V70 factory fitted tow bar question

[cabbie37]

I've just bought a 2007 (57 plate) V70 D5. One of the things that attracted me to it was the factory fitted 'Thule' fixed swan neck tow bar. When I went to collect my van the other day, I noticed it sat 'nose up' when hitched and did some measuring when I got home. The centre of the tow ball sits about 475mm off the ground, accounting for the rather excessive 100mm or so nose up I have. Could some person with a similar car and tow bar provide me with a couple of measurements please? I'd like to know the height of the centre of the tow ball plus the height of the centre of the rear wheel arch (unladen) to see whether my car's ride height is playing a part.

My apologies for yet another tow bar question. As a new member, I see there are many. I've searched but haven't quite found the answer to my specific question. Many thanks in advance...

Hugh

[cabbie37]

Well, I've now eliminated the ride height as mine seems to be normal from info provided from the V70 forum. So that just leaves the tow bar under suspicion. Can anyone with an original Volvo/Thule fixed swan neck provide any insight?

many thanks in advance..

[Clan]

Originally Posted by cabbie37

I've just bought a 2007 (57 plate) V70 D5. One of the things that attracted me to it was the factory fitted 'Thule' fixed swan neck tow bar. When I went to collect my van the other day, I noticed it sat 'nose up' when hitched and did some measuring when I got home. The centre of the tow ball sits about 475mm off the ground, accounting for the rather excessive 100mm or so nose up I have. Could some person with a similar car and tow bar provide me with a couple of measurements please? I'd like to know the height of the centre of the tow ball plus the height of the centre of the rear wheel arch (unladen) to see whether my car's ride height is playing a part.

My apologies for yet another tow bar question. As a new member, I see there are many. I've searched but haven't quite found the answer to my specific question. Many thanks in advance...

Hugh

There are 2 towbars available , a high one for cars with normal suspension and a low one for cars with Self levelling suspension .


http://accessories.volvocars.com/en-...CC-425202/2007

[cabbie37]

Thanks Clan. It looks like the tow bar changes, but the swan neck itself stays the same...

Hmm....

[cabbie37]

Well, looks like it's been a bit of a wild goose chase. Although the tow hitch does seem to sit high, when the van is hitched and the car given time to 'settle' on its suspension, it drops into reasonable height range. When I first hitched the van up, the car didn't immediately settle and that's when I saw the nose up attitude that concerned me. So judicious loading of the car and van when I travel I think will resolve the problem..