2016 Skoda Superb Estate - which tow bar?
After much research I have finally decided upon and bought a 2016 Mk3 Skoda Superb Estate SE Business spec. Unfortunately I wasn't expecting to have to do pre flight checks before I set off but that's an age thing on my part having to learn all the new software / gadgets that it's equipped with Grrr
Anyway - to the problem.Having dodgy knees (I am now 63) I assumed that I could just have a fixed tow bar and 13 pin specific electrics fitted thus avoiding the bending / kneeling down to line up and engage a detachable ball. But - Says my local bar fitting agent - you have sensors (6 of them) and a fixed bar will cause the sensors to beep unless you switch them off every time you drive the car ! ! ! Noooooo say's I.
So the question is: Is this correct or does anyone out there have a Mk3 Superb estate that has a fixed tow bar that doesn't set off the sensors when not towing ?
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Err, the sensors will only beep when you go into reverse gear. They won't sound when you’re going forward. I’d live with them beeping for the short duration of the reversing manoeuvres.
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This problem can be overcome. Whilst not having a Superb our Jamjar does have the rear sensor thingy and I don't need to turn it off when not hitched up. The sensors do not pick up the fixed towbar. I only turn them off when hitched up and then only when reversing. Talk to another towbar fitter.
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There may well be a switch on the dashboard of the Superb for turning the sensors off.
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There is a switch for turning the sensors off (as stated in my initial post) but if a fixed tow bar will set them off automatically the sensors are useless to me as I only want to hear them to avoid hitting an actual obstacle.Just turning them off every time is defeating the object of having them.
Incidentally Tinwheeler They do bleep when I go forward as I have sensors in the front bumper too
All I want to do is have a tow ball permanently in place (bolted or detachable) and the sensors working in the normal way (front and rear) when NOT COUPLED to a Caravan or trailer.
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Many thanks for your reply 'wherenext' as your comment is almost a perfect reply for me - its a shame you refer to your jamjar and not a Superb as all I would then need to do is have fitted what you have.
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"Incidentally Tinwheeler They do bleep when I go forward as I have sensors in the front bumper too"
But no front mounted towbar.
I really don't think the info you’ve been given is correct.
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No wherenext - I am in Kent - why ?
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Usually its the towbar flange that gives the problem. I would have thought a detachable would be fine, as the 'bulky' part is usually below the bumper. I had Witter detachable on my Mondeo Mk3 and there was no problem - and I left it attached to the car most of the time.
I would contact P F Jones in Manchester, they will give you excellent advice and hopefully a suitable towbar for your needs.
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I am familiar with PF Jones but didn't think to ring them - thanks Lagerorwine.
Would be nice to hear from anyone that also has a superb estate to see what bar and experiences they have.
I suppose since the Mk3 has only been out for 3 years i am one of the guinea pigs so to speak !
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Ist Silverback - you dont need to ring them, take a look at their website and enter your car details. When I looked an hour ago, there were at least 10 possible options for your car (but most not flanged).
You will have an idea what types are available. With a dedicated wiring kit, I would have thought the rear sensors would be 'accomodated' when the caravan was attached if the software is updated after fitting
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I cannot deny - Making and fitting a dummy tow bar in some way may just be the answer.
To be honest - I am not sure that I am going to get the answer any other way.
Thanks for the idea fella's
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"a fixed bar will cause the sensors to beep unless you switch them off"
Well mine doesn't! OK, it's a VW Touareg and not a Superb but the principle's the same. I have a Westfalia swan-neck fixed tow bar and the sensors work as normal. Plus they are automatically disabled when the van is attached.
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It's a case of trying out MMs cardboard Blue Peter jobby idea
. I have sensors front and rear, and when my towball is deployed the sensors at the rear does not detect it and still works as they should, but some vehicles lower to the ground will have the towball at bumper line/sensor height.0 -
Never thought of that I have a Westphalia towbar on a Touareg when fitted and no caravan attached it doesn’t interfere with the sensors.
Also are you sure that you haven’t got the FF swivelling towbar. Long shot but you never know it might have been specified. The one fitted to mine has never been used. The release is fitted on the boot sill lhs with a small indicator led there is a good chance a dealer wouldn’t know it was there.
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I would just like to thank everyone's input with this but i don't think that Touareg's, Kia's and such like can be used as a comparison.
This latest Mk3 Superb is also equipped with something called (i think) park pilot.It basically has 12 sensors all around the car and can detect any obstacles up to 1.2 meters away !
Is it of any use to me - probably not but society today wants the gadgets and its this which is causing my tow bar headache ! !This software may not be on your car yet guy's n doll's but it probably will be on your next one !
I wasn't joking when i said i have to do pre flight checks.Anyway - I will be constructing a cardboard towbar this weekend and securing it to the rear bumper for tests - if only just to be disappointed.
In the back of my mind i think i will end up with the westfalia detachable and specific electrics which i had on my previous car.Its just that as we get older some of us just find it difficult to get down there, align, push and fiddle with turn handles and locks
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Perhaps have a look at
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