2014 SKODA OCTAVIA tow bar

Retractable luggage compartment coverFig. 107
Pull out and roll-up luggage compartment cover
Fig. 108
Remove the side panels of the luggage compartment/stow the
roll-up luggage compartment cover
Read and observe
and on page 103 first.
Extending
›
Grasp the cover on the handle
A
» Fig. 107 and pull it out in the direction of
the arrow
1
until it clicks.
Retracting
›
Push the cover in the area of the handle
A
» Fig. 107 in the direction of the
arrow
2
.
The cover rolls up automatically.
Removing/inserting
The fully rolled-up luggage compartment cover can be removed (e.g. for the
transport of bulky objects).
› Push on the side of the crossbar in the direction of the arrow 3
» Fig. 107
and remove the cover in the direction of the arrow 4.
Insertion takes place in reverse order.
Stowing the roll-up luggage compartment cover
If the vehicle is equipped with the variable loading floor, then the removable roll-up luggage compartment cover can be stowed in the recesses of the lug-
gage compartment side trim.›
Fold the variable loading floor into the upper position » page 111.
›
Remove the side covers of the luggage compartment in the direction of the
arrow
1
» Fig. 108 .
›
Remove the roll-up luggage compartment cover » Fig. 107.
›
Insert the front part of the roll-up luggage compartment cover under a por-
tion of the side trim
D
» Fig. 108 on the left.
›
Fold the rear part of the roll-up luggage compartment cover in the direction
of arrow
2
» .
›
Replace the side trims of the luggage compartment in the opposite direction
of the arrow
1
.
›
Fold out the variable loading floor to the upper position » page 111.
WARNINGNo objects should be placed on the foldable boot cover. There is the danger
of injuries during sudden braking or vehicle impact.
CAUTION
If you want to stow the roll-up luggage compartment cover and the roof rack
at the same time , then it is necessary that the rear part of the roll-up luggage
compartment is covering the rear roof rack.
Storage compartment with cargo element
Fig. 109
Remove storage compartment 
108Using the system

NoteThe space below the variable loading floor can be used for stowing objects
such as the removed roll-up luggage compartment cover » page 108, the roof
cross bars » page 115 etc.
Positions of the variable loading floor
Fig. 113
Set variable loading floor to the upper position / variable loading
floor in the upper position
Fig. 114
Set variable loading floor to the lower position / variable loading
floor in the lower position
Read and observe
on page 110 first.
The variable loading floor can be set to the upper or lower position.
Set to the upper position
›
Grasp the rear of the variable loading floor by the handle
A
» Fig. 113 .
›Lift the variable loading floor about 20 cm, pull it to yourself and raise it in
the direction of the arrow 1 to the level of the roll-up luggage compartment
cover until it clicks.
After an audible click, the variable loading floor can be stowed in the upper po-
sition by pushing it forward.
The room under the variable loading floor can be used to store away objects.
Set into the lower position›
Check that there are no objects in the space under the variable loading floor.
›
Grasp the rear of the variable loading floor by the handle
A
» Fig. 114 .
›
Lift the variable loading floor about 10 cm in the direction of the arrow
2
and pull it back in the direction of the arrow
3
.
The variable loading floor moves automatically to the lower position where it
can be stored by pressing it forward.
The variable loading floor can be folded up in both positions » page 111 or
used for dividing the luggage compartment » page 112.
Fold up variable loading floor
Fig. 115
Fold up variable loading floor / folded variable cargo floor in the
upper position
Read and observe
on page 110 first.
The variable loading floor can be folded up in both the lower and the upper po-
sition.
›
Grasp the rear of the variable loading floor by the handle
A
» Fig. 115 and lift
in the direction of the arrow
1
.
›
Fold up the variable loading floor by moving it in the direction of the arrow
2
.
111Transporting and practical equipment

