Towbar advice/Price

[CapitalJambo]

Sorry, joined months back but not posted in ages due to an incease in family size, so the XC90 now earning it's keep big style.

I'm looking to get a towbar fitted for a bike carrier (maybe a trailer/caravan in future). Bikes currently on Thule 591'S on the roof but it's bit of a pain to be honest so gonna flog them.

Anyway, been quoted £375 for a detachable with single electrics,or £250 for fixed, really prefer detachable. Just wondering if thats a good price ? and they said it would be Thule or PCT...

PS I'm in Edinburgh...

cheers

[Coconut]

Try searching ....

Plenty of advice in the forums on towbars,
a lot of owners like the Westfalia detachable -
which costs around £210 plus fitting.

Depending on the set up you need ( 7 pin / 13 pin etc ),
you will also need a wiring kit - Volvo genuine seem to be the ones to go for :-)

[CapitalJambo]

Cheers, did have a wee look on here but not that good on the old search thing yet and what I did find didn't really mention cost.

The price I've been quoted doesn't seem to bad given the kit itself would probably £200+, add wiring and fitting, plus ill get a warranty..

Ta, think ill give this lot a call tomorrow and see how it looks

Cheers

[Nigetill]

Hi there. Hope this helps

[Nigetill]

Hi there

I have just fitted a

Westfalia detachable tow bar from
P.F.Jones Ltd. 01618724755. £210 + £10 next day post.

Volvo 13 pin wiring kit + trailer module from
FRF motors (Volvo) Swansea. 01792790066 (quote C3 when order for 20% off)
Can't remember exactly but
13 pin wiring kit £70 ish ( 7 pin £20 ish ) + trailer module £30 ish + £8 post.

All of the following is made easier having 3rd row seats up!!

Westfalia is the neatest (no visible bumper cut) and most robust.
Lower spare wheel take exhaust rubbers off and twist tow bar up
(needs a knock or good push, best have a hand)
6 nuts/bolts (a little fiddly) and with a little bumper trim on the under side your done.

Volvo specific wiring is a must (fitted mine in 1/2 hour).
Feed harness through hole in plug plate (it does go with a push).
Remove battery support plate (3 bolts) and plastic cover.
Pop out battery drain grommet and feed the harness up through the hole (new grommet on the harness)
Drill a wee hole in the new one for the battery drain pipe.
Connect harness earth to battery earth.
Run harness round towards rear fuse board.
2 plugs into trailer module.
Stick module to boot base.
1 plug into fuse board.
Add supplied fuses (my xc90 had them already)

Job done! (Every thing came with clear instructions or a good link)

If you are planing to tow a caravan best get the software upgrade too. This disables the rear fog light when towing and let's the cars computer know you are towing. (Think software is about £17 + 1/2hour labour)

[CapitalJambo]

Cheers.

I'll probably get it done for me though as would probably make an arse of it and just don't have the time, work long day/nights just now and 3 kids under 8!

Think this place only fitted Thule or PCT but will contact another garage as like the look of Westfalia

[Nigetill]

How many 591s do you have and what might you want for them?
Do they fit into the wing bars or standard square section bar?
Just curious as I have access to a tow bar mounted bike rack but will be of no use when towing the caravan.

Regards

[TruckbusUK]

Originally Posted by Nigetill

If you are planing to tow a caravan best get the software upgrade too. This disables the rear fog light when towing and let's the cars computer know you are towing.

On the XC90, all the software does is disable the rear foglight when the electrical plug is connected, the trailer module enables the dashboard indicator warning etc. The XC90 doesnt have any towing stability software, thats the XC60 only.

Hope it helps.

[Funky Diver]

Some numpty installed an aftermarket electrics kit in mine... and made a right hash of it, so that'll be getting ripped out an OEM put in at some point.

Thanks for the tips

[Coconut]

.... all the software does is disable the rear foglight ....

... Thought I'd read on here somewhere that it also disables the rear parking sensors when the van / trailer etc. are attached ?