Tow bar needed
 

Hi All

I'm after a tow bar for my 2007 XC90 V8
Preferably genuine, but will consider a good aftermarket brand too.
Any suggestions out there?

Cheers
Vasil

whatever bar you buy only get genuine electrics and get the software update. Aftermarket and bypass relays aren’t worth it.

I would avoid a second hand tow bar most new ones are not that expensive and some come with a lifetime guarantee to the original buyer. No need to pay the extra for a genuine one, Volvo buy them in from Brink/Thule with their name on it.
If you do go second hand buy a new set of nuts and bolts.

Won’t get much better than Westfalen from PF Jones... https://www.pfjones.co.uk/volvo-xc90...le-towbar.html

Thanks guys

Brink seems to be discounted at PF Jones... and yes, genuine electrics with or without SW update.

Cheers
Vasil

What, exactly, do "we" think the software update does??

I bought and fitted a vertical detachable one from these guys (I fitted it myself on the front drive)

https://www.umbrarimorchi.it/en/

Bought it through eBay and it came with free - well, included in the price - delivery from Italy.

I used genuine Volvo electrics (no brainer)

The towbar looks good, fitted easily and works fine - without any software updates.

Cheers

Dave

It does more on some cars than others. On earlier cars like my old 53 plate S80 everything seemed to work fine when I fitted the electrics. I was advised all the update would do was stop the rear fog lights coming on when towing to stop you getting dazzled with a bright red reflection. However with the latest models some have reported that no lights worked on the trailer until they got the software updated. But now It basically tells your car when you are towing, so as well as making the lights work it then changes a load of settings switches such as the stability control, abs, how or rather when the auto box changes gear, the throttle setting altered slightly. It also enables charging feeds to work the fridge and charge the caravan batteries when driving.

Mine is a 61 reg, MY 2011, XC90 Exec so I had some pre-provided connections which made the hook up easier.

Everything appears to work as it should although I haven't actually tested the rear fog lamp.

Cheers

Dave