Towbar & parking sensors

[BurtonRob]

I've just got a 130 BHP Galaxy, 2 different fitters tell me I'm ok with a fixed towbar with parking sensors. Are they telling me the truth? Would I be better off playing safe and getting a detachable?

Thanks

Rob

 

[andy_5039827]

Hi Rob, I have just bought a 2005 Mondeo and was asked the question does my car have reverse sensors.When I asked why,Iwas told if my car had sensors fitted I would need a detatchable towbar.

Good Luck

Andy

 

[Robert_374242026]

Hello Rob ,have got a fixed towbar and the reversing sensors drive us crazy, dealer tried to adjust them but did not succeed.The detachable one was so much dearer but we should have gone for it.

 

[BurtonRob]

Just to Clarify Robert, was that on a Galaxy?

Rob

 

[Robert_374242026]

Just to Clarify Robert, was that on a Galaxy?

Rob

No Rob, but although ours is the Skoda Octavia Elegance i have met few people with same problems

 

[Alistair_5094954]

Just to Clarify Robert, was that on a Galaxy?

Rob

My car (Peugeot 407SW)has reverse parking sensors and a fixed towbar - no problem at all.

The fixed towbar doesn't interfere with sensors in any way.

 

[David_374302644]

I had a Honda Jazz with towbar and sensors - no problem. The sensors (microwave type, not eyelets) detected changes in distance to the relative stationary towball and so did not activate them. Am now having a towbar and 'normal' sensors fitted to my Golf Plus. Fitters say that it should be OK. Also having a relay fitted so the senors are turned off if the towbar sockets are connected. I hope they are right!

cheers

Dave

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Rob,

It's generally accepted that if you have reversing sensors, then a detachable is the best solution - and depending on sensor placement, then a swan-neck may work - but a flange plate towbar is just too much steel - and won't work (or rather the sensors will false detect all the time).

I have a Bosal detachable on my E-class and that obviously works fine with the reversing sensors (because it's not there) and when towing the sensors are automatically disabled.

Robert

 

[BurtonRob]

Thanks everyone,

Due to the uncertainty (however slight) I've opted for a detachable. It certainly looks neater.

Thanks again

Rob

 

[Lutz]

It depends on the beam angle of the sensors and on what principle they work. If the sensors are well above the towbar so that the towbar is outside the beam angle, you would not have a problem. Also, if they work on the principle of recognising changes in distance only but not absolute distance to the potential obstacle or hazard, the towbar would not interfere either.

 

[Robert_374242026]

Would you be able to tell me what type of reversing sensors we have on a Skoda Octavia Elegance 55 plate as our dealer said nothing can be done, but he has gave us some info before which was not correct on anther subject. Many thanks

Robert

 

[Lutz]

Your safest bet is to write to the manufacturer and ask.

 

[thehoods]

Hi.

I've got a 130 Galaxy with bolt on tow bar and also the bumper protecter plate and I don't have any problems with the sensors.

 

[benny1]

you can put insulating tape over the senser it works fine try it then just take it off when not towing

 

[Robert_374242026]

Found out from Skoda there is a alternative but it works out as much as a new detatchable towbar.

 

[benno]

hi rob we own a06 mondeo with fixed tow bar with parking sensors no problems hope this helps steve