XC90 2019 Tow Bar issues

[Jamsandwich108]

HI

I have recnetly taken ownership of a 2019 XC90 with retractable tow bar. My former cars include Audi, VW passat and Ford Galaxy. I have a tow bar fitted cycle rack made by Thule, only when i fit it to the XC90 i get lateral movement and it will not tighetn fully!!!????

Is the Volvo tow bar a slightly smaller size??? and if so why?

Thanks

[theronin]

i have a volvo retractable tow bar on my xc60 no issues using my easyfold xt Thule cycle carrier with it.

[simonjedrake]

Originally Posted by theronin

i have a volvo retractable tow bar on my xc60 no issues using my easyfold xt Thule cycle carrier with it.

Likewise, I have a latest Thule cycle carrier and have no issues.
I do find you have to position the carrier well before your adjust the cup clamp adjustor to get a solid fix.

[Skep]

Originally Posted by Jamsandwich108

HI

I have recnetly taken ownership of a 2019 XC90 with retractable tow bar. My former cars include Audi, VW passat and Ford Galaxy. I have a tow bar fitted cycle rack made by Thule, only when i fit it to the XC90 i get lateral movement and it will not tighetn fully!!!????

Is the Volvo tow bar a slightly smaller size??? and if so why?

Thanks

Noticed mine moved the other day when I pulled it, but on a trip from Sheffield to Pitlochry in Scotland and back I had no issues with actual movement. My main gripe it the disabling of BLIS and pilot assist, and as such looking at roof bars and roof mounted carrier. Will be easier to access the boot too.

[Director76]

Originally Posted by Jamsandwich108

HI

I have recnetly taken ownership of a 2019 XC90 with retractable tow bar. My former cars include Audi, VW passat and Ford Galaxy. I have a tow bar fitted cycle rack made by Thule, only when i fit it to the XC90 i get lateral movement and it will not tighetn fully!!!????

Is the Volvo tow bar a slightly smaller size??? and if so why?

Thanks

Yes - found exactly the same moving from Westfalia OEM towbar on VW Touareg to the XC90. Westfalia not a Thule bike rack, but same issue, very loose.

Had to research adjusting the ball clamp on the rack (not in the instructions!) which I did and it’s been fine since.

My fault for not trying before, but these shenanigans very nearly caused us to miss a ferry!

[Philip Fisher]

Originally Posted by Jamsandwich108

HI

I have recnetly taken ownership of a 2019 XC90 with retractable tow bar. My former cars include Audi, VW passat and Ford Galaxy. I have a tow bar fitted cycle rack made by Thule, only when i fit it to the XC90 i get lateral movement and it will not tighetn fully!!!????

Is the Volvo tow bar a slightly smaller size??? and if so why?

Thanks

You do know there is a thumb wheel on the clamp to make fine adjustment for tow ball size? I just nip mine up a touch until it is suitably difficult to close the clamp.

Also I find holding the bike carrier slightly higher at the number plate end and sloping down towards the car makes it fit a bit better. Mine is then rock solid.