Towbar on S4 Avant

Post by **andya** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 1:30 am

I've just got an S4 Avant and want to put a removable towbar on it so that I can use it with a bike carrier.

I quickly discovered that most mfrs don't appear to do anything for the S4 except for Tow Trust (www.tow-trust.co.uk).

Does anyone have any experience or advice regarding towbars and S4's?

Cheers!

Post by **BlingBling** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 10:45 am

On the B6/B7 S4's the use of a tow bar is not recommended that is why one was not available. Check you manual becasue this may be the case for the B8 and why there are non available.

Post by **andya** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 11:01 am

BlingBling wrote:On the B6/B7 S4's the use of a tow bar is not recommended that is why one was not available. Check you manual becasue this may be the case for the B8 and why there are non available.

Thanks for the tip on the manual - will have a look tonight to see if it mentions anything.

As for non being available, that's not the case as Tow Trust make and supply one for the B8 S4.

Post by **worsy** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 2:20 pm

You can get a factory fit towbar so might be worthwhile checking with Audi to see whether they can fit in centre.

http://www.audi.co.uk/audi/owners-area/ ... ryId%3D230

Post by **andya** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 7:52 pm

So, phone the dealer this morning and they've quoted £1,197 to supply and fit a towbar. To say I was shocked is an understatement! At least they've answered my questions as to whether or not one can be fitted to an S4.

Looks like Tow Trust detachable towbar is a much more reasonable option....

Post by **worsy** » Tue Nov 16, 2010 10:56 am

Post by **andya** » Fri Nov 19, 2010 8:18 pm

Fitted today. Very pleased. totally invisible when the tow bar itself is removed

Post by **Madelvic** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 11:23 pm

May I be so rude and ask how much?

Thinking about one for carrying bikes. Bought Thule roof bars and they are a total pain to fit not like the B6 fitment

Post by **andya** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 12:08 am

Grittle wrote:May I be so rude and ask how much?

Thinking about one for carrying bikes. Bought Thule roof bars and they are a total pain to fit not like the B6 fitment

£385. I would highly recommend the guy I used if you live in the North West. Great job.

The socket and electrics are completely hidden when not in use and the towbar clicks in place really easily and locks too.

Audi quoted me £1,200 for the same job!!!

Post by **Madelvic** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 11:27 pm

Second go at replying. Thanks for the response. Was that fitting only? Thought the parts alone were £400.

Post by **andya** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 11:54 pm

Grittle wrote:Second go at replying. Thanks for the response. Was that fitting only? Thought the parts alone were £400.

Nope. All included.

Parts only would have been £220.95 from http://www.towbarsdirect.co.uk

It was them who recommended Phil from Auto Security for a home fitting(http://www.cheshiretowbars.co.uk/)

Post by **Scotty** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 11:29 am

Have you tweaked your car so that when the trailors or the car knows?

It enables the ESP to change it's behaviour, deactivates the reversing sensors.

Post by **andya** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 11:34 am

Scotty wrote:Have you tweaked your car so that when the trailors or the car knows?

It enables the ESP to change it's behaviour, deactivates the reversing sensors.

No. It was fitted with a bypass relay, rather than a vehicle specific connection. The reason being that I'm never going to use it to tow anything - I just use it for a bike rack which only weighs a few kilos.

Upside of this approach is that it's
a) much cheaper
b) doesn't require a visit to the dealer to recode the ECU (££)

Going vehicle specific route is probably sensible if you're towing a caravan, but not necessary for a bike rack or light trailer

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