Leon ST FR Towbar cover

[philhoward]

Has anyone else had a dealer-fit towbar fitted?

Mine arrived on Friday with the cover partially hanging off - judging by the graunch marks from probably a pair of pliers, it looks like someone had fun trying to get the one quarter turn screw to engage as well. The problem seems to be that the inner cage isn't properly attached to the bumper shell (poor fitting I guess). Is it a poor installation, or a problem with the fitting kit?

 

[MyLeon]

When I enquired about towbars at my dealer they didn't really have a clue, I spoke to Seat customer Services and the kid I spoke to knew even less. I gave up and went for a Witter instead, fitted by others. Perfect job!
If yours was fitted by a dealer then I'd take it back and ask for a proper job to be done.
Just out of interest, did you have to pay extra for the cover, and extra to have it painted?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[philhoward]

It's in the SEAT Accessories brochure @ £599 - I think it requires you order the factory pre-installation (I ordered it anyway).

It was all-in as it is a lease order.

Feedback - dealer has agreed to collect my car (they're in Leicester and I'm in Stafford) and redo the job (fit it properly this time and respray the cover) which is a result

 

[MyLeon]

That certainly is a result! Well done, I hope it all gets resolved this time.
I would like to see a picture of the cover fitted if you don't mind posting one when its all sorted, I haven't see one yet!
If you want to tow a caravan make sure that all the wiring is included. The pre install doesn't cover everything you need apparently, but again my dealer had no idea, I found out by reading as much as I could on here.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Conal]

That certainly is a result! Well done, I hope it all gets resolved this time.
I would like to see a picture of the cover fitted if you don't mind posting one when its all sorted, I haven't see one yet!
If you want to tow a caravan make sure that all the wiring is included. The pre install doesn't cover everything you need apparently, but again my dealer had no idea, I found out by reading as much as I could on here.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I had the factory pre wiring done on my October 14 (MY15) ST FR. I know that on earlier pre wiring the facility to run a caravan fridge and charge the leisure battery were not included but they were on mine. All it needed was the Seat 13 pin lead connecting and everything worked as it should, no coding was needed either. There are photos of my Witter bar elsewhere on the forum.
Conal

 

[philhoward]

I will occasionally be towing a caravan but don't use the 2nd 7 pin on it so the addition/lack of the additional power isn't essential for me. Would be nice to have though!

I'll sort out a picture when it's returned - at the moment I've got the ball fitted so it doesn't look as bad! If it fitted correctly, the cover is quite a neat job to be fair.

 

[philhoward]

Well, it's back.

First impressions are it's still a tricky thing to fit, but will actually stay now.

Quick pics of the poorly fitting frame (which looks like it might only be an FR item due to the bumper shape according to the instructions that were left in the boot):

And now back and with the cover fitted:

Yes, I think it might be a slightly lighter shade...

 

[MyLeon]

Thanks for posting the pictures.
If the paint mismatch is as bad as it appears in the picture I would take it back and get them to paint it the correct colour!
That's the point of using a main dealer, you're supposed to get a proper job...


2015 Leon ST FR 184 DSG

 

[philhoward]

I'll give it a couple of days to settle down first before having a go at them. Again. If needs be.

 

[philhoward]

Yep, the colour match is terrible, Marshall SEAT of Leicester.

Bit of a sod when it's a 125 mile round trip..no wonder they offered to collect and return the car rather than me travel over

 

[G17RY]

First time poster, go easy on me!

Just bought a new Mk3 FR and need a towbar for my erde trailer and I have a Thule bike rack too. So about to commit sacrilege and fit one to what is a pretty car! Having seen the dealer fit, not very impressed.

I've had three towbars in my time, the first was a shock when I had a dealer fit a manufacturer removable towbar to my Vauxhall Corsa 1.8 SRi just after I bought it brand new back in 2001. Didn't realise (and wasn't told) about the butchery to be unleashed on my gleaming new motor, a bumper cut with an ugly exposed hole receptacle for the towbar to fit into. It looked like an extra exhaust at a distance, just looked wrong. Had an argument about fact that they never told me a cut was required, that there was no cover or finishing trim and that the finish on the cut was rough frayed edge where the fitter had taken a hacksaw to it. I think it was the first they'd done and as they could see the restrained anger they buffed up the edges and gave me some cash back.

