 2021 RS petrol or diesel?

https://vag-codes.info/files/options/vag-option-codes.pdf

Has this for 1D codes:

 

 

 

52 minutes ago, silver1011 said:

 

The question is not "is this mechanically possible?" but "is this model plated for towing?"

18 minutes ago, Paws4Thot said:

The question is not "is this mechanically possible?" but "is this model plated for towing?"

Eh? The OP asks about wiring and coding, all of which is mentioned in detail in the linked thread. What concern is it of yours anyway?

3 hours ago, silver1011 said:

Eh? The OP asks about wiring and coding, all of which is mentioned in detail in the linked thread. What concern is it of yours anyway?

OK, for the thickie. If the OP's car is not plated for towing, it is  illegal to do so, and fitting a towbar is a waste of time and money, and a possible driving ban if you're caught towing with it.

You must have a really encyclopaedic knowledge of Australian motoring law!

 

Driving ban my ar5e!

 

3 hours ago, silver1011 said:

What concern is it of yours anyway?

 

34 minutes ago, Paws4Thot said:

OK, for the thickie. If the OP's car is not plated for towing, it is  illegal to do so, and fitting a towbar is a waste of time and money, and a possible driving ban if you're caught towing with it.

I’ll say it again, eh?
 

The OP has already confirmed their Kodiaq is approved for towing. The sharing of a thread from someone who’s fitted an aftermarket towbar to a vRS is therefore surely relevant?

 

The only person in this thread showing themselves up to be a bit of a “thickie” is you…

Thank everyone for your replies. 

 

So to confirm, I have 2021 Kodiaq RS diesel. The VIN plate says nothing about towing weights, but the VIN plate is likely different to yours in UK/EU. The plate references "motor vehicle standards act 1989" which is an Australian law. 

 

All the press kits in Australia, state towing capacity of 2000kg. When I called Skoda, they were happy to install it and thank to ApertureS, was able to confirm that my car has the trailer hitch preperation. 

 

Now my question 🙂 , what does the trailer hitch preperation actualy include/do? Does it include the control unit?