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Towbar, Electrics & Stability Control for XC90Views : 2871 Replies : 15Users Viewing This Thread : |
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Jun 26th, 2009, 18:41 | #1 |
Volvo Owner Since 1990
Last Online: Apr 3rd, 2024 13:27
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Location: Near Norwich
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Towbar, Electrics & Stability Control for XC90
I am looking at a new XC90 and asked the dealer about a towbar for caravan towing.
1. He was very insistent about fitting a factory towbar because they would change the stability programme of the car to suit. Is this a big deal or is it 2 minutes on the computer wherever the towbar was fitted? 2. Is there an easy way to route a heavy amp cable (fridge etc) to the 13 pin socket from wherever it needs to come from at the front of the vehicle? I have seen cars all but dismantled to hide this cable. 3. Do tow bars come with accurate suggestions of where the cutout needs to be in my nice shiny new rear bumper? Thank you for any help |
Jun 26th, 2009, 19:48 | #2 |
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It shouldnt need cut outs in the bumper. My se model it just sat under my bumper with the electric socket next to it. Mind you that was the detacable version I had fitted.
Another point you may want to look at is the geartronic box as in my "towing with geartronic thread. Some people suffer from the "feature" mentioned. Others dont.
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Jun 26th, 2009, 22:33 | #3 | |
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Quote:
2 , The current is taken through the trailer module which plugs into the REM in the back , remember the battery is a foot from the tow socket ;-) 3 Yes there is an illustrated drawing . hint . heat up the plastic bumper first with a hairdryer rather than a hot air gun , then use a stanley knife with a hooked blade and you can then cut like a knife through butter .
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Jun 26th, 2009, 23:25 | #4 | |
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At the end of the day, when towing, safety is paramount, and I'd rather have a manufacturer approved and fitted hitch - Also on the XC90, I believe extra cooling capacity is provided for both the engine oil and the transmission fluid, in the form of larger coolers (so I believe) The heavy cable doesn't need to go far, as both the battery and the main positive junction box are actually in the boot, just behind the bumper! Mine has 2 very small cutouts, that are totally hidden ewhen the ball is detached, and the protective cover is in place. Mike |
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Jun 27th, 2009, 09:58 | #5 |
Volvo Owner Since 1990
Last Online: Apr 3rd, 2024 13:27
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That really is news about different oil coolers. I will follow this up.
I know what you all mean about crash testing but since all towbars have to be tested & use the manufacturers pick up points I doubt that there is much difference. The problem is that I have never liked detachable tow bars which the Volvo one is. This will teach me to check where the battery is before opening my keyboard! Thanks Chris |
Jun 27th, 2009, 11:08 | #6 | |
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Jun 27th, 2009, 12:21 | #7 | |
Volvo Owner Since 1990
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http://www.stanleytowbars.co.uk/thelaw.htm Chris |
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Jun 27th, 2009, 13:31 | #8 |
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I can only say what i have casualy seen on a few S40 / V50's which are current cars of course . I havent looked for any approval plates ... Perhaps i will next time ..
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Jun 29th, 2009, 15:55 | #9 |
SKH
Last Online: May 31st, 2022 20:03
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The comment about changing the stability program of the car might be relevant. I have an XC60 with Volvo towbar and as part of the installation (via the control box which is fitted under the boot floor) the DTSC system is modified to recognise when a trailor is connected and installs the Trailor Stability Assist (TSA) program which helps control the whole thing if the caravan or trailor starts to 'snake'.
I dont know if this also applies to the XC90 but its certainly worth checking with your dealer. |
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Jun 30th, 2009, 03:12 | #10 | |
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As soon as a car is registered my understanding is that 'construction and use' legislation applies - I may be mistaken of course! |
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