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Towbar on S4 Avant
Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 1:30 am
by andya
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!
RE: Towbar on S4 Avant
Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 10:45 am
by BlingBling
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.
Re: RE: Towbar on S4 Avant
Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 11:01 am
by andya
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.
Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 2:20 pm
by worsy
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
Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 7:52 pm
by andya
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....
Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 10:56 am
by worsy
lol
Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 8:18 pm
by andya
Fitted today. Very pleased. totally invisible when the tow bar itself is removed
Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 11:23 pm
by Madelvic
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
Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2010 12:08 am
by andya
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!!!
Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2010 11:27 pm
by Madelvic
Second go at replying. Thanks for the response. Was that fitting only? Thought the parts alone were £400.
Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2010 11:54 pm
by andya
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/)
Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2010 11:29 am
by Scotty
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.
Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2010 11:34 am
by andya
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