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Topic: Towbar for Octavia

vikinguk

02/4/2009 at 2:19pm
Location: Somerset
Outfit: ABI Jubilee Diplomat

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Anyone got any recommendations? So far been offered PCT or Witter. Also any thoughts on fitting a dedicated electrical kit, is it worth the extra cost?

CandP

02/4/2009 at 2:27pm
Location: North West
Outfit: Elddis Avante 554

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Personally I went Witter and Dedicated, as the dedicated looms plug in to the existing car wiring with no splicing. No splices or joins means no point of failure.
Also I believe Witter to be the best. But those are only my opinions.

johnjory

02/4/2009 at 2:48pm
Location: Lowestoft Suffolk
Outfit: Skoda Superb DSG + Elddis Affinity 550

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Personally I fitted a Westfalia detachable as this is the 'original fit' that Skoda/VW use.

With regards to 'dedicated wiring', my view is that it depends on how old your Octavia is. If it is an Octavia II, that is 55 plate or later, it is definitely worth the extra. This is because your car has a 'CAN bus' (Controller Area Network) electrical system. Basically, this means that the wiring carries other control signals in addition to the current to supply lights etc. (e.g. bulb failure warnings). So, having 'dedicated electrics' maintains the continuity of that systen right through to your van. Also it makes any subsequent electrical fault finding easier as the computer will recognise and include the tow bar wiring in its test.

Nothing is simple any more!

PS. Don't know what engine you have or what your van weighs, but I can recommend the Octavia wholeheartedly.

vikinguk

02/4/2009 at 4:29pm
Location: Somerset
Outfit: ABI Jubilee Diplomat

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Well the two fitters I've spoken to are both saying a dedicated kit isn't worth the extra money and that a CAN Bus bypass relay kit is fine, but thought I'd see if anyone has experianced any problems.

The Octavia is a Mk2 1.9TDi and having towed our lightweight caravan for the last few years with a Fabia 1.9TDi I'm sure it will tow well.

Zafiral

03/4/2009 at 8:29am
Location: Kent
Outfit: ex Caravanner now Static.

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I have a Zafira with CANBUS electrics and I would wholeheartedly recommend a dedicated kit for any CANBUS car. I had fitted the genuine Vauxhall accessory towbar and 13 pin wiring, but all the towbar specialists were going to fit a dedicated wiring kit too.

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