›On the other side, press on the crossbar and hook it into the appropriate re-
ceptacle E.
If the crossbar is hooked into the receptacle E
to the left for example, then
press on the crossbar in the direction of the arrow
1
and insert into the re-
ceptacle
E
to the right.
›
Fold back part of the roll-up luggage compartment cover
A
in the opposite
direction of the arrow » Fig. 117.
Using the net partition behind the rear seats
›
Fold out part of the roll-up luggage compartment cover
A
in the direction of
the arrow » Fig. 117.
›
Press on the crossbar and remove it from the receptacles
E
, first on one
side, then on the other side » Fig. 118.
›
Hold the crossbar
C
in such a way that the net partition can slowly roll up
into the housing
D
without being damaged.
›
Fold back part of the roll-up luggage compartment cover
A
in the opposite
direction of the arrow » Fig. 117.
Installing and removing the net partition behind the rear seats is carried out in
a similar way as behind the rear seats. Before pulling out the net partition, the
rear seats are to be folded forwards. After rolling the net partition, the rear
seats are to be folded back » page 92.
CAUTION
If the net partition blocks when pulling it out of the housing, push the release
lever B in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 117.
Note
If you wish to use the entire luggage compartment, the roll-up luggage com-
partment cover can be removed » page 108.Removing and refitting the net partition housingFig. 119
Removing the net partition
housing
Read and observe on page 112 first.
Removing
›
Fold the rear seats forward » page 92.
›
Open the rear right door » page 56.
›
Push the net partition housing
A
in the direction of the arrow
1
and re-
move it from the mounts on the right seat backrests in the direction of the
arrow
2
» Fig. 119 .
Installing
›
Insert the recesses on the net partition housing into the mounts on the rear
seat backrests.
›
Push the net partition housing in the opposite direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 119 as far as the stop.
›
Fold the rear seats back into their original positions » page 92.
Roof rack

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
fixing points for base support
114
Stowing the roof rack
115
Roof load
115

113Transporting and practical equipment

Hitch and trailer
Hitch
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description
169
Adjusting the ready position
170
Correctly adjusted ready position
170
Assembling the ball rod - 1st step
171
Assembling the ball rod - 2nd step
171
Check proper fitting
172
Removing the ball rod - 1st step
172
Removing the ball rod - 2nd step
173
Accessories
173
The maximum trailer drawbar load is 75 kg.
For vehicles with all-wheel drive, the maximum trailer nose weight is 80 kg.
With G-TEC-vehicles, the maximum trailer drawbar load is 56 kg .
WARNING■
Before each time you make a journey when using the ball rod, check that
it is seated correctly and is secured in the mounting recess.■
Do not use the ball rod if it is not correctly inserted into the mounting re-
cess and secured.
■
Do not use the towing hitch if it is damaged or if there are parts missing.
■
Do not perform any modifications or changes to the towing device.
■
Never release the ball rod while the trailer is still coupled.
■
Keep the mounting recess of the towing device clean at all times. Such
dirt prevents the ball rod from being attached securely!
CAUTION
■ Take care when using the ball rod - there is a risk of paint damage to the
bumper.■
When the ball rod is removed always place the cover onto the mounting re-
cess - there is a danger of soiling the mounting recess.
Note■ Operation and maintenance of the tow hitch » page 185.■The towing vehicle by means of the detachable ball rod » page 223.
Description
Fig. 166
Support for the hitch equipment / ball bar / key (Version 1 and 2)
Read and observe
and on page 169 first.
The ball rod can be removed and is located in the spare wheel well or in a com- partment for the spare wheel in the luggage compartment.
The hitch comes with two key versions. The handling of the hitch is identical
for the two key versions. The difference is only in the key version.
Carrier for the towing device and ball rod » Fig. 166
13-pin power socket
Safety eye
Mounting recess
Cap
Dust cap
Ball rod
Operating lever
Lock cap
Trigger pin
Lock
Locking ball
Key – Version 1
Key – Version 2 
12345678910111213169Hitch and trailer

NoteIf you lose the key, please get in touch with a specialist garage.
Adjusting the ready position
Fig. 167
1st Step: Key Version 1 / key Version 2
Fig. 168
2nd step: both key versions
Read and observe and on page 169 first.
The ball rod must be set to the ready position prior to installation » page 170,
Correctly adjusted ready position .
If it is not in the ready position, then it must be set to the ready position as
follows.
1st Step - applies to the key version 1
›
Remove the cap from the lock
›
Insert key
A
into the lock so that the green marking is pointing upwards.
›
Turn key
A
in the direction of arrow
1
so that the red marking is pointing
upwards » Fig. 167.
1st Step - applies to the key version 2›Remove the cap from the lock›
Insert key
B
into the lock so that the eye of the key is pointing downwards.
›
Turn the key in the direction of arrow
B

2
so that the conclusions release
shows up » Fig. 167.
2nd Step - applies to both key versions
›
Grip the tow bar below the protective cap.
›
Push release pin
C
in the direction of arrow
3
to the stop, and simultane-
ously push operating lever
D
in the direction of arrow
4
to the
stop » Fig. 168 .
Operating lever
D
remains locked in this position.
Correctly adjusted ready position
Fig. 169
Ready position: Key Version 1 / key Version 2 / position of the
lever and the release bolt with two key versions
Read and observe
and on page 169 first.
Correctly adjusted ready position » Fig. 169
Applies to key version 1 - the red marking on key
A
is pointing upwards.
Applies to key version 2 - the eye of the key
B
is pointing upwards.
Operating lever
C
is locked in the lower position.
The trigger pin
D
can be moved.
The ball bar is thus set ready for installation.
CAUTION
In the ready position, the key cannot be removed nor turned into a different
position.170Driving

Assembling the ball rod - 1st stepFig. 170
Insert ball rod / trigger bolt in the extended state
Read and observe
and on page 169 first.
Insert ball rod - applies to both key versions
›
Remove the cover for the mounting recess
4
» Fig. 166 on page 169 in a
downwards direction.
›
Adjust the ball rod to the ready position » page 170.
›
Grip the tow bar from underneath » Fig. 170 and insert into the mounting re-
cess in arrow direction
1
until you hear it click into place » .
The lever
A
automatically turns upwards in the direction of arrow
2
and the
release pin
B
pops out (both its red and green parts are visible) » .
If lever
A
does not turn automatically, or if the release pin
B
does not pop
out, remove the ball rod from the mounting recess by turning lever
A
down-
wards as far as it can go. Clean the contact surfaces on the ball rod and the
mounting recess.
WARNING■ Keep your hands outside the lever's range of motion when attaching the
ball rod – risk of finger injuries!■
Never attempt to pull the operating lever violently upwards to turn the
key. Doing so would mean the ball rod is not attached correctly!
Assembling the ball rod - 2nd stepFig. 171
Lock lock: Key Version 1 / key Version 2
Fig. 172
Place cap on the lock
Read and observe and on page 169 first.
Firstly, carry out the 1st step of ball rod assembly » page 171.
Applies to the key version 1
›
Turn key
A
in the direction of arrow
1
so that the green marking is pointing
upwards » Fig. 171.
›
Remove the key in the direction of the arrow
2
.
Applies to the key version 2
›
Turn the key
B
in the direction of arrow
3
so that the conclusions release
points down » Fig. 171.
›
Remove the key in the direction of the arrow
4
.
Applies to both key versions
›
Fit and press cap
C
onto the lock in the direction of arrow
5
» Fig. 172 .
›
Check that the ball rod is securely attached » page 172, Check proper fitting .
171Hitch and trailer