That made me wary, my second was a Witter removable on a Zafira which you could see little evidence when removed. Third was a fixed PCT on an Astra J. These were both fitted by an older guy who was really helpful, competitive, and he did a good job as well as fitting on my drive. Unfortunately I can't seem to track him down this time (emailed last address I had - George Vint was his name) so am looking for recommendations in my area Fife, Scotland.

I could also do with seeing pictures of fitted towbars, with towbar removed and in place. Please let me know what the make/model (part no.) of the towbar is. I think this may be helpful to other FR owners considering or needing one.

Loving my new car so far, it's been a good defection after 15 years with Vauxhall.

 

[Conal]

Here, fill your boots on this thread.
http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=408119
There are pictures of my Witter detachable on one page, if you are anywhere near Scarbados you are welcome to take a look. Would definitely recommend it.
Conal

 

[MyLeon]

Sorry about the picture quality, it was a bit dark when I got to work!
This is my Witter installation. You can just see the electrics when 'deployed'.
I didn't have the bar in the boot at the time so I can't show you that, but it is a neat swan neck. Really easy to attach etc. Highly recommended.
Let me know if you need part numbers still and I'll look for the paperwork tonight.


2015 Leon ST FR 184 DSG

 

[G17RY]

Here, fill your boots on this thread.

There are pictures of my Witter detachable on one page, if you are anywhere near Scarbados you are welcome to take a look. Would definitely recommend it.
Conal

Hi Conal, (had to delete link in quote due to newbie status) thanks for that. I think that is exactly what I'm after. Very similar to Witter bar I had on my Zafira.

My next issue is that my FR is a parallel import (originally destined for Malta), and although brand new, it was built March 2015 (according to sticker on the key) so is nearly a year old. As I didn't spec it it is doubtful that it has the pre wiring option (although it did have a few extras fitted which the dealer didn't mention). I only need single electrics as I'm not a caravaner. Is the pre fitting kit required for this?

I'd like to see any photos of the Westfalia version fitted, because if similar it may come down to cost.

If you are in Scarborough (assume that you are using a local nickname, a bit like we call our holiday village up the coast "Costa del Crail" you may have heard of the raceway there on the WW2 airfield which featured on Top Gear) you are a bit of a distance so I can't take up your kind offer.

 

[G17RY]

Thanks MyLeon.

I think it may be the same as Conal's one. Part numbers welcome just so that I can be sure about what I'm being quoted for.

Something I've noticed with your FR (and Conal's) is that the area surrounding the number plate is colour coded, whereas mine has that area as black. Is this a non UK spec thing, part of an option or just comes with Emocion Red? Not that fussed, just intrigued as to why mine differs.

 

[Conal]

Hi, In my opinion the Witter is the way to go, no sign of any bumper cut unless you decide to lie down and look for it!
I wouldn't worry about your car not being pre wired, any competent tow bar fitter should be able to wire up your single socket without any trouble.
Yes, Scarborough it is!
Good luck,
Conal

 

[Conal]

G17RY, No colour coding around the number plate. In reality it is a dark matt grey just like yours, it's just a trick of the light on the photos.
Conal

 

[G17RY]

G17RY, No colour coding around the number plate. In reality it is a dark matt grey just like yours, it's just a trick of the light on the photos.
Conal

Here was me thinking I was I had some obscure optional extra. Thanks for putting my curiosity at ease.

 

[MyLeon]

I'll check part numbers etc tonight and let you know.
My installation cost about £600 from a Witter agent by the way. I had the pre-install done when ordering the car.


2015 Leon ST FR 184 DSG

 

[G17RY]

I'll check part numbers etc tonight and let you know.
My installation cost about £600 from a Witter agent by the way. I had the pre-install done when ordering the car.


2015 Leon ST FR 184 DSG

£600 is as much as the dealer (albeit the 3rd party one is better)! SK27Q on PF Jones is only £183.84 (sale price) hoping that is yours. Just need to find a fitter and get electrics too. Was hoping to be sub £400 all in.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk