New Skoda Not Approved To Tow - Buyer Beware

I realise I am a bit late to this discussion, but when we bought out Octavia back in 2014, we had the factory towbar fitted, but it didn't come with power supply to run the fridge.  We only realised the fridge wasn't working when we took the overnight ferry to France.  Apparently, at that time at least (2014), the continentals didn't run the fridges whilst towing, so didn't need it.  

Just thinking of changing to a Karoq, so will be making sure it has the full complement of wiring this time around.  

I have just bought a 2 year old Skoda Octavia Estate (only 1000cc but a turbo charged engine) and the tow bar issue will not affect me as I do not tow, but I do find it alarming that Skoda dealers are not aware of the tow bar issue.  I hope that you find a solution to the problem.  Regards,  Val.

Good luck with that. I have a Porsche Cayenne, and before that a BMW X5, both with factory fitted towbars and electrics. Although the fridge "battery" button does react, on both cars there is insufficient power output to run the fridge - the wiring is correct and it stops the warning buzzers. There has been much discussion on here over the past few years about this problem, which seems to affect most new cars with complex electronic brains. The computer apparently cuts the power output - something to do with economy and emissions I think.

Dometic won't do anything, and the German car manufacturers and their UK Dealers are not interested.

Normally OK for UK trips, as fridge/freezer can stay cool long enough, but on a 6 hour overnight ferry followed by a day driving down through France the freezer defrosts. Maybe not so much a problem now that the EU confiscate any food you take, at the border.

Please do respond if anyone has found a solution to this problem.

Paul

A footnote - in both instances - 2012 BMW and 2016 Porsche both purchased new and factory towbar specced - 13 pin sockets fitted but only 7 connected so didn't run either the fridge or the Alko system when delivered. UK dealer had to get the wiring altered here in the UK - and pay for it themselves as I had the towbar and electrics prep in writing.

Paul

@Nutsy and the German car manufacturers and their UK Dealers are not interested.

but my German Merc ML has a factory towbar & my fridge works when towing .... I've no idea whether the wiring was modified or if it came like that from the factory as I didn't buy it new.

I had a Merc E class 320D  (2008) prior to the BMW, and I agree, the electrics worked fine on that. 

Further to my earlier comments, we have now ordered a nearly new 2 litre diesel Karoq, and checked a couple of other examples, which have suitable towing weights allowed.  As we will have to have a towbar fitted separately I have checked with a couple of towbar fitters and they assure me they fit factory approved electrics, with suitable power supply for the fridge etc when towing.  Just need to double check everything when the car is delivered to the dealer.  He knows the situation so is prepare for us to cancel if this particular car is not suitable.  As stated by someone else, at our prompting, he discovered the lack of towing capacity is standard across some engine variations for both Karoq and Octavia, and so presumably other models and makes.  They seem to be the small engine / low power versions that would struggle somewhat if fully laden without and form of trailer as well.  

Nothing to do with this, and not expecting an answer from here, but it bugs me that I only get base spec models with the small rims + large and therefore ride cushioning tyres, so my so called up market car has a poorer ride.  

I am looking to buy a Skoda Octavia Estate SE 1.5 TSI (150PS) Technology. I had ordered a brand new SL in Aug 2021 and told today I will get it sometime in 2022. So I'm looking at 2020 Reg's and planning to have a tow bar fitted. Any up date on the problem identified? Thanks for bringing it to my attention I'm going to get on to the agents I'm talking to and see if they know anything about it. I had been told if I order a new car I have to put it in the order for the manufacturer to fit the towbar cancels it affects my warranty.    

Interesting.

We have a 2020 Karoq 2.0TDI Sportline 2WD Manual.  The towing weight is listed in Parkers Guide as 1400kg, but the same vehicle with a DSG box is listed at 2000kg..?

I can't really see why there would be such a difference ?  I'm not that clumsy with the clutch..?

We have been toying with getting a small caravan for some of our trips so the 1400kg would be adequate, just....

I'm a bit confused by your last line. I previously owned a 2014 Skoda Yeti 2L diesel from new  I requested a factory fit tow bar when I ordered it, but this would have meant no feed to caravan battery or fridge power. It all got very complicated.

If you get a vehicle with factory fit bar and electrics then they are covered by the vehicles 3 yr warranty. If the bar and electrics are dealer or third party fitted then you only have a 12 months warranty.

Incidentally, the 150bhp 1.5 petrol you are sourcing is the same as I have in my 2019 Audi A3. I have posted on this engine before as I am surprised to find how good a towing engine it is for lighter vans. It is better than the diesel I moved on from. It also won tow car of the year in a Seat.

Colin