Towbar with Universal Electronics

[Paulo_G]

Hi all,

I'm planning on getting a towbar for my Mk3.5 ST FR, most likely either Witter or Westfalia detachable. Question is, has anyone fitted a towbar with universal electrics, rather than the car specific kit? Reason I'm interested is because all I want the towbar for is my bike rack, not a trailer or caravan etc. so don't want to have to get into the whole coding etc. and I can save a bit of cash too!

I'll be fitting it all myself (done so on 3 previous cars, all with universal electrics) but just want to make sure it is possible on the Leon given the LED lights and so on.

Any help will be great. I've read a good number of threads about fitting the mechanical bits and car specific wiring, but haven't found anyone doing universal wiring themselves.

 

[Damo H]

Hi all,

I'm planning on getting a towbar for my Mk3.5 ST FR, most likely either Witter or Westfalia detachable. Question is, has anyone fitted a towbar with universal electrics, rather than the car specific kit? Reason I'm interested is because all I want the towbar for is my bike rack, not a trailer or caravan etc. so don't want to have to get into the whole coding etc. and I can save a bit of cash too!

I'll be fitting it all myself (done so on 3 previous cars, all with universal electrics) but just want to make sure it is possible on the Leon given the LED lights and so on.

Any help will be great. I've read a good number of threads about fitting the mechanical bits and car specific wiring, but haven't found anyone doing universal wiring themselves.

Slightly off topic, but if its for a Bike, would a roof rack one be easier?

 

[Maypack]

I had a detachable tow bar on my old Ibiza FR with dedicated electrics. It was fitted on my drive by the company I bought it off but I don’t remember them doing any coding to the vehicle

I used it for my Atera Strada Bike Rack and I used a 13pin to 7pin adaptor.


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[Damo H]

I had a detachable tow bar on my old Ibiza FR with dedicated electrics. It was fitted on my drive by the company I bought it off but I don’t remember them doing any coding to the vehicle

I used it for my Atera Strada Bike Rack and I used a 13pin to 7pin adaptor.


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I think the coding has something to do with turning the rear PDC off when put in reverse if a trailer is connected.

 

[Maypack]

I think the coding has something to do with turning the rear PDC off when put in reverse if a trailer is connected.

Ah. Makes sense then as my Ibiza FR don’t have any parking sensors fitted

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[Paulo_G]

Slightly off topic, but if its for a Bike, would a roof rack one be easier?

I've already got a decent bike carrier, so want to keep using it. Also, never really been a fan of roof mounted bikes. It may all be in my head, but I like being able to see my bike at all times, and won't run into issues with height restricted car parks etc.

 

[sweetfr]

I have a Westfalia towbar fitted to my 5 door. It just has the standard 13 pin electrics fitted.( not dedicated ). It works fine. I just have to remember to press button to switch off the parking sensors and reverse slowly when I am coupled up to stop the brakes on car coming on. Towbar was fitted by Hedley tow bars in Durham. Pics of coupled and uncoupled.

 

[Maypack]

View attachment 9991 View attachment 9992Towbar was fitted by Hedley tow bars in Durham.

I’ve had three towers fitted to various cars all by Hedley Towbars of County Durham. They even came over to Cumbria and fitted them all on my drive. Excellent service and price. Fitter didn’t even want as cup of coffee. He just wanted to get them fitted and on to the next job.

Would definitely recommend (and have locally).


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[The Daily Meme]

I have a towbar on my Mk3 SC. I didn't fit it myself as it came second hand.

When running with my bike rack, the car goes in to trailer mode. (wont let you put it in eco mode). Rear parking sensors still come on when in reverse.

 

[Paulo_G]

I have a Westfalia towbar fitted to my 5 door. It just has the standard 13 pin electrics fitted.( not dedicated ). It works fine. I just have to remember to press button to switch off the parking sensors and reverse slowly when I am coupled up to stop the brakes on car coming on. Towbar was fitted by Hedley tow bars in Durham. Pics of coupled and uncoupled.

Looks like a very neat install. The brakes coming on when trying to reverse, is that an inbuilt Seat thing to stop you reversing into stuff? As in, if I got really close to something normally (without anything on tow) it would put the brakes on?

 

[Paulo_G]

I have a towbar on my Mk3 SC. I didn't fit it myself as it came second hand.

When running with my bike rack, the car goes in to trailer mode. (wont let you put it in eco mode). Rear parking sensors still come on when in reverse.

Sounds like yours is fully wired and coded, with it going into a trailer mode. Surely it wouldn't do that just with a universal kit? Although odd that it does the trailer mode but leaves parking sensors on...

 

[The Daily Meme]

Sounds like yours is fully wired and coded, with it going into a trailer mode. Surely it wouldn't do that just with a universal kit? Although odd that it does the trailer mode but leaves parking sensors on...

Weird and also very annoying.

 

[Damo H]

Looks like a very neat install. The brakes coming on when trying to reverse, is that an inbuilt Seat thing to stop you reversing into stuff? As in, if I got really close to something normally (without anything on tow) it would put the brakes on?

Yes, there is an anti crash while parking setup. Not sure if it was there on the pre-facelift, as I never had an issue with it reversing on the 280. Only issue I ever had was at work coming up to an incline at about 20mph that also had a raised man hole cover, it slammed the brakes on full emergency stop. Scared the **** out of me.

But on the 300 it's done it a few times even when not a full tone and creeping up. First time it did it I thought I'd hit the wall I was reversing towards.

I don't like it when it happens but happy to have it for peace of mind.

 

[kev.irving82]

What price has everyone paid for a towbar fitted at home? Was tempted to buy a towbar from a1towbars with a specific wiring loom but if it’s not much more I’ll get someone else to fit it


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[sweetfr]

I paid £410 for supply ,fitted and electrics all in.