Towbar fitting

kenmc

Hi,
I want to install a towbar on a 07 Octavia; I'll only be using it for mounting a bike carrier, so I'm wondering if I need to have it wired for electricals also? I've no problems installing it myself, but from what I've read some of the electrical kits require you to get a dealer to recode something. If I could avoid this it'd be great.

Alternatively, anyone know of anywhere that'd be ok with me installing the towbar, and they doing just the electrics? I'm in Dublin.
Ta

dgt

kenmc wrote: »

Hi,
I want to install a towbar on a 07 Octavia; I'll only be using it for mounting a bike carrier, so I'm wondering if I need to have it wired for electricals also? I've no problems installing it myself, but from what I've read some of the electrical kits require you to get a dealer to recode something. If I could avoid this it'd be great.

Alternatively, anyone know of anywhere that'd be ok with me installing the towbar, and they doing just the electrics? I'm in Dublin.
Ta

No need for a trailer, the boots big enough.... :pac:









Aaaaanyways, yes you need electrics. Nothing more dangerous than someone with no lights behind

kenmc

dgt wrote: »

No need for a trailer, the boots big enough.... :pac:
Aaaaanyways, yes you need electrics. Nothing more dangerous than someone with no lights behind

Yeah the boot is big enough to get the bike in actually, but I've to take off the wheels and I can't get any luggage in there...

But my bike wouldn't obstruct the lights. Put it this way, when a bike is carried on a strap mounted one like this

there's no possibility for extra lights, so how is this different?

-Corkie-

I think he presumes you will be pulling a trailer. I wouldnt bother as the electric wire loom is expensive..

kenmc

yeah that's what I was thinking; i suppose if I ever need to pull a trailer i can then look at getting the electrics fitted.

Del2005

I'm open to correction but would VAT not make it cheaper for a full installation? You get changed 13% instead of 23% on the price and it isn't a big job to fit in a garage.

Ring around a few places to see.

You'd need a trailer board to display your number plate and that will require lights, if you want to be legal.

mgbgt1978

Technically you need a lighting board (c/w reg plate).
However if you are only using the carrier in this country then you should be ok. The Uk police are a bit stricter on the obstruction of lights and reg. no.
If you want to wire in a socket it's not that complicated, you will just need a trailer socket relay kit (ebay) as most modern cars don't like extra lights suddenly appearing.....it can confuse the control system (usually can-bus).
If you have a bulb failure set-up (try taking out one of the tail light bulbs and starting the car- you will get some sort of warning on the dash about a blown bulb) then you definitely need a relay set-up, if not then you may get away without it.

kenmc

Del2005 wrote: »

I'm open to correction but would VAT not make it cheaper for a full installation? You get changed 13% instead of 23% on the price and it isn't a big job to fit in a garage.

Ring around a few places to see.

You'd need a trailer board to display your number plate and that will require lights, if you want to be legal.

I was quoted 495 inc vat for a detachable one which is what I'd prefer, whereas i can get one delivered from ebay for GBP160 inc wiring. But am just cautious of the whole "having to reprogram the computer" lark

Jomcc

Del2005 wrote: »

I'm open to correction but would VAT not make it cheaper for a full installation? You get changed 13% instead of 23% on the price and it isn't a big job to fit in a garage.

VAT Rate for fitting of Towbar is the standard rate........ie 23%



http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/vat/rates/decision-detail-01575.jsp

si_guru

Why not fit the towbar and socket yourself and then just get an auto-electrician to connect the up the wires!

Using a bike rack and covering your lights is asking for trouble should someone rear end you... "but Judge - I couldn't see his lights!". IMHO.

You would get pulled in about 10 mins in the UK for that as someone said.