Fabia vRS Towing - the corporate line...

andysteele · 17-10-2005, 17:35

I sent a question from the Skoda UK website and have the following answer.... the bit where they say it is illegal to fit a towbar is interesting (i havent and wont after that!)

=========================================

Dear Mr Steele,

Thank you for your email.

I can confirm that the Fabia vRS was never presented for type approval for fitting a tow bar; therefore, this does mean it would be illegal to fit a tow bar.

For your information, we do not recommend that Fabia vRS for towing for the following reasons:

1) The Fabia vRS has a twin skinned rear bumper, which is very difficult to cut through and can cause the paint on the bumper to chip.

2) The exhaust on the Fabia vRS would sit very close to the tow bar.

I would also like to confirm that we have no plans to offer the Fabia vRS for type approval for towing.

I trust this helps.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs -----------

Admin & Quality Team Manager

SkodaAuto Customer Services

Glider · 17-10-2005, 18:21

Strange response from Skoda UK as it's type approved in Germany, Netherlands and CZ.

devonutopia · 17-10-2005, 19:10

I'm determined if I'm keeping my car for a long time to get a towbar on it - Will mean hell of a neck on it, but I don't want to not be able to tow, should I so desire.

Oh, guess it will mean having a removeable one.

WW_VRS · 17-10-2005, 20:21

Now I'm wondering if I should get one fitted in NL - with a removable neck etc - as it would be legal there, how very odd

Grant · 17-10-2005, 23:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by WW_VRS

Now I'm wondering if I should get one fitted in NL - with a removable neck etc - as it would be legal there, how very odd

It would be on a UK spec model.

jlindstrom · 19-10-2005, 09:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by black magic

Strange response from Skoda UK as it's type approved in Germany, Netherlands and CZ.

Sounds a bit weird. These days type approvals should be EU wide, thus if it's legal in one part - it's legal everywhere. As for the legal issues in CZ, I wrote about this issue to Skoda factory (which is in CZ) and their response was that towbars are not type approved for vRS at the moment and that they have no plans on having it approved later. Their main comment was that it's sports car and as such not intended for towing.

Just my 2c,

Juha

thegavsters · 19-10-2005, 10:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by devonutopia

I'm determined if I'm keeping my car for a long time to get a towbar on it - Will mean hell of a neck on it, but I don't want to not be able to tow, should I so desire.

Oh, guess it will mean having a removeable one.

Well yours isnt strictly a vrs so shouldnt stop you fitting a tow bar should it?

beeftech · 19-10-2005, 16:50

Why fit a towbar on a vRS anyway??? Horrible idea

**VRStu** · 19-10-2005, 17:08

Type Approval 94/20/EC - Mechanical Couplings

The introduction of a type approval procedure for mechanical couplings is intended to harmonise standards of their construction. It should also ensure that, in concert with other whole vehicle type approval provisions, the fitment of couplings complies with the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer in terms of the most appropriate mounting points and methods of fitment to help avoid damage to the vehicle.

The measure will also contribute to the harmonisation of standards throughout the EC and assist in achieving a single market. UK and European manufacturers of such equipment will compete on level terms with regard to performance and construction requirements.

"Use of mechanical coupling devices
96B (1) This regulation applies to every light passenger vehicle first used on or after August 1st 1998 in respect of which an EC certificate of conformity has effect.
(2) No person shall use or cause or permit to be used on a road any vehicle to which this regulation applies unless any mechanical coupling device which is attached to it complies with the relevant technical and installation requirements of Annexes I, V, VI, VII of Community Directive 94/20(a) and is marked in accordance with Annex I to that Directive."

The Translation

Any light passenger vehicle registered in the UK on or after August 1st 1998 ('S' Registration) will require a type approved towbar and towball (when fitted).

Light Commercial Vehicles and Car Derived Vans are not covered by Type Approval. (LCVs continue to be exempt and are unlikely to be covered for the next 5 years or so).

This legislation will not be retrospective, therefore any vehicle registered before August 1st 1998 will never require a type approved towbar (e.g. 'R' registered vehicles will never require type approved towbars).

Any vehicle requiring an approved towbar also requires an appropriately approved towball. Towball 'D' and 'S' values must match or exceed the towbar 'D' and 'S' values.

