Skoda

This Skoda Kodiaq detachable tow bar was fitted at our premises in Horndean, near Portsmouth in Hampshire. We fitted a Tow Trust towbar and Right Connections 13 pin dedicated electrics which is 'full function' for towing a caravan, powering the caravan fridge and charging the leisure battery whilst driving.

 

By using the dedicated, vehicle-specific wiring kit and carrying out the diagnostic coding, it not only activates the towing features built in by the manufacturer but also maintains the vehicle warranty.

Once the wiring kit has been fitted, we then use battery-support equipment to ensure the battery remains at a constant voltage when carrying out the diagnostic coding. The vehicle's software is updated through our Complete Diagnostics Online Coding tool to activate towing-related safety features when a caravan, bike rack or trailer is plugged in. These features include:

 

• Bulb failure monitoring - the trailer indicators are integrated into the vehicle's bulb fail system, alerting the driver to a trailer bulb failure through a notification on the dash. 

• Trailer Stability Programme - this safety feature is an extension of the vehicle's Electronic Stability Programme. Using sensors built into the vehicle, it detects any "snaking" from the trailer and brings it back under control by applying the brakes individually on the car.

• Reversing sensor deactivation - the reversing sensors on the vehicle are automatically deactivated and the vehicle shows a trailer symbol on the dash board when reversing – it shows on the infotainment screen.

• Fog cut-out - the vehicle fog light is deactivated when towing to avoid glare from the fog light reflecting back into the car. 

• Adaptive Cruise Control - this feature of the car allows the driver to set the distance that the car follows the car in front when cruise control is switched on. When towing, the furthest distance setting is automatically set, allowing further braking distance for any additional weight being towed.

• Lane Change Assist - this alerts the driver to a vehicle being present in the vehicle blind spot by means of a light on the side mirrors. This feature is deactivated when towing.

 

On many vehicles when installing a towbar, it is necessary to make a cut-out in the bottom edge of the bumper. We use specialist cutting and finishing tools to ensure the cut-out is always neat in appearance.

 

The owner of this Skoda Kodiaq will be using the detachable tow bar for towing their caravan, but they also have the option to be able to transport bikes on a tow bar mounted bike rack. The detachable tow bar option is really neat on this Skoda and is easy to attach as we've shown in the video.