Eurolandy replied on 20/04/2021 17:02
Posted on 20/04/2021 17:02
Hi all,
Don't often post on here but this is worth noting.
I've been towing our two berth Elddis with a Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI DSG for nearly three years with no problems. For a small petrol it really tows our small van well.
Back in February I was sent a few mail shots from Skoda showing the latest deals. I ended up changing for a new (from Stock) Mk4 Octavia Estate 1.5 TSI 6 Speed. I shopped around for prices of towbars and settled for a fitter in Clitheroe East Lancashire (actually recommended by Simpsons Skoda). Booked the car in and drove over from home to have it fitted. The fitter had a look round it (first Mk 4 he had done) and turned round to me and said "Sorry Chris I cannot fit the Towbar". Apparently Skoda have not put a Gross Train Weight (GTW) on the VIN Plate on the B Pillar (well they have but it reads 0Kg). So I cannot tow anything or have the bar fitted. At least the fitter was honest!
Raised a post on the Skoda Internet Forums and surprisingly this is not an isolated incident and not just with Mk4 Octavia's. The fitter mentioned he had seen this once before with a Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 7 Seater. Seems like some towbar fitters have either not spotted this issue or just fitted the towbar regardless. One forum member had a towbar fitted by a reputable fitter and mentioned he had no GTW on the VIM plate. Others have said they had 'Issues' too on more than just Octavia's
Spoken to my Skoda Dealer and they know nothing about this and the same for another dealer that's been contacted by my towbar fitter. This issue seems to affect mostly petrol models but also the odd diesel when no 'TowBar Preparation' is specified at the point of manufacture. My dealer has been very proactive and is taking this up with Skoda as they confirmed that when I purchased the car I stated it had to tow a small caravan. I wait to see what happens.
As far as I can grasp from the dealer, Towbar Prep for the UK is the addition of wiring from the front to the rear, the same wiring supplied in the 'Dedicated' kits that the fitters use. On some export markets they uprate the Cooling fan and Radiator.
I will report back with any further news but for now please beware. Not sure if this is the same for other VAG makes.
Anyone had any issues along these lines? Looks like my trip in May could be off!
All the best,
Chris
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Eurolandy
Caravanner from Lancashire