Type Approved towbars and towballs can be identified by the presence of a Type Approval label which must be visible even when the product is fitted to the vehicle. This label will have as a very minimum, the product code, a 'D' value, an 'S' value and a European approval number in the form e11 00-01234. These labels must not be removed or defaced as this will invalidate the towbar manufacturer's warranty and would result in the towbar or towball not being identified as Type Approved.

SteVRs · 19-10-2005, 17:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by beeftech

Why fit a towbar on a vRS anyway??? Horrible idea

Stops idiots 'touch parking' a treat

Alan M · 19-10-2005, 19:53

Would also be very handy for towing a small trailer full of minimoto gear instead of cramming it all into the boot and on the back seat...

knealeedis · 20-10-2005, 06:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by VRStu

Type Approval 94/20/EC - Mechanical Couplings

The measure will also contribute to the harmonisation of standards throughout the EC and assist in achieving a single market. UK and European manufacturers of such equipment will compete on level terms with regard to performance and construction requirements.

How can it be level terms across throughout the EC, if a Fabia VRS in some countries are approved for towing but not in the UK? Doesnt sound like 'harmonisation of standards throughout the EC and assist in achieving a single market. to me!!

kilpijoki · 20-10-2005, 07:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by knealeedis

How can it be level terms across throughout the EC, if a Fabia VRS in some countries are approved for towing but not in the UK? Doesnt sound like 'harmonisation of standards throughout the EC and assist in achieving a single market. to me!!

It's not approved in here Finland also.

rikodars · 20-10-2005, 12:53

If it is illegal then why was I supplied with a tow bar and electrics by my local Skoda dealer... When fitted I took it round to them to have it photographed by the stores guy.. They had not fitted one and wanted to know if all was ok!! HOW strange. Its also an option in Ireland from new or retrofit..It makes a fantastic tow car with a 6X4 box trailler dont know its there.. R

ScoobyChris · 20-10-2005, 12:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by rikodars

HOW strange. Its also an option in Ireland from new or retrofit..It makes a fantastic tow car with a 6X4 box trailler dont know its there.. R

What did you insurance company say about having the tow bar fitted?

Chris

17-10-2005, 17:35	#1
andysteele Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Wokingham Posts: 70 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Fabia vRS Towing - the corporate line... I sent a question from the Skoda UK website and have the following answer.... the bit where they say it is illegal to fit a towbar is interesting (i havent and wont after that!) ========================================= Dear Mr Steele, Thank you for your email. I can confirm that the Fabia vRS was never presented for type approval for fitting a tow bar; therefore, this does mean it would be illegal to fit a tow bar. For your information, we do not recommend that Fabia vRS for towing for the following reasons: 1) The Fabia vRS has a twin skinned rear bumper, which is very difficult to cut through and can cause the paint on the bumper to chip. 2) The exhaust on the Fabia vRS would sit very close to the tow bar. I would also like to confirm that we have no plans to offer the Fabia vRS for type approval for towing. I trust this helps. Yours sincerely, Mrs ----------- Admin & Quality Team Manager SkodaAuto Customer Services __________________ Andy Skoda Fabia V/RS - 2004, 44k+ miles, 50mpg lifetime average, 100% as Skoda intended VW Golf VR6 - '94 - Sold to fund the Fabia; VW Scirocco GTII - '90 - Sold to fund the VR6; VW Golf 1.3 C - '86 - Sold to fund the 'rocco Last edited by andysteele; 18-10-2005 at 08:45.

17-10-2005, 19:10	#3
devonutopia Mongreller Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ooo-ar, Oi be from Devonshire Posts: 29,478 Thanks: 60 Thanked 305 Times in 250 Posts	I'm determined if I'm keeping my car for a long time to get a towbar on it - Will mean hell of a neck on it, but I don't want to not be able to tow, should I so desire. Oh, guess it will mean having a removeable one. __________________ Jason - Mongrel owner! WOOOOF! Grrrrr Custom Fabia Bonnet Lifter Kits - £45! Click Me. See the mongrel's 260bhp Dyno Video!

