Leon for Towing / Towbar

[DaveChill]

Hi Guys

Looking for advice, thinking of using the Leon to tow. But concerned about tow bar fitting amongst other things.

The MK3 Leon ST came out tops last year in tow awards so it is possible.

Does anyone use their Leon to tow on here ?

Not sure whether to get an install on this car or to wait a few years until I buy my next car and get something different, more suitable

 

[philhoward]

I chose a Leon as it has a reasonable towing ability so hope it will be fine!

 

[Conal]

Hi, couple of threads come to mind. These should give you a bit of reading! Definitely go for the Witter bar rather than the Seat one!

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=408119

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=422633

Very pleased with the way my ST tows even though mine 'only' has the 1.4 ACT engine. There is plenty of power for my fairly lightweight van though, as expected, not as much torque as my previous diesel Saabs. Not a big problem though it just means a bit of gear changing on the steepest hills. I've averaged between 31 and 35 whilst towing and even been on 2 cylinders a few times when the roads have been favourable.
Anything specific feel free to ask
Conal

 

[Damien84]

I have the 5dr 1.4act, I previously towed with a Mondeo 2.0tdci and I couldn't believe how good the Leon was in a 300 miles trip to Cornwall this summer. The engine has plenty of torque and I was able to keep up with the traffic over Bodmin. I did t have any issues with power or torque and I was able to use the 6th gear in the Leon where as in the Mondeo you could only use 6th at 70mph. So I found the car perfect it also tows a decent amount 1500 an X type I previously only did the same weight.
Fuel comsumption was decent it did a trip to Cornwall from Sheffield with the kids on a full tank so I was happy with that.
When you go for the Towbar go for the Witter as this is the smallest cut its also underneath so you can't see it.
If you want to know anything know let me know.
I'm also selling a dedicated electrics kit for the Leon which is on EBay at the moment 252081999081

 

[DaveChill]

Hi, couple of threads come to mind. These should give you a bit of reading! Definitely go for the Witter bar rather than the Seat one!


Very pleased with the way my ST tows even though mine 'only' has the 1.4 ACT engine. There is plenty of power for my fairly lightweight van though, as expected, not as much torque as my previous diesel Saabs. Not a big problem though it just means a bit of gear changing on the steepest hills. I've averaged between 31 and 35 whilst towing and even been on 2 cylinders a few times when the roads have been favourable.
Anything specific feel free to ask
Conal

Conal

Thanks alot, your help was both useful and reassuring.

I have been looking at the best tow bar with the smallest cut for weeks. I am very impressed with how yours looks.

Thanks

 

[DaveChill]

I have the 5dr 1.4act, I previously towed with a Mondeo 2.0tdci and I couldn't believe how good the Leon was in a 300 miles trip to Cornwall this summer. The engine has plenty of torque and I was able to keep up with the traffic over Bodmin. I did t have any issues with power or torque and I was able to use the 6th gear in the Leon where as in the Mondeo you could only use 6th at 70mph. So I found the car perfect it also tows a decent amount 1500 an X type I previously only did the same weight.
Fuel comsumption was decent it did a trip to Cornwall from Sheffield with the kids on a full tank so I was happy with that.
When you go for the Towbar go for the Witter as this is the smallest cut its also underneath so you can't see it.
If you want to know anything know let me know.
I'm also selling a dedicated electrics kit for the Leon which is on EBay at the moment 252081999081

Damien

Thanks also for your help.

I have the 184 diesel so going on your experience I should hopefully have no issues with power too.

I am in Sheffield too, can I ask where you got yours fitted ?

Cheers
Dave

 

[DaveChill]

I'm also selling a dedicated electrics kit for the Leon which is on EBay at the moment 252081999081

Also Damien

The electrics your selling. Are they bought from SEAT or WITTER ?

I dont think I have any PRE wired fitted at the factory at least I didnt order like that. so will need it fully wired back to front.

Cheers

 

[Damien84]

Hi I had it fitted at the dealer but it was subbed out, I will find his mobile as he does mobile fitting.
My car wasn't pre wired either the guy said it was the same kit as Seat but it's called Westfalia. The electrics also cover the fridge through the electrics, some of the features on the car stop working when connected to the caravan such as Eco mode, so the car knows it's towing which is quiet clever.

 

[DaveChill]

Hi I had it fitted at the dealer but it was subbed out, I will find his mobile as he does mobile fitting.
My car wasn't pre wired either the guy said it was the same kit as Seat but it's called Westfalia. The electrics also cover the fridge through the electrics, some of the features on the car stop working when connected to the caravan such as Eco mode, so the car knows it's towing which is quiet clever.

Yeah the chaps number would be must helpful.

Also, I dont have a caravan yet, been looking at ones with a maximum weight of around 1200 Kgs with a plan not to load more than 1150 Kgs

There are only a limited number of models at this sort of weight.

Can I ask what model of caravan you own and whats the weights stamped on the side of it. That would be helpful in my decision making.

Thanks again.

 

[Damien84]

Hi it's a 4 berth Abbey caravan with an end bathroom.

INTERNAL LENGTH=19FT

WIDTH=7FT 2"

MAX WEIGHT=1435KG

UNLADEN WEIGHT=1217KG

 

[DaveChill]

Hi it's a 4 berth Abbey caravan with an end bathroom.

INTERNAL LENGTH=19FT

WIDTH=7FT 2"

MAX WEIGHT=1435KG

UNLADEN WEIGHT=1217KG

Thats most helpful

Thanks

 

[Conal]

Also, I dont have a caravan yet, been looking at ones with a maximum weight of around 1200 Kgs with a plan not to load more than 1150 Kgs

There are only a limited number of models at this sort of weight.

Can I ask what model of caravan you own and whats the weights stamped on the side of it. That would be helpful in my decision making.


I have an Eriba Troll 530. This has an unladen weight of 900kg and a maximum weight of 1200kg. In effect we load it fairly lightly but it does have a motor mover fitted which adds to the weight. The van is just short of 5m long and 2m wide but it is very aerodynamic with the pop up roof down for towing.
My car was pre wired at the factory and the latest version comes complete with battery and fridge functions whilst towing. If you want these options then you may need to specify it when ordering your fitting as they do not always come as standard.
Conal

 

[DaveChill]

Hi I had it fitted at the dealer but it was subbed out, I will find his mobile as he does mobile fitting.
My car wasn't pre wired either the guy said it was the same kit as Seat but it's called Westfalia. The electrics also cover the fridge through the electrics, some of the features on the car stop working when connected to the caravan such as Eco mode, so the car knows it's towing which is quiet clever.

So one quick question Damien,

You was in the same position as me regarding setup.

I am guessing that you had the following :-

Whitter Tow Bar fitted
Westfalia Electrics
Some changes in the coding with VCDS (Or SEAT direct)

Was anything else required ??

Reason I ask is the SEAT dealer quoted me on this last week and stated the following :-

Parts
-Tow bar bracket £206
-13 Pin electrics £108
-Rear bumper trim £63 (Not needed with the Whitter Bar)
-ABS control unit £219(the braking system behaves differently when towing needs a modified ecu)

Labour/fitting
6 hours (1.5 tow bar, 3.5 wiring,1 hour coding control unit) £300

Sub total £896(pre vat)
Total inc vat £1075.20

Totally over priced I know !!!

 

[Damien84]

Hi all you for the Witter bar is the tow bar and the electrics kit.
It will work without coding but the parking sensors will still come on. Once this has been coded the sensors do not work when hooked up to the van.
I don't know how the dealers can quote so much to be honest the only get a contractor in to to do the work, I would say a fair price after the quotes I had would be £450-£475.
If you go for the Seat tow bar it looks a poor fit as the hole is in the middle of the bumper and you have to by a bumper cover for this.