WARNINGNever remove the tow bar while the trailer is still coupled.
Note
We recommend putting the protective cover onto the ball head before remov-
ing the tow bar.
Removing the ball rod - 2nd step
Fig. 176
Release ball bar
Read and observe and on page 169 first.
Firstly, carry out the 1st step of ball rod removal » page 172.
Release ball head - applies to both key versions
›
Grasp the ball rod from below » Fig. 176 .
›
Push release pin
A
in the direction of arrow
1
to the stop, and simultane-
ously push operating lever
B
in the direction of arrow
2
to the stop .
The ball rod is released in this position and falls freely into the hand. If it does not fall freely into the hand, use your other hand to push it upwards.
At the same time, the ball rod latches into the ready position and is therefore
ready to be re-fitted »
.
›
Place the cap
4
» Fig. 166 on page 169 onto the mounting recess.
WARNINGNever allow the ball rod to remain unsecured in the boot. This could cause
damage to the boot upon sudden braking, and could put the safety of the
occupants at risk.
CAUTION
■ If lever B is held firmly and not pushed downwards to the stop, it will move
back up after the ball rod is removed and will not latch into the ready position.
The ball rod will then need to be brought into this position before the next
time it is fitted » page 170, Adjusting the ready position .■
Store the ball rod in the box in the ready position and with the key facing up-
wards - otherwise there is a risk of damage to the key!
■
Do not use excessive force when handling the operating lever (e.g. do not
climb on it)!
Note
Remove any dirt from the ball rod before stowing it away in the box with the
vehicle tool kit.
Accessories
Fig. 177
Depiction of the maximum per-
missible protrusion of the ball
head of the towing hitch and of
the permissible total weight of
the accessory including the load,
depending on the load centre of
gravity
Read and observe and on page 169 first.
An accessory (e.g. bicycle carrier) can be mounted on the ball head of the tow- ing hitch.
If this accessory is used, the maximum permissible protrusion of the ball head
of the towing hitch and the permissible total weight of the accessory including
the load must be observed.
The maximum permissible protrusion of the ball head of the towing hitch is
70 cm » Fig. 177 . 

173Hitch and trailer

Detaching›Unhook the breakaway cable of the trailer from the security eyeletB
» Fig. 178.
›
Pull the trailer cable connected out of the 13-pin socket.
›
Remove the trailer from the ball head.
›
Place cap
5
on to the ball head » Fig. 166 on page 169 .
›
Grip the 13-pin socket at point
A
and swivel in the opposite direction to the
arrow » Fig. 178 .
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see
the traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national
legal requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle may lift up when a trailer is being towed and the head-
lights may dazzle other road users.
Adjust the headlights using the headlight beam control » page 71, Operating
the lights 1)
.
Power to the trailer power grid
For the electrical connection between the vehicle and trailer, the trailer's pow-
er supply is provided by the vehicle.
The power supply works with ignition on or off.
WARNING■ Incorrectly or improperly connected electrical installations may cause the
entire vehicle electronics to malfunction, and may lead to accidents and se-
rious injury from electric shock.■
Work on the electrical system must only be carried out by specialist ga-
rages.
■
Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical
connections for the tail lights or other current sources.
■
After attaching the trailer and connecting the power socket, check that
the rear lights on the trailer are working correctly.
■
The handbrake on the vehicle must be applied when attaching and dis-
connecting the trailer.
■
Never use the safety eye to tow a vehicle!
Loading a trailer
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced. whereby the maximum per-
missible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeop-
ardises the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the trailer axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the
trailer is laden. Drive at a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving
with this combination.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on the vehicle for a “full load” » page 204.
Towing capacity and trailer weight
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 238 , Technical data .
The details given in the vehicle's technical documentation always take prece-
dence over the details in the Owner's Manual.
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1 000 metres above
mean sea level.
The engine output falls as the height increases, as does the ability to climb.
Therefore, for every additional 1000 m in height (or part), the maximum per-
missible towed weight must be reduced by 10%.
The towed weight is made up of the actual weights of the loaded towing vehi-
cle and the loaded trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing de-
vice are merely test data for the towing device. The vehicle-specific values are
detailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ The maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the permissible
weight of the trailer must not be exceeded - risk of accident!■
Sliding cargo can significantly adversely affect stability and driving safety
- risk of accident!
1)
Applies to vehicles with bi-xenon headlights.
175Hitch and trailer