17-10-2005, 20:21	#4
WW_VRS Escorted Estate Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Oxfordshire/Berkshire Posts: 9,736 Thanks: 44 Thanked 70 Times in 61 Posts	Now I'm wondering if I should get one fitted in NL - with a removable neck etc - as it would be legal there, how very odd __________________ WW --->> Project Journal (pic links in first post there) Lummox'/Ross thread on Unit18 Automotive progress on my car: here

19-10-2005, 16:50	#8
beeftech Briskodian Join Date: May 2005 Location: North East Posts: 1,528 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Why fit a towbar on a vRS anyway??? Horrible idea __________________ '05 Corrida Red Fabia vRS: Revo'd to 185Bhp '90 Nugget Yellow Corrado 1.8T: KO4S and 265bhp

19-10-2005, 17:08	#9
VRStu Briskoda Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,407 Thanks: 113 Thanked 918 Times in 825 Posts	Type Approval 94/20/EC - Mechanical Couplings The introduction of a type approval procedure for mechanical couplings is intended to harmonise standards of their construction. It should also ensure that, in concert with other whole vehicle type approval provisions, the fitment of couplings complies with the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer in terms of the most appropriate mounting points and methods of fitment to help avoid damage to the vehicle. The measure will also contribute to the harmonisation of standards throughout the EC and assist in achieving a single market. UK and European manufacturers of such equipment will compete on level terms with regard to performance and construction requirements. "Use of mechanical coupling devices 96B (1) This regulation applies to every light passenger vehicle first used on or after August 1st 1998 in respect of which an EC certificate of conformity has effect. (2) No person shall use or cause or permit to be used on a road any vehicle to which this regulation applies unless any mechanical coupling device which is attached to it complies with the relevant technical and installation requirements of Annexes I, V, VI, VII of Community Directive 94/20(a) and is marked in accordance with Annex I to that Directive." The Translation Any light passenger vehicle registered in the UK on or after August 1st 1998 ('S' Registration) will require a type approved towbar and towball (when fitted). Light Commercial Vehicles and Car Derived Vans are not covered by Type Approval. (LCVs continue to be exempt and are unlikely to be covered for the next 5 years or so). This legislation will not be retrospective, therefore any vehicle registered before August 1st 1998 will never require a type approved towbar (e.g. 'R' registered vehicles will never require type approved towbars). Any vehicle requiring an approved towbar also requires an appropriately approved towball. Towball 'D' and 'S' values must match or exceed the towbar 'D' and 'S' values. Type Approved towbars and towballs can be identified by the presence of a Type Approval label which must be visible even when the product is fitted to the vehicle. This label will have as a very minimum, the product code, a 'D' value, an 'S' value and a European approval number in the form e11 00-01234. These labels must not be removed or defaced as this will invalidate the towbar manufacturer's warranty and would result in the towbar or towball not being identified as Type Approved. __________________ Stu - Freedom Pimp Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2007 Octavia vRS, Race Blue, Xenons, Columbus Navigation, Rear Parking Sensors, Maxi Dot, Light Assist, Jumbo Box, 18" Alloys, Stu's Cruise Control & OEM Integrated Bluetooth Telephone. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - 2002 Lotus Elise RaceTech, Gunmetal, Radio, Carpet Mats.

17-10-2005, 18:21	#2
Glider Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Central Scotland Posts: 2,409 Thanks: 5 Thanked 50 Times in 31 Posts	Strange response from Skoda UK as it's type approved in Germany, Netherlands and CZ.

19-10-2005, 19:53	#11
Alan M Briskodian Join Date: May 2005 Location: North East UK, Gateshead Posts: 350 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Would also be very handy for towing a small trailer full of minimoto gear instead of cramming it all into the boot and on the back seat... __________________ *Vorsprung DERV Technik*

20-10-2005, 12:53	#14
rikodars Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: South Hants Posts: 54 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Tow Bar If it is illegal then why was I supplied with a tow bar and electrics by my local Skoda dealer... When fitted I took it round to them to have it photographed by the stores guy.. They had not fitted one and wanted to know if all was ok!! HOW strange. Its also an option in Ireland from new or retrofit..It makes a fantastic tow car with a 6X4 box trailler dont know its there.. R __________________ Leave me alone. I am an old man with a Skoda

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