Fabia vRS - towing

[nodrogvic]

I note that the options version for the Fabia vRS does not include a tow bar. Given it's torque, why is this? My interest is due to owning an unbraked trailer which I would want to continue using as/when I obtain a Fabia vRS. The towing weight would not be high. Obliged.

[DRJ]

Bad news - since Skoda don't allow towing with a vRS you have a problem - from http://www.witter-towbars.co.uk/quality_standards/EC_QandA.aspx:

Q. Why was European Type Approval for towbars introduced?
A. Directive 94/20/EC was introduced as part of European Whole Vehicle Type Approval to provide a common standard throughout the European Community, thus creating an open market. Irrespective of where a towbar has been manufactured, providing it has been Type Approved, a customer will know that it has been manufactured to a known technical and quality standard.

Q. What may happen if I don't fit a Type Approved towbar?
A. If your car is first registered on or after the 1st August 1998, you could be prosecuted for an infringement of Construction & Use Regulations or your Insurers may decline to pay out in the event of an accident claim. If you are unsure which towbar to fit contact your local Witter specialist, who can be found under National Stockists.

Q. I only tow a small trailer on rare occasions, surely I don't need a type approved towbar?
A. YES. The towbar must be certified even if not used for towing! Otherwise it does not comply with the Road Traffic Act.

Q. How can I find out if my new car or model variant, is EC Type Approved for towing?
A. For a new car or model variant a definitive answer could be obtained by examining the vehicle VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) plate, which should have four figures stamped into the lower edge denoting its carrying capacity.
VIN No. (known as chassis number)
XXXX kg -(Max vehicle weight)
XXXX kg -(Max train weight i.e. vehicle and trailer)
1. XXXX kg -(Max front axle load)
2. XXXX kg -(Max rear axle load)If no train weight is specified then the vehicle is not approved for towing, and therefore cannot legally do so. If a train weight is specified then the towing weight is this figure less the maximum vehicle weight The VIN plate is usually located under the bonnet. However it can sometimes be elsewhere

Has anyone asked Skoda for an official reason?

[William]

I will give you one better, you can not tow a caravan with the new Octavia. I have got the brochures and the only approved tow bar states that it is not suitale for towing a caravan.

[DGW]

Originally Posted by William

I will give you one better, you can not tow a caravan with the new Octavia. I have got the brochures and the only approved tow bar states that it is not suitale for towing a caravan.

I assume that you are looking at the options page which lists a Towing hitch with adaptor 13 pin at an RRP of £345. It's the 13 pin adaptor which isn't suitable for towing caravans, William. The accessories page lists a 13 Pin to 7 Pin Adaptor (RRP £20) to fix that problem.

[William]

Originally Posted by DGW

I assume that you are looking at the options page which lists a Towing hitch with adaptor 13 pin at an RRP of £345. It's the 13 pin adaptor which isn't suitable for towing caravans, William. The accessories page lists a 13 Pin to 7 Pin Adaptor (RRP £20) to fix that problem.

OK my mistake.

[nodrogvic]

many thanks - I found the information on VIN plate weight data interesting.

Originally Posted by DRJ

Bad news - since Skoda don't allow towing with a vRS you have a problem - from http://www.witter-towbars.co.uk/quality_standards/EC_QandA.aspx:

Q. Why was European Type Approval for towbars introduced?
A. Directive 94/20/EC was introduced as part of European Whole Vehicle Type Approval to provide a common standard throughout the European Community, thus creating an open market. Irrespective of where a towbar has been manufactured, providing it has been Type Approved, a customer will know that it has been manufactured to a known technical and quality standard.

Q. What may happen if I don't fit a Type Approved towbar?
A. If your car is first registered on or after the 1st August 1998, you could be prosecuted for an infringement of Construction & Use Regulations or your Insurers may decline to pay out in the event of an accident claim. If you are unsure which towbar to fit contact your local Witter specialist, who can be found under National Stockists.

Q. I only tow a small trailer on rare occasions, surely I don't need a type approved towbar?
A. YES. The towbar must be certified even if not used for towing! Otherwise it does not comply with the Road Traffic Act.

Q. How can I find out if my new car or model variant, is EC Type Approved for towing?
A. For a new car or model variant a definitive answer could be obtained by examining the vehicle VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) plate, which should have four figures stamped into the lower edge denoting its carrying capacity.
VIN No. (known as chassis number)
XXXX kg -(Max vehicle weight)
XXXX kg -(Max train weight i.e. vehicle and trailer)
1. XXXX kg -(Max front axle load)
2. XXXX kg -(Max rear axle load)If no train weight is specified then the vehicle is not approved for towing, and therefore cannot legally do so. If a train weight is specified then the towing weight is this figure less the maximum vehicle weight The VIN plate is usually located under the bonnet. However it can sometimes be elsewhere

Has anyone asked Skoda for an official reason?