My towbar/ trailer specialist has just fitted a towbar with universal electrics to my 73 plate kodiaq and obviously this doesn't seem to be recognised by the car. I can handle turning sensors off for reversing, but doesn't it have other implications (safety/ insurance)? If so, what do I do now it is fitted? Thank you!

Firstly wrong section, this is for the all new Kodiaq.

 

Why didn't your 'specialist' use dedicated electrics?

 

I've just had a towbar fitted to my 24 reg and everything works just fine.

 

Mine was £660 did you save much by using universal electrics? If not why were they used?

Mine was £700. I know nothing about towbars and trusted this fitter as he has looked after my trailer for years. I told him what I had been quoted by Skoda and he said he could do it for £700. I wasn't aware of the different electrics options and assumed he would fit whatever was right for my car. It is fitted now, and after seeing that it is not 'switching off' things, I have realised it isn't talking to my car so he explained the universal electronics. Now I don't know what to do. He is apologetic and researching and will direct me to someone he knows- but I have lost confidence. If the current system is simple and safe, and all I need to do is turn off the sensors when reversing, then I will factor that into my decisions. But if there is a greater impact on stability, hill starts/ hold, insurance then I obviously need to act. I have picked the wrong person for advice, clearly, and am overwhelmed by info online. The lack of reference to universal kits highlights it clearly isn't the best choice, but for towing a horse, is it a safe one? Thank you for any help- I can't undo my initial choice of not getting it done by skoda! 😩

It will probably be 'safe' but for £700 this 'trusted' fitter hasn't done you any favours and has apparently taken you for a ride.

 

My bar was fitted by a reputable company with large premises that have been around for a number of years. Mine is fully coded to the car so no problems with any of the safety or other electrical systems.

Thank you. I had it redone with dedicated electrics by a different company today so all sorted now thank goodness! Thank you for your advice.

On 01/07/2024 at 20:33, GreenlineIIEstate said:

It will probably be 'safe' but for £700 this 'trusted' fitter hasn't done you any favours and has apparently taken you for a ride.

 

My bar was fitted by a reputable company with large premises that have been around for a number of years. Mine is fully coded to the car so no problems with any of the safety or other electrical systems.

Which bar did you get fitted please? Witter? Westfalia? That's a good price near £850 in north east, i would travel to Manchester for that price difference.